Unity Bank Plc, a leading retail lender in Nigeria, has announced the winners of its flagship Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, the Corpreneurship Challenge, with 30 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members securing a total of N10 million in business grants. The challenge, now in its 10th edition, showcased the innovative solutions of aspiring young entrepreneurs across various business sectors, including honey production, rice and snail farming.
The business pitch competition unfolded in 10 NYSC Orientation Camps across the country, including Katsina, Kano, Kwara, Imo, Rivers, Delta, Sokoto, Edo, Akwa-Ibom, and Osun. At the NYSC Orientation camp in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai, Akwa Ibom State, Azegba Chimuanya Perpetual emerged as the overall winner with her honey production business pitch, clinching the N500,000 grand prize. Iyorwa Kater Israel, a commercial rice farmer, secured a N300,000 grant, while Egelonu Emmanuel Friday received a N200,000 grant for his snail farming business.
In other states, 27 additional winners emerged with diverse business plans in fish production, poultry farming, fashion, soap and cake making, printing, piggery, beverage production, and more.
Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina, Head of Retail and SME Banking Group at Unity Bank, highlighted the significance of the Corpreneurship Challenge as a pivotal platform for entrepreneurship development and job creation in Nigeria. He emphasized the program’s impact on youth empowerment and its innovative approach to integrating financial support, mentorship, and skill development for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The initiative, designed to address the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, has garnered national recognition for its impact on youth empowerment and job creation. With over 2000 applicants in every edition, the Corpreneurship Challenge has attracted growing interest among corps members, solidifying its position as a catalyst for youth entrepreneurship.
Unity Bank’s partnership with the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program underpins the Corpreneurship Challenge, providing participants with the platform to present their business plans and compete for cash grants of up to N500,000. The program has already invested over N100 million and produced 148 winners since its inception.
In summary, the Corpreneurship Challenge by Unity Bank stands as a beacon of hope for young entrepreneurs seeking to translate their business ideas into reality, fostering a new wave of economic growth and development in Nigeria.
