Speaking at the official handover ceremony of starter packs to 531 successful beneficiaries of the flagship NYSC Business Empowerment Programme in Abuja, Kathleen Erhimu, Founder/CEO of Kudimata, described the initiative as a milestone in Nigeria’s push for economic self-reliance.
The beneficiaries received varying starter packs including industrial sewing machines, washing machines, dispatch motorcycles and a cash grant of N531,000 each to support their business ventures.
Erhimu said Kudimata started the journey about two years ago with a mission to reorient young Nigerians on financial literacy and equip them with practical tools to begin their entrepreneurial journeys.
“kudimata started the journey of training corpers in financial literacy to have a mindset change, and we knew we needed support to ensure that after training, they have the requisite tools to start their entrepreneurial journey, so we approached NNPC, Today, we are here celebrating not just progress, but purpose. Not just statistics, but stories of transformation”, she said.
She noted that while Kudimata has trained over one million individuals, the current programme has directly reached 750,000 youth corps members with basic financial literacy training. Out of these, 32,000 received intensive instruction in business fundamentals, followed by pitching sessions and support for business set-up.
She noted that the empowerment programme aims to create a value chain of transformation. “Every corps member we train is encouraged to go on to empower four others. It’s about forming a community of change. We’re not just handing out tools. We’re unlocking futures”, she added.
“This isn’t just a programme. It’s a powerful shift towards job creation, self-resilience, and national development — aligning with the core agenda of the Nigerian government”, Erhimu further said.
She thanked the NNPC Foundation for its consistent support and sponsorship, describing the partnership as pivotal. “Your belief in youth empowerment and your investment in this vision have turned possibilities into tangible impact.”
Erhimu charged the beneficiaries to ensure they impact others. “You are not just beneficiaries, you are the heartbeat of Nigeria’s future. Go forward with purpose, with courage, and with conviction. What you begin today has the power to transform entire communities”, she urged.
Kudimata, an educational platform with a core focus on financial education, offers mentorship, business development training, and practical support to young Nigerians seeking to become economically self-sufficient.
In her remarks, Emmanuella Arukwe, MD, NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte described the handover ceremony as a meaningful moment that marked the final stage of a journey that sought to give youths practical support as they step into the world beyond NYSC.
“In our conversations with Kudimata and the NYSC leadership, it became clear there was a gap between training and opportunity. Many corps members had skills. Some had ideas. But very few had the knowledge or tools to take the first step into business or financial independence. So, we decided to start there—with knowledge”, she explained.
Arukwe informed that since August 2023, over 800,000 corps members across the country have participated in the Financial Literacy training. She noted that out of the thousands who participated, 531 emerged successful scaled through all the modules, rigorous trainings and the pitching exercise.
She added that even those that are not a part of the 531 here today, have been equipped with the necessary business and financial skills that positions them to acquire loans and grants to kickstart their businesses.
” We expect these young entrepreneurs to build, to grow, and—most importantly—to help others do the same. That’s the kind of multiplication effect we aim for at the Foundation”, she urged.
At the ceremony, corps members could not hide their gratitude to the NNPC Foundation and Kudimata for the life-changing opportunity. As a token of appreciation, they presented a framed photograph to Kathleen Erhimu, CEO of Kudimata, in recognition of the organisation’s dedication and support.
Expressing his appreciation, Samuel Enobong said, “I spoke with the Kudimata representative, and I know how long they’ve gone through trying to pull up this partnership. So we want to thank you. Today is more than just a ceremony. It is a grounding moment for all of us, the 531 of us. Many persons will be energised to try and participate in the programme while in camp.”
“We are grateful to Kudimata, NNPC Foundation, and also the NYSC leadership. And as our DG said, it is one thing to be trained in the classroom, but it is another thing to be empowered. Many agencies are doing this, but this particular partnership has taken it to the next level”, he added.
Another beneficiary, Ozigi Faith, shared her excitement: “I cannot contain my joy. I am just shaking with excitement. I want to thank Kudimata, I want to thank NNPC Foundation and NYSC for giving us this opportunity to be part of something great, to be part of this journey. It’s the first step to financial freedom. It’s the first step to building a future. It’s the first step to economic growth.”