30 Youths Graduates From Transcorp Vocational Skills Training, Empowerment Programme In Ughelli

…Governor Commends Transcorp Sustained CSR to Host Communities.

By Victor Ajuwa

Delta State Governor and​ Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Sen. Dr.​ Ifeanyi Okowa,​ has congratulated beneficiaries of the Transcorp Power vocational skills training and entrepreneur empowerment programme on the occasion of the 8th graduation and 9th induction ceremony.

Speaking at the event which held at Transcorp Power Company in Ughelli, Delta State, Governor Okowa, represented by the Executive Secretary, Technical and Vocational Education Board, Engr. Smart Ikem lauded the company for aligning with the massive vocational skill training and empowerment of youths in the state.

He said, “Upon the assumption of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of the state, he sent bills to establish Job creation office and Delta State geared towards midwifing vocational skill training of youths”.

He added that the Delta State Government is in wholesale reception of what Transcorp is doing in empowering youths in the state as he lauded the company for not shying away from its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to its host community.

“If every company in the shores of the state should replicate what Transcorp is doing, there would be at peace with their host communities and promote development” he stated.

The governor urged the graduands to seize the opportunity to better their immediate Community saying that, when you continue to do what you have been taught, there would be a multiplier effect over time that would give birth to micro, small and agro companies in your several communities.

“The dependence on white collar job has increased unemployment saying you should take what you have learnt seriously.

“The only way you can show the value of what has been given to you, is to use it profitably. Do not sell your starter packs,” he advised.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Transcorp Power Limited, Mr. Christopher Ezeafulukwe said that the programme which has trained over 160 persons in several Vocational skill is a manifestation of developmental ideology of the company.

Ezeafulukwe maintained that the programme was borne out of ways to ensure that the host communities are able to benefit from the presence of Transcorp in its domain.

According to him, “Our corporate purpose is to change lives and there is no other way to do that than develop out host communities.

“We recognize that our host Communities are critical stakeholders because in their success lies our success and our destinies are tied together”.

He said that 30 graduands and 30 inductees were selected from Eruemukohwarien, Ekakpamre, and Ekrerhavwe communities for various vocational programs such as plumbing, carpentry, cosmetics, welding, auto mechanics, air-conditioning, and refrigeration service.

He then charged the new batch of trainees to self discipline to qualify as a graduand.

“When you leave and by the time you get your seed capital, resist temptation that comes when money gets into your pocket” he cautioned.

He noted that tracking done by the company depicts a 88 per cent success rate of trainees saying that, we want to increase the monitoring to make sure the seeds we sow germinate and yields more for the community members.

Beneficiaries of Transcorp Skill Training

“Remember that the money is for purpose, the same way a business man would use a loan taken from a bank is the same way you should use it for your business.

The fact that we are not giving it to you doesn’t mean you should use it in any manner” he advised.

He revealed that there are plans to expand the scope of skills available for trainees due to common demand.

“When we started, we limited the training to those things they could learn from our plant; wielding and other skills. As we went along, we realized they needed more, then we expanded it by getting qualified trainers for other vocation.

We would keep increasing the numbers of candidates, we keep increasing the numbers of vocation that we train people for.

I am looking forward to when we would be to train people in ICT and some of these emerging opportunities that points to where the world is going”.

When quizzed on selection of trainees he said, ” We give the Communities free hand in picking the trainees but we monitor the candidates after tests and scrutiny to ensure discipline and success after completion of empowerment exercise.

Hence, he called for continuous robust relationship with the Communities to achieve long term development of the Community.

While speaking with newsmen at the programme, one of the beneficiaries; Umukoro Moses expressed pleasure over the opportunity given to him to be trained in repairing home electrical equipments.

“I am the most fortunate amongst the beneficiaries because they taught me on my choice skill after which they empowered me financially to start up my business.​ It is really encouraging to our younger ones.

Likewise, 52 year old Mrs Okuna Regina who was trained in hairdressing said, “I am very delighted because this skill would provide a meaningful source of income for my family.

“Age is not a limit, I can still work and be useful to myself and those around me”, she added.