NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P Joint Venture (JV) Impact FIRST Grant Empowers 12 NGOs with Over ₦290 Million
Lagos, Nigeria – April 4, 2025
In line with its unwavering commitment to fostering positive change and sustainable development, NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P Joint Venture held the presentation ceremony of the Impact FIRST Grant second edition on April 4, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders, beneficiaries, and social impact leaders with 12 outstanding non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across Nigeria awarded ₦298 million grant.
The Impact FIRST Grant initiative was established to provide financial support to NGOs tackling crucial societal issues, including education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. This funding is to enable recipient organisations scale up their transformative initiatives, ensuring long-term social impact in various communities.
The rigorous selection process identified 12 NGOs whose innovative and high-impact projects align with the core values of the Impact FIRST Grant. The selected beneficiaries and their respective projects span multiple sectors, targeting key areas that require urgent intervention and long-term solutions.
Speaking at the event, Lead, Community Relations, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) Loveday Minanengiyeofori who represented the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NUIMS, Engr Seyi Omotowa, commended the dedication of the grant recipients in addressing critical societal challenges.
"At NNPC Ltd, we remain committed to initiatives that drive sustainable social change. Through the Impact FIRST Grant, we are fostering long-term partnerships with organisations that are making tangible impacts in communities. Our collaboration with FIRST E&P ensures that we continue to support transformative projects that uplift lives and create lasting economic and social benefits."
Also speaking on the initiative, the Executive Director, Corporate Services, FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company, Emmanuel Etomi (FIRST E&P) emphasised the importance of partnerships in achieving meaningful development.
"Corporate social responsibility is not just about funding; it is about creating sustainable solutions that address the most pressing needs of our society. At FIRST E&P, we believe in the power of collaboration with NGOs who have the expertise and reach to make a real difference. The second edition of the Impact FIRST Grant reaffirms our commitment to expanding our impact and supporting organisations that drive community development."
Among the recipient organisations, Chrysalis Youth Foundation received funding to train 32 teachers who will mentor 640 students in Delta State. The FATE Foundation also secured support for training 1,000 entrepreneurs in AI-driven Learning Management Systems. Asido Foundation will use the grant to provide rehabilitation for mentally ill homeless individuals, and the Sickle Cell Foundation will expand its Youth Development Programme across six southwestern states.
Other beneficiaries include Street 2 School, which will establish an IT hub to integrate technology into classrooms; Glow Initiative for Economic Empowerment, which is set to train 200 youth in solar power installation; and The Irede Foundation, which will provide prosthetic limbs for 15 child amputees. The grants will also support healthcare initiatives such as the HANDS Health & Development Support Programme, which aims to conduct 36,000 eye screenings and 1,200 cataract surgeries, and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, which will procure essential medications and train caregivers.
Additionally, funding was awarded to FREEE Environmental Sustainability & Clean Climate Initiatives for the provision of 12,600 sandals from recycled tyres, Health Emergency Impact (HEI) to support medical assistance for accident victims, and Raising Star for the renovation of inclusive public primary schools.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dr Jibril Abdulmalik, Founder, Asido Foundation, said “Mental Health is often neglected in this society. It has been observed that 1 in every 4 persons suffer mental health problem. We need to demystify the shame by helping to create the much awareness of what mental health is all about. We believed that this grant will enable us to pick homeless people off the street and rehabilitate them. We don’t need to turn our back from these people. We want to thank you for the opportunity. I urge everyone to continue to put mental health at the front burner.”
The first edition of the Impact FIRST Grant saw the NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P Joint Venture donate over ₦50 million to 5 NGOs dedicated to improving healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. This pioneering effort set the stage for the expansion and impact witnessed in the second edition.