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The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Skill Academy has doled out starter packs worth millions of naira, as well as N500,000 seed funds to each of 200 beneficiaries to build their businesses.
The occasion also saw the presentation of N100,000 grant to 500 hundred women drawn from the DESOPADEC mandate areas.
The donation marked the fifth edition of the programme on Wednesday, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the initiative was part of efforts to give economic empowerment to youths in the state.
Oborevwori, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, tasked the beneficiaries to allow the effect spread to their localities.
Oborevwori in his words said “Our communities, often at the height of oil and gas exploration, deserve not only fair compensation but also investment that fosters long-term development.
“Today’s event is a defining moment in our journey towards fulfilling the needs of our the DESOPADEC mandate areas.
“The provision of starter packs is not merely about providing equipment or infrastructure; it is about creating an environment that nurtures entrepreneurial skills and equipping our youths with the necessary skills they need to succeed.
“By pairing the Skills Academy with these starterpacks, we are ensuring that every beneficiary has access to a structured pathway, to not only acquire valuable skill, but to also apply them.
“This initiative will directly impact the lives of thousands of people in oil producing communities in Delta State.
“With these packs, we are offering opportunities for job creation, skill development, empowerment, and economic independence.”
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“By focusing on human capital building through initiatives like the DESOPADEC Skill Academy, we are preparing our youths and equipping them with the skills, tools and mindset to succeed in our ever-changing world,” Oborevwori stated.
Speaking earlier, the MD of DESOPADEC, Ochonogor, explained that the edition saw a shift from the previous ones by sourcing entrepreneurs across the ethnic nationalities, who needed “a measure of financial boost and relevant tools to take their respective trades to a new level in impact and productivity.”
Some traditional rulers who graced the event include Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Abe I; the Okobaro of Ughiewven, HRM Owhawha II; the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha, HRM Obukoware I; the Pere of Akugbene-Mein, Pere Kalanama VIII; the Olu of Warri, HM Ogiame Atuwatse III, represented by Chief Samuel Koko.
The beneficiaries with skills ranging from electrical and repairs installation; Information and Computer Technology ; Hairdressing and Makeover; Fashion design; welding and fabrication; POP, tiling and interlocking; as well as catering and confectionery received generating sets, ladders, laptops, hairdryers, alternators machines, GEP tanks, chest freezers, ovens among other equipment.
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