Mkpoikana Udoma
25 August 2018, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — As part of its corporate social responsibility, French oil giant, Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited has affirmed its commitment to developing the human capacity of people from its host communities.
Total’s Deputy Managing Director, Port Harcourt District, Mr. François Le-Cocq, stated this at the opening ceremony of its 2018 Summer Bootcamp for youths from its host communities held at Songhai Farms and Resort, in Tai LGA of Rivers State.
Le-Cocq, represented by the Community Affairs Manager, Port Harcourt, and Offshore, Mr. Okechukwu Obara, said the 2018 summer camp was in accordance with United Nations adoption of 12th August every year to celebrate the youths and draw attention to issues bordering on their development
He said the event was buoyed by the achievements made from its previous edition of the event in addition to the drive for peace and growth being witnessed in the region.
“Total as a company has continued to believe in and invest in human capacity development in various ways, and this is one of those ways we continue to invest in the future of the youth in areas where we operate.
“This continued investment in the youths, we believe will assist in creating an environment of peace and progress which in the long run will engender development and growth.”
Le-Cocq also said the camping will provide opportunities for skills acquisition in key areas such as information technology and resources management, entrepreneurship development, physical and health education, leadership and civic education, photography, career goals development and other soft skills.
“This programme also fits into the aspiration expressed by the United Nations, as it is targeted at ensuring that youths come together from varying backgrounds and experiences to engage in activities that reflect their needs and interests.
“At the end of the programme, we anticipate that all participants would see the variety of opportunities open to them to engage themselves mentally and succeed in the future.”
Also speaking, the organiser of the event and President of Explore Africa Foundation, Mr. Ernest Nnadi, said the 70 participating students were selected from secondary schools from Total’s host communities in Rivers and Akwa Ibom State.
Nnadi explained that the students are between age 16 and 22years were selected from senior secondary class.
Meanwhile, some of the participating students who spoke to newsmen at the event commended Total for giving them the opportunity to meet and learn from professionals, the basic career goals, and other skills.
Master Fidelis Ikechukwu from Community Secondary School, Akabuka in ONELGA, thanked Total for giving him the opportunity to participate in the programme.
