Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc has successfully graduated 79 youths in its 2023 Skill Acquisition Programme, SAP, in Koko, Delta State.
The event marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
The SAP, initiated in 2006, aims to train underprivileged youths from host communities in various vocational skills. The programme was not conducted in 2011 and 2020.
This year’s graduation brought the total number of beneficiaries to 79, with five local youths selected annually. The programme included a pre-selection screening and placement in certified training centres, provision of training materials, allowances and starter packs to equip graduates for their chosen careers.
This year, three beneficiaries specialised in fashion design and two in hairdressing and makeup artistry and each of the beneficiaries received starter packs and two years of paid shop rent to help them establish their businesses.
The Managing Director of TotalEnergies, Dr. Samba Seye, represented by the General Manager (Country Services), Mrs Adesua Adewole, urged the graduates to believe in their abilities and work hard to achieve success in their vocations while emphasising the importance of the starter packs in their journey towards becoming self-sufficient.
Engr. Victor Ohwodiasa, State Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, praised the programme, noting that the programme was a corporate social investment, not just corporate social responsibility. He urged other companies in Koko to follow TotalEnergies’ example and encouraged the graduates to use the starter packs to establish themselves.
The chairperson of the Koko Community Management Authority emphasised the importance of utilising the starter packs wisely. He expressed disappointment with past beneficiaries who misused their starter packs and urged the new graduates to use their resources wisely.
Mr. Clement Anighoro, Acting Chairman of Warri North Local Government, commended TotalEnergies and suggested implementing measures to monitor beneficiaries’ progress.
Godwin Oritsemeyiwa, a new graduate, expressed gratitude and pledged to use the starter packs effectively.
Superintendent Lukman Olagun of the Koko Police Division urged the graduates to seize the opportunity and make good use of the starter packs.
TotalEnergies’ Skill Acquisition Programme continues to play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency among Delta State youths, demonstrating the company’s dedication to sustainable community development.
