Unity Bank Commits N270m to Build Youth Led Businesses and Create Jobs

Unity Bank Plc has disbursed over N270 million in grants to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members under its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, the Corpreneurship Challenge, reinforcing the critical role of youth-led enterprises in economic growth and job creation across Nigeria.

Launched in 2019, the initiative has supported about 608 corps members, addressing a fundamental economic need: empowering young graduates with the capital, skills, and confidence required to build sustainable livelihoods in a challenging employment landscape.

Implemented in partnership with the NYSC through its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the Corpreneurship Challenge provides early-stage funding, mentorship, and business guidance key elements required to grow Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and reduce youth unemployment.

In its most recent edition, held between 18 November and 9 December 2025 across 10 NYSC orientation camps, 30 corps members emerged as winners in Batch C, Stream I after pitching viable business ideas spanning agribusiness, fashion, food processing, creative services, manufacturing, and retail. Orientation camps included Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, the Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau.

Speaking on the initiative, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail & SME, Mrs Adenike Abimbola, emphasized that entrepreneurship remains a practical solution to Nigeria’s job creation challenge. She noted that providing targeted support at the earliest stages of business development enables young entrepreneurs to build ventures capable of creating employment and stimulating local economies.