Abuja: The West African Gas Pipeline Company Ltd. (WAPCo) has committed over $750,000 annually to train more than 164 artisans in Nigeria, focusing on empowering local communities. Dr. Isaac Adjei-Doku, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of WAPCo, made this announcement during the graduation ceremony of youth participants from operational areas in Ota, Ogun State.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adjei-Doku stated that the company also provided start-up tools and scholarships to deserving students in Nigeria. He highlighted that WAPCo allocates no less than $750,000 each year across the four countries they operate in, with a decade-long commitment to this cause. In Nigeria alone, WAPCo supports around 170 individuals annually through vocational training and scholarships across Ogun and Lagos States.
Adjei-Doku mentioned that although some equipment was not present at the event in Ogun State due to logistical challenges, similar programmes were conducted in other regions like Badagry. Each candidate typically receives support valued at no less than $600.
The general manager reaffirmed WAPCo’s ongoing investment in the communities where their pipeline passes. This includes funding educational initiatives like building schools and hospitals, in addition to livelihood programmes aimed at empowering local populations.
He elaborated on the Livelihood Programme, which identifies talented but disadvantaged individuals within their communities, offering scholarships and vocational training through the Community Youth Employment Scheme (CYES). The scheme focuses on equipping individuals with skills to start businesses and create lasting opportunities.
Adjei-Doku pointed out that Nigeria is the company’s largest community, with 56 communities located along the pipeline. He stressed their responsibility to give back to these communities, aligning their efforts with the UN Sustainable Development Goals by prioritising social investment and community empowerment.
Upon completing their training, beneficiaries receive tools to start their own businesses, contributing to poverty alleviation. WAPCo also ensures follow-up support for those who have benefited from their programmes, fostering long-term success.
Over the years, WAPCo has built strong, incident-free relationships with the communities along their pipeline, spanning more than 20 years. During the ceremony in Ota, Adjei-Doku also highlighted the significant funding allocated to scholarships and CYES, aimed at supporting students and young entrepreneurs in their pursuit of higher education and self-sufficiency.
Local leadership expressed 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 and vowed to ensure the protection of the pipeline. He encouraged 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 to ensure they make the most of the opportunities provided. One of the beneficiaries, Adeyemi Oluwagbenga, expressed 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.
The ceremony featured the distribution of various tools, including ovens, refrigerators, freezers, building materials, sewing machines, and catering equipment, empowering the graduates to begin their entrepreneurial journeys.