Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) is deepening its commitment to socio-economic development across Nigerian communities, channeling fresh investment through the Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF).
Working alongside the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), VCDF has rolled out the NextGen programme, equipping more than 1,000 youths across Lagos with the knowledge and skills needed to build self-reliant futures.
A Programme Built on Proven Impact
NextGen aligns directly with Lagos State Government’s poverty-reduction agenda, ensuring that youth empowerment initiatives reach the state’s fastest-growing communities. The programme launched as a pilot in 2025, training 518 youths in business and entrepreneurship fundamentals, a foundation that has since grown into a far-reaching, multi-centre initiative.
Building on that early success, NextGen has expanded to 10 centres, training over 1,349 youths, comprised of 1,046 women and 303 men, across WAPA locations in Ayobo (101), Egbeda (210), Ibeju-Lekki (117), Kosofe (73), Mushin (144), Egan (102), Agege (240), Surulere (102), Ejigbo (153) and Lagos Island (107) over the past seven months.
From Training to Real Business Growth
According to VCDF’s National Programmes Manager, Dr. James Odey, the initiative doesn’t end at the classroom. Trained youths will go on to compete by presenting business plans using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) framework, with standout plans earning further support through dedicated business advisory services.
This wide geographic reach underscores Sterling Oil’s commitment to inclusive development and mirrors Lagos State’s push to embed youth empowerment at the grassroots level — where training can translate directly into thriving micro and small businesses. Participants walked away with practical takeaways on goal setting, business planning, product management, and customer relationship strategies.
Voices From the Programme
For Oni Michael, a fashion entrepreneur who trained at the Mushin WAPA Centre, the NextGen experience was a turning point. “I have better understanding on how to structure my ideas to improve my fashion business. I now have a simple roadmap to grow my fashion business. I was surprised to learn that even drivers have a value proposition for their customers. I appreciate Sterling Oil, Lagos State Government and VCDF for the impactful training,” he said.
Akinpelu Ibukun, Principal of the Ibeju-Lekki WAPA Centre, echoed that sentiment: “Many thanks to Sterling Oil and VCDF, trainees are better positioned to move from survival mode to stability as the business skills they have gained will help them become self-reliant and contribute to local economies.”
A Ripple Effect Across Nigeria
As Nigeria’s leading commercial hub, Lagos continues to draw ambitious young people from every corner of the federation. By arming trained youths with practical entrepreneurship skills and business knowledge, NextGen strengthens micro and small enterprises in local communities — a ripple effect that extends economic benefits well beyond Lagos, fueling new enterprises and stronger businesses nationwide.
The programme’s outcomes align closely with the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing meaningfully to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), alongside other related global development targets.
A Legacy of Sustainable Impact
Since 2022, VCDF has impacted more than 4,000 lives through sustainable livelihood programmes across Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Lagos States. In total, the foundation has touched over 80,683 lives since its inception, delivering high-impact interventions across health, education, sustainable livelihoods, and gender and social inclusion.
Looking ahead, VCDF has indicated it would continue to leverage on Sterling Oil’s Corporate Social Responsibility framework, partnering with government institutions, development agencies, and community stakeholders to strengthen youth-focused programmes that drive sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion.
Through these ongoing partnerships, VCDF consistently affirms its commitment to creating shared value that fuels sustainable growth and improved socio-economic outcomes for communities across Nigeria.
