No fewer than 578 young Nigerian entrepreneurs have so far benefitted from Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge, an entrepreneurship initiative aimed at supporting corps members with funding, mentorship, and business development support.
In the latest edition of the competition, covering Batch B, Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the bank awarded a total of ₦16 million in grants to 30 young entrepreneurs across ten states, including Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Benue, Abia, Kogi, Rivers, and Plateau.
The beneficiaries, drawn from sectors such as fashion, pastry, agriculture, event management, and beverage production, presented their business ideas before a panel of judges at various NYSC orientation camps nationwide.
In Lagos, Fiyinfoluwa Titilayo Ojo, founder of a soap-making business, emerged the overall winner and received ₦800,000. Ndukwe Chiamaka Joan and Barakat Modinat Olamide were also rewarded with ₦500,000 and ₦300,000, respectively, for their innovative ventures in small chops and beverage production.
Ojo, who expressed excitement after receiving the grant, described the program as a life-changing opportunity for young business owners.
Beyond the grant, the experience taught me to structure my business better and believe in its potential. It’s amazing to see a bank that truly invests in young people’s dreams,” she said.
Speaking during the Lagos finale, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail and SME Banking, reiterated the bank’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths through entrepreneurship.
“The Corpreneurship Challenge nurtures the creativity and resilience of young Nigerians. Seeing over 578 entrepreneurs impacted so far motivates us to deepen our support for the SME ecosystem,” Abimbola stated.
Now in its sixth year, the Corpreneurship Challenge has become a major platform for promoting youth-led businesses under the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program. The initiative provides grants of up to ₦800,000 to corps members with viable business ideas, helping them transition from concept to sustainable enterprise.
The bank said the program aligns with its broader commitment to supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), promoting financial inclusion, and driving economic growth across Nigeria.