By Loveth Ojogun

Graduation ceremony of the Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC) Skill Acquisition Program took place recently at its Secretariat in Warri, Delta State.

There were 438 beneficiaries of the programme sponsored by NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL).

In his speech, Mr Sam Daibo,Area Manager, PGPA Field Operation, who representated Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs,Chevron Nigeria Limited, said they are happy to have partnered with the IRDC on this program because of its potential for getting youths gainfully employed.

He stressed that the NNPC/Chevron joint venture has spent more than N20.6 billion naira on 600 programs which have provided scholarships,built new schools and medical facilities.

In his words:”The NNPC/ Chevron joint venture has spent more than N20.6 billion on about 600 programs. These programs have provided scholarships, built new schools, medical facilities and housing,and supported agricultural development and infrastructure improvement.”

He affirmed that the program is designed to facilitate steady sustainable development in the communities through Operational Excellence, Creativity, Sustainable Economic Empowerment Programs and Small Business and Enterprise Development and employment generation in alignment with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He congratulates the IRDC for achieving such a laudable success and also encouraged them to do more.

The chairman of the Itsekiri Regional Development Committee (IRDC), Ambassador Austine Oniyesan, said that the trainees should continue to learn and better themselves, adding that receiving their starter packs does not signal an end but rather the beginning of a long journey ahead of them.

In his words”let me remind you that you must continue to learn and better yourselves, receiving your starter packs today does not signal an end but rather the beginning of a large journey”.

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Paulette Okotie, thanked the sponsors of the program because it was brought to them on a platter of gold adding that words are not enough to express her gratitude.

Beneficiaries were presented with certificates of graduation and starter packs, including sewing machines, gas cookers/ovens, hair dryers, make-up kits, shovels, trowels, welding machines, grinding machines, power drills and desktop computers and accessories, etc.

Some important dignitaries who were present at the event includes; Dr Omawumi Evelyn Atsiangbe-Urhobo, President/CEO Morgan Smart Development Foundation, Amb. Austine Oniyesan, Chairman IRDC, Bar Richard Omare, RDC Secretary, Uju Obiora, Program Management Participatory for Community Development, Ambassador Ogoru Wawe Samuel, CEO Awawe International Company Limited, Mr . Allison Eyewumi, SA to Warri South West Local Government Council Chairman, Erefoluwa Keka, IRDC Welfare Officer and many others.

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