By Elizabeth Osayande

Lagos, Nigeria – In a bold effort to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and tackle youth unemployment, WordenHCD, in partnership with Access Bank Plc, the Lagos Forward Network and the Lagos State Wealth Creation Office, has successfully launched the NextGen Entrepreneurs Programme, an enterprise development initiative designed to equip National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with entrepreneurial competencies, financial literacy, and business development skills required to build sustainable businesses.

The programme, which targets more than 2,000 corps members across selected Community Development Service (CDS) groups in Lagos State, commenced with Surulere Local Government serving as the pilot location. It brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage business owners, and innovative young graduates for an intensive enterprise development experience focused on transforming ideas into viable businesses.

Designed around practical learning, the programme combines entrepreneurship sensitization, financial literacy, business model development, budgeting, digital business tools, enterprise registration processes, and investment readiness. Participants also received mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, financial experts, and business development professionals who guided them through developing practical solutions to real-life community challenges while strengthening their entrepreneurial capabilities.

Speaking during the programme, the Chief Operating Officer of WordenHCD Ifreke Brendan described entrepreneurship as one of the most sustainable pathways to addressing youth unemployment and accelerating Nigeria’s economic development.

According to the COO, the organisation believes that every young Nigerian possesses the potential to become a successful entrepreneur when provided with the right knowledge, skills, mentorship, and access to opportunities.

“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.”

The COO further emphasized that financial literacy remains a critical component of entrepreneurship, noting that many promising businesses fail due to poor financial planning and inadequate business management.

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

The Chief Operating Officer also commended Access Bank Plc, Lagos Forward Network and the Lagos State Wealth Creation Office for their strategic collaboration and commitment to youth empowerment, describing the partnership as an excellent example of how public and private sector collaboration can create lasting socioeconomic impact.

The programme culminated in an exciting Business Pitch Competition, where participants presented innovative business ideas before a panel of judges. Following a highly competitive selection process, three outstanding entrepreneurs emerged as winners and each received a ₦200,000 business grant to support the growth and expansion of their enterprises.

The grant beneficiaries are:
• Quadri Taiye, Chief Executive Officer, Doorah Designs
• Obiekwe Mary, Chief Executive Officer, Kiara Crunch
• Oswald Onimhawo, Founder, Helpa

The winners were recognised for presenting innovative, scalable, and socially impactful business solutions with strong potential to create employment and contribute to local economic development.

Participants described the programme as practical, inspiring and transformational, highlighting the value of the financial literacy sessions, business mentorship, networking opportunities and real-world business pitching experience. Many noted that the initiative had significantly strengthened their confidence to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career pathway.

The NextGen Entrepreneurs Programme reinforces WordenHCD’s commitment to building a thriving ecosystem that empowers young people with enterprise development skills, promotes financial inclusion, and supports sustainable livelihoods. Through strategic partnerships with government institutions, financial institutions, and development stakeholders, the organisation continues to create opportunities that enable young Nigerians to innovate, establish successful businesses, and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

WordenHCD is a human capital development organisation committed to equipping young people with future-ready skills, entrepreneurship education, financial literacy, workforce development opportunities, and innovation-driven solutions that promote sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic development. Through strategic partnerships with the public and private sectors, WordenHCD designs and implements programmes that empower individuals to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.