The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) has reinforced its commitment to tackling youth unemployment by awarding ₦67,025,000 in start-up grants to 112 young entrepreneurs through its Start-up Business Challenge Fund. This initiative, a core component of PIND’s Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) Project, aims to transform skills training into viable entrepreneurial ventures that drive sustainable economic growth in the Niger Delta.
Now in its third phase, the Start-up Business Challenge Fund provides essential financial support to alumni of PIND’s YEP skills training programs. The selected beneficiaries will use the grants to launch businesses in high-impact sectors such as integrated agriculture, ICT, services, and building construction. The funding will enable them to acquire tools, materials, and resources critical for establishing and scaling sustainable enterprises, thereby enhancing their personal growth and economic resilience.
Speaking on behalf of Tunji Idowu, PIND’s Executive Director, at the grant signing event, Misan Edema-Sillo, PIND’s Economic Development Manager, highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential. “These grants are more than just financial support; they are an investment in a future where young entrepreneurs drive economic resilience and growth in their communities,” he remarked.
The 112 grant recipients were selected following a rigorous competitive business pitch exercise that evaluated ideas for innovation, feasibility, and potential local impact. Out of 559 applicants, those chosen demonstrated the highest capacity for creating jobs and fostering economic growth in the region. The beneficiaries come from various states in the Niger Delta, including Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Abia.
Patrick Ekpe, PIND’s YEP Program Manager, emphasized the importance of fostering self-employment as a viable alternative to limited wage-based job opportunities. “By supporting innovative youth-led businesses, we are building a network of young leaders capable of generating sustainable income and contributing to the growth of their communities,” he noted.
At the event, past YEP beneficiaries shared inspiring success stories, showcasing the program’s long-term impact. Many have successfully transitioned from training to managing fully operational businesses, creating jobs and driving community development in the Niger Delta.
Since its inception, PIND’s YEP Project has trained over 11,000 youth in practical skills and awarded 264 start-up grants, equipping young entrepreneurs with the resources needed to establish thriving businesses. This initiative reflects PIND Foundation’s vision for inclusive growth and youth empowerment, contributing significantly to reducing unemployment and fostering sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
