NNPC Foundation Takes Financial Literacy to Lagos NYSC Camp Through Kudi Mata Initiative

Corps members at the Lagos NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana Ipaja, have received a crucial boost in financial education, thanks to the NNPC Foundation’s sensitization program, delivered in collaboration with the Kudi Mata group. The session, held for the 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members, focused on equipping young graduates with practical financial skills to foster self-reliance both during and after their national service.

“This initiative is a welcome development,” said the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, as she commended the NNPC Foundation for its consistent role in youth empowerment. Addressing the corps members, she encouraged them to tap into the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, stressing that “job scarcity makes self-employment a necessary path.”

Representing the NNPC Foundation, Managing Director Mrs. Emmanuella N. Arukwe described the program as a stepping stone to financial independence, pointing out that it had already received the approval of the NYSC Director-General. She added, “We have success stories of ex-corps members who used knowledge from the program to start businesses and build sustainable income.”

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Stella Nweke, the Head of SAED in Lagos, said the session marked the start of a series of financial literacy trainings. She advised corps members to take full advantage of the opportunity, select at least two practical skills, and stay committed throughout the training. “NNPC has empowered over 500 corps members through similar initiatives across the country,” she said.

Delivering the main lecture, Mrs. Kathleen Erhimu, Group Managing Director of Kudi Mata, guided the corps members through key areas of financial planning—covering earnings, savings, smart spending, investment strategies, and managing debt. She also emphasized the importance of cultivating the right mindset, setting clear goals, budgeting wisely, and steering clear of unnecessary borrowing.

She concluded her session with a powerful message: “The best time to start a financial journey is now.” She encouraged the corps members to build smart money habits, stay organized, save for emergencies, and seek mentorship as they take full control of their financial future.

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