No fewer than 2,000 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Lagos State have received entrepreneurship and financial literacy training under the NextGen Entrepreneurs Programme, an initiative aimed at equipping young graduates with practical business skills and reducing unemployment.

The programme, organised by WordenHCD in partnership with Access Bank Plc, the Lagos Forward Network and the Lagos State Wealth Creation Office, seeks to prepare corps members for self-employment by providing enterprise development training, mentorship and access to business support.

The initiative commenced with Surulere Local Government serving 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 underwent intensive training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business model development, budgeting, digital business tools, enterprise registration processes and investment readiness. They also received mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, financial experts and business development professionals.

Speaking during the programme, the Chief Operating Officer of WordenHCD, Ifreke Brendan, described entrepreneurship as one of the most sustainable solutions to youth unemployment and economic growth in Nigeria.

According to him, the organisation is committed to helping young Nigerians acquire practical skills that will enable them 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.

“Through the NextGen Entrepreneurs Programme, we are investing in young innovators and empowering them to become job creators rather than job seekers,” he said.

Brendan stressed that financial literacy remains essential for business success, noting that many startups fail because of poor financial management.

“Building a successful business requires more than having a great idea. It demands sound financial discipline, resilience, innovation and continuous learning. This programme exposes participants to practical business management, financial planning, digital enterprise tools and mentorship that will enable them build sustainable ventures capable of contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economy,” he added.

He commended Access Bank Plc, the Lagos Forward Network and the Lagos State Wealth Creation Office for supporting the initiative, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of how strategic partnerships can promote youth empowerment and inclusive economic development.

The programme ended with a Business Pitch Competition during which participants presented innovative business ideas before a panel of judges.

Three entrepreneurs emerged winners and received ₦200,000 business grants each to support the growth of their businesses. They are 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 noting their potential to create jobs and contribute to local economic development.

Participants described the programme as practical and transformational, saying the training, mentorship, networking opportunities and business pitch sessions had 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 strategic partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions and development organisations.