Total Nigeria Plc has graduated beneficiaries of its Skills Acquisition Program,SAP, in Koko, Delta State.
SAP is a sustainable youth development scheme , initiated by Total Nigeria,to ensure less privileged youths of its host communities are trained in vocations of their choice.
The vocations range from welding & fabrication, furniture making, hair dressing & makeup artistry, fashion & designing, fish farming and computer studies,amongst others.
The program has since inception saw to the empowerment of 149 people throughout different districts, 59 of which came from Koko community.
According to the Managing Director of Total Nigeria Plc, Mr. Imrane Barry, the program was introduced in Koko community in 2006. He stated that the initiative was part of the company’s committment to improve lives and alleviate poverty in the country.
He said, “This form of economic empowerment enables our beneficiaries 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 to believe in your abilities and strength to become achievers in your different vocations. As a responsible corporate company, we acknowledge the critical role that youth empowerment and community development play in the life of a nation,” he said.
The 2018 batch of beneficiaries, who recently concluded their one-year training, received their starter packs in a grand ceremony in their honor, hosted by the company, at its lubricant blending plant in Koko.
They also 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 prepaid rent.