By FESTUS AHON, Ughelli

THE General Manager of  SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Bright Oghor at a graduation ceremony for graduates of the skill aquisition programme has, said the programme was designed to contribute to the socio-economic development of the company’s operational areas. He added that the scope covered Welding and Fabrication, Fashion and design ICT/Computer Technology and hair stylist/Management.

He said the company’s operator of the NPDC/SEPLAT Joint Venture in OMLs 4, 38 and 41 would provide assistance to enable the graduands set up their own workshop and business centres which in turn will create job opportunities for other youths and by extension contribute in reducing unemployment in the areas.

Saying that the training was for one year, Oghor said: “this is the first batch of trainees; the programme would be sustained by our company as this initiative forms part of our corporate social responsibility. As such, other communities will benefit from the programme as well.”

While maintaining that graduands would be presented with takeoff grants, starter-packs of items to help them establish their businesses, he disclosed that the company had initiated some laudable capital and non capital projects such as water scheme, market stalls construction, electrification, housing schemes, scholarship awards, donation of buses and speed boats to communities amongst others.

He said the company would continue to partner with the communities to improve and sustain the projects which he said were aimed at delivering premium values to all, adding that the company was poised for the delivery of sustainable community development programmes.