Shell Nigeria Gas Limited has taken a proactive step to uplift Ogun State’s youth by empowering 150 individuals through enterprise development and skill acquisition, thereby fostering job creation in the region.
The beneficiaries underwent a comprehensive five-day enterprise development training program organized by Shell Nigeria Gas specifically for host communities. This initiative aimed to equip young entrepreneurs with essential entrepreneurship skills, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and business success.
Upon completion of the program, the graduates received empowering tools and equipment, serving as start-up capital for their businesses. These resources ranged from welding machines, sewing machines, bakery ovens, hairdressing machines, to catering equipment, among others.
Ralph Gbobo, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas, highlighted that the Enterprise Development Program was a vital effort to empower youths in host communities. He emphasized the significance of honing skills, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, generating employment, and elevating income levels within the society.
Representing Gbobo at the event, Simeon Eze, the Assets Manager of the West Division, emphasized that the five-day training program aimed to equip youths with promising business ideas or skills. The goal was to provide them with the necessary tools to refine their business strategies, encouraging the inception of successful businesses that contribute to community development.
Eze reiterated the importance of businesses thriving to enable further social investment initiatives. He emphasized that the program was a conscious effort to ensure the growth and prosperity of the local community by empowering its youth.
In response to this laudable initiative, the Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof) AbdulKabir Obalanlege, commended the program for its potential to create job opportunities, alleviate poverty, and contribute to reducing societal crime rates. This initiative not only equips the youth with skills but also encourages economic stability and social upliftment within the community.