Total Nigeria Plc has unveiled new sets of The Skills Acquisition Programme (SAP) beneficiaries which is a sustainable youth development scheme where less-privileged youths of its host communities are trained in vocations of their choice.
The Skills Acquisition Program in the Koko community of Delta State debuted in 2006. Under the scheme, the vocations include welding and fabrication, furniture making, hair dressing & makeup artistry, fashion & designing, fish farming, computer studies amongst others.
From inception till date, the SAP has empowered a total of 149 beneficiaries throughout the different districts, out of which 59 beneficiaries are in the Koko community.
The 2018 batch of beneficiaries, who recently concluded their one-year training, received their Starter Packs in a grand ceremony in their honour, hosted by Total Nigeria Plc at its Lubricant Blending Plant in Koko.
The five newly empowered youths got a robust collection of profession-based items that would enable them start a viable small and medium scale business immediately, including a shop with a two-year pre-paid rent. This form of economic empowerment enables them to not only provide for themselves, but also employ others as their businesses grow, leading to a positive economic effect on their community.
“I encourage you to continue believing in your abilities and strength to become achievers in your different vocations,” Imrane Barry, Managing Director of Total Nigeria Plc, said in his address to the beneficiaries.
He also reminded them that as a responsible corporate company, Total Nigeria Plc knows and appreciates the critical role youth empowerment and community development play in the life of a nation.
FRANK UZUEGBUNAM
