Firm empowers 20 entrepreneurs with kits in Kaduna

Twenty youth including women from Kakuri and Makera communities in Kaduna metropolis yesterday graduated from the Total Nigeria Plc Skills Acquisition Programme (SAP). The entrepreneurs comprising six computer operators, seven fashion designers, five welders and two hair dressers got complete starter packs to run a viable small and medium scale business and a two year […]

Twenty youth including women from Kakuri and Makera communities in Kaduna metropolis yesterday graduated from the Total Nigeria Plc Skills Acquisition Programme (SAP).

The entrepreneurs comprising six computer operators, seven fashion designers, five welders and two hair dressers got complete starter packs to run a viable small and medium scale business and a two year prepaid shop rent to help support the sustenance of their businesses.

The company, our reporter learnt has empowered 90 youth since the inception of the skills acquisition programme for host communities in 2008.

Presenting the starter kits to the 2016 and 2017 entrepreneurs, the Managing Director of Total Nigeria Plc, Mr Jean-Philippe Torres said the programme is a sustainable youth development scheme where less privileged youth within the host communities are trained in vocations of their choice like welding, furniture, hairdressing, make up artistry, fish farming and fashion designing.

The graduates undergo a screening and pre-selection process prior to their placement in certified training centres while training materials and allowances are provided for them and their trainers.

“This is one of the many ways in which we affect our host communities, ensuring we have positive and sustainable impacts on their lives,” he said.

Torres who was represented by the General Manager/Company Secretary, Mrs Bunmi Popoola-Mordi advised the beneficiaries to use their expertise, skill and tools for the development of their communities so that the positive spiral effect of their enterprise can be felt.

Also speaking, the district heads of Kakuri and Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijani and Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf respectively appealed to the beneficiaries to put the tools into good use; threatening that whoever is found wanting will be handed over to the security.

The duo commended the gesture of the company, saying it has brought about peace in the communities as the youths are engaged in productive activities.

The commissioner for youth and sports development, Mr Dan Auta assured that the state government will put in place mechanisms to monitor the beneficiaries so that the huge investments does not go down the drain.

“We will encourage and support you to make your business flourish. The working tools have been given to you free but we are going to have an eagle eye after you so that you don’t misuse or sell them,” he told the beneficiaries.