The NextGen Entrepreneurs Programme has trained no fewer than 2,000 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Lagos State in entrepreneurship and financial literacy as part of efforts to equip young graduates with practical business skills and reduce unemployment.
The programme was organised by WordenHCD in partnership with Access Bank Plc, the Lagos Forward Network and the Lagos State Wealth Creation Office to prepare corps members for self-employment through enterprise development training, mentorship and access to business support.
Surulere Local Government served as the pilot location, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage business owners and innovative graduates from selected Community Development Service (CDS) groups across the state.
Participants received training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business model development, budgeting, digital business tools, enterprise registration and investment readiness. They also received mentorship from entrepreneurs, financial experts and business development professionals.
Speaking during the programme, Chief Operating Officer of WordenHCD, Ifreke Brendan, described entrepreneurship as a sustainable pathway to addressing youth unemployment and supporting economic growth.
He said the organisation was committed to equipping young Nigerians with practical skills to create businesses and generate employment.
“The future of our economy depends on young people who are equipped not only with academic qualifications but with the confidence and practical skills to create value, solve problems and build businesses that generate employment,” he said.
Brendan said the programme was designed to help young people become job creators rather than job seekers, while stressing the importance of financial literacy to the survival and growth of businesses.
He noted that poor financial management remains a challenge for many startups, adding that participants were exposed to financial planning, digital enterprise tools, business management and mentorship.
“Building a successful business requires more than having a great idea. It demands sound financial discipline, resilience, innovation and continuous learning,” he said.
He commended Access Bank, the Lagos Forward Network and the Lagos State Wealth Creation Office for supporting the programme, describing the partnership as an example of how collaboration can promote youth empowerment and inclusive economic development.
The programme concluded with a Business Pitch Competition, where participants presented their business ideas before a panel of judges.
Three entrepreneurs emerged winners and received ₦200,000 business grants each to support their ventures. They were Quadri Taiye, Chief Executive Officer of Doorah Designs; Obiekwe Mary, Chief Executive Officer of Kiara Crunch; and Oswald Onimhawo, Founder of Helpa.
The winners were selected based on the innovation, scalability and social impact of their business ideas, with judges highlighting their potential to create jobs and contribute to local economic development.
Participants described the programme as practical and transformational, saying the training, mentorship, networking and pitch sessions strengthened their confidence to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career path.
WordenHCD reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to entrepreneurship education, financial inclusion and enterprise development opportunities for young Nigerians through partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions and development organisations.