DUBRI Oil Company says it has empowered not less than 150 people from its host communities since 2010 when its community economic empowerment initiative started, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
It said the empowerment initiative was birthed to run side-by-side its scholarship programme to take care of those not going to school but ready to learn a trade.
Clement Iseweje, a director in the company, stated this at the 2023 empowerment programme of the company, which is the 9th batch award ceremony of the programme.
He said, “When we started the programme, we just empower those who were already trained to begin their business, but we improved on it by using them to train our beneficiaries during which the trainees are entitled to stipends for accommodation and transport. On graduation, they are equipped with what they need to take off and one year rent for their shops.”
He however said this edition would be the last by the company going by the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), but assured the host communities that the trustees of the implementation of the Act would continue from where the company has stopped.
Earlier, the chairman of the Board Community Economic Empowerment Initiative, Alhaji Momodu Abu, Esq., said 10 people benefited from the programme selected from Ugioton, Galegele, Ikpako and Oduna ward, all in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
“Over the years, deserving youths from the communities concerned have been trained in fashion design, hair dressing, auto mechanic, furniture making, among others. In the course of training, apprenticeship fees are paid and transport allowances are provided on a monthly basis.
“On empowerment, relevant tools and equipment are provided for the beneficiaries, ranging from sewing machines, electricity generators, and auto mechanic tool boxes, among others.
“I am pleased to inform you that over 150 indigenes of the communities concerned have been trained and empowered under this initiative, which has gulped a substantial sum of money provided by Dubri Oil,” he said.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Milton Peterson said they would make proper use of the items given to them.
Present at the event where the lawmaker representing the communities in the Edo State House of Assembly, representative of the state oil and gas commission and others.
