West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) recently celebrated the graduation of 164 youths who successfully completed various technical and vocational training programs. The ceremony, held in Ota, Ogun State, marked the accomplishment of these individuals who were trained in fields like electrical installations, aluminium fabrication, catering, and tailoring. They were also provided with essential tools to help them start their own businesses.
WAPCo highlighted that this initiative is part of its ongoing effort to support and uplift the communities that host its pipelines in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic, and Togo. Isaac Adjei Doku, the General Manager of Corporate Affairs at WAPCo, emphasized that the company would continue to empower these communities as long as the pipelines remain in operation.
Notably, Nigeria, with its extensive 56-kilometer section of the pipeline running through Ogun and Lagos States, receives a significant portion of the company’s empowerment programs. Doku acknowledged that Nigeria is the largest host of WAPCo’s pipeline and stressed the importance of fostering peaceful relationships with local communities. He also tied these efforts to the company’s commitment to contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The training program aims to lift individuals out of poverty by equipping them with practical skills and tools to become self-employed. WAPCo has invested $750,000 annually in these initiatives, with each beneficiary receiving support worth $600. Doku shared that this ongoing commitment has been in place for over 10 years.
WAPCo’s strong relationships with its host communities have played a key role in ensuring the security of the pipeline infrastructure. The ceremony also saw the attendance of traditional leaders, the parents of the graduates, and the chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Lawal, who expressed interest in collaborating with WAPCo as the council works to revitalize its works department.
