Gladys Nweke
As part its development to the people as corporate social responsibility, the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited, PHRC graduated 80 youths from its host communities who were trained in the 3rd edition of its Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programme (YESAP).
These beneficiaries were drawn from Okrika, and Eleme LGAs were, however, trained in the field of welding and fabrication and other crafts. Others were in the field of information and communication technology, food processing, catering, hairdressing, fashion design, interlocking stones, and block moulding.
During the graduation, starter packs were presented to the graduands. They include but not limited to, sewing machines, power generating sets, hairdryers, and washers, welding machines, welding inverters, gas cookers, cooking pots.
Managing Director of PHRC, Abba Buka, while speaking during the ceremony, presented the beneficiaries with Certificates of Completion and the starter packs.
He also charged them not to sell the packs, but use them to be economically empowered with their acquired skills.
He explained that the company is a commitment to its corporate social responsibility, welfare and sustenance of its community relations and has invested in the skills acquisition and training for the youth of its host communities of Eleme and Okrika.
He also tasked members of the host communities, to continue on the part of peace and negotiation, using the Joint Community Relations Committee platform set up by the company, to resolve any disagreements that they may have.
He further stated that the Skills acquisition and youth empowerment are proven route to economic prosperity for any community which affords the youths the opportunity to explore inner creative talents in them, build confidence and explore channels for useful economic involvement.
“My hope and belief that the youth empowerment and skills acquisition programme will divert the attention of the youth from crimes and criminality as they would be economically preoccupied. And therefore reduce cases of strife, apprehension and youth restiveness in the communities.
“Port Harcourt Refining Company MD also assured members of the host communities that they would be carried along in the different phases of the ‘company’s planned rehabilitation, adding that the company was committed to maintaining the cordial relationship with the communities.
At the same vein, PHRC Executive Director, Services, Mr Babatunde Sofowora, said that the graduation of the 3rd edition of YESAP was a testament to the commitment of the company and NNPC to foster a mutual and symbiotic relationship with the host communities.
Also stressed that the company had earlier trained 155youths in various areas of trade in its first and second editions and the recent edition has brought the number of beneficiaries to 235.
