Communities in Nigeria which hosts key pipelines linking Nigeria’s gas to other West African countries are being targeted for training in various skills to empower residents and make them independent.
The West African Gas Pipeline Company Ltd. (WAPCo), which operates the facilities, has, over the years targeted host communities for sustained job creation in Nigeria, having spent over 750,000 dollars annually to train Nigerians in skill acquisition. Currently, more than 164 artisans in Nigeria, have benefited from the programme with a focus on empowering local communities.
General manager, Corporate Affairs of WAPCo, Dr Isaac Adjei-Doku told me, during the graduation ceremony of youth participants from operational areas in Ota, Ogun Stat, said, the company also provided start-up tools and scholarships to deserving students in Nigeria.
Adjei-Doku explained that, while some equipment was not brought to the event in Ogun State due to logistical challenges, similar programmes were carried out in other regions, such as Badagry. Typically, each candidate receives support valued at no less than 600 dollars, he added. Adjei-Doku emphasised WAPCo’s ongoing investment in the communities where their pipeline passes.
The general manager said, this includes funding educational initiatives like building schools and hospitals, as well as transitioning to livelihood programmes aimed at directly empowering local populations.
He said that the company introduced the Livelihood Programme to identify talented but disadvantaged individuals within their communities, offering scholarships and vocational training through the Community Youth Employment Scheme (CYES).
He said, over the years, WAPCo had built strong, incident-free relationships with the communities along their pipeline, spanning more than 20 years.
During the ceremony in Ota, the general manager of Corporate Affairs also noted the significant funding allocated to scholarships and CYES, aimed at supporting students and young entrepreneurs in their journey toward higher education and self-sufficiency.
The local leadership expressed their gratitude to WAPCo for its contributions.
Oba Abdul Azeez Akinde, the Oloja Ekun of Igbesa Land, commended the company for its positive impact on the community, vowing to ensure the protection of the pipeline.
He urged the youth to wisely use the tools they received to empower themselves and their communities.
Similarly, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Ogungbayi, the Onitetiku of Owode, Ota, called for monitoring of the beneficiaries, ensuring they make the most of the opportunities provided to them.
One of the beneficiaries, Adeyemi Oluwagbenga, expressed their appreciation for WAPCo’s vocational training initiatives, which, along with the provision of tools, offer a pathway to economic independence and serve as a model for others in their communities.
