From L-R: Elder E. Diabo (Koko Elders Council ), Mr. C. Enwere (TotalEnergies Plant Engineer Koko), Engr. D. Oniyeburutan (Chairman Koko Human Resources Development Council), Mrs. C. Ifechigha (TotalEnergies M&S S/CSR Manger), Mr. C.O. Anighoro (Ag C/M,Warri North), SP L. Olaogun (Divisional Police officer, Koko Division), Miss A. Oritsegbubemi (Beneficiary), Mrs A. Adewole (TotalEnergies M&S GM Country Services) , Mrs A. Orogun (TotalEnergies Customer Services Manager Benin), Dr. M.S. Maruel (Representing Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority), Elder T. Ajafodi (Koko Elders Council), Mrs R. Kpenosen (Koko Human Resources Development Council Woman Leader).
On June 26, 2024, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc graduated its 2023 Skill Acquisition Program (SAP) batch in Koko, Delta State. This event marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and community development.
Since its inception in 2006, the TotalEnergies SAP has trained underprivileged youths from host communities in various vocations such as welding, furniture making, catering, hairdressing, makeup artistry, fashion design, fish farming, and computer studies. However, no selection was done in 2011 and 2020 as this year’s graduation brought the total number of beneficiaries to 79, with five local youths selected annually.
The program includes a pre-selection screening and placement in certified training centers. TotalEnergies provides training materials, allowances, and starter packs to ensure the graduates are well-equipped for their chosen careers. This year, three beneficiaries specialized in fashion design (Godwin Oritsemeyiwa, Blessing Oritsemugho and Adekola Bosede Blessing) and two in hairdressing and makeup artistry (Ololo Gbemileoritse and Agbajor Oritsegbubemi). Each received starter packs and two years of paid shop rent to help them establish their businesses.
Mrs. Adesua Adewole, General Manager (Country Services), who represented the Managing Director, Dr. Samba Seye, encouraged the graduates to believe in their abilities and work hard to achieve success in their vocations. She emphasized the importance of the starter packs in their journey towards becoming self-sufficient.
Dr. Manu Sunday Manuel of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), representing the state coordinator, Engr. Victor Ohwodiasa, noteded that the program is a Corporate Social Investment, not just Corporate Social Responsibility. He encouraged the graduates to use the starter packs to establish themselves and urged other companies in Koko to follow TotalEnergies’ example.
The Chairman of the Koko Community Management Authority (KCMA) expressed disappointment with past beneficiaries who misused their starter packs and urged new graduates to use their resources wisely. Meanwhile the Acting Chairman of Warri North Local Government, Mr. C.O. Anighoro, praised TotalEnergies and called for measures to monitor beneficiaries, stressing that the starter packs are vital tools for success.
Miss Olufemi Ebisanine, a 2018 beneficiary, thanked TotalEnergies for the opportunity, noting the program’s significant impact on her life. One of the new graduates, Mr. Godwin Oritsemeyiwa, expressed his gratitude and promised to focus on utilizing the starter packs effectively.
Superintetendent Lukman Olaogun (Divisional Police Oofficer, Koko Division) and Mr. Daniel Aduren also urged the graduates to seize the opportunity and make good use of the starter packs.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of certificates from their various training centre and starter packs to the graduates, with families cheering and showing excitement. Additionally, five new beneficiaries were selected on June 24, 2024, for the SAP 2024 batch.
The event underscored TotalEnergies’ dedication to sustainable development and its role in fostering economic growth in local communities.
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