No fewer than 30 youths in host communities where Transcorp Power Limited operates have been empowered after a rigorous training exercises they were subjected to as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility ( CSR) to them.
Also, another set of 30 youths comprising boys and girls have been inducted into the next set of those to be empowered by the power generation company in the months ahead.
Speaking at the company’s branch in Ughelli during the 8th Graduation and 9th Induction Ceremony of the Vocational Skills Training and Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Power Limited, Mr Christopher Ezeafulukwe, disclosed that over 160 persons have been trained in Vocational skill.
He pointed out that itis a manifestation of developmental ideology of the company, saying that the programme was borne out of ways to ensure that host communities benefit from the presence of Transcorp in their domain.
“Our corporate purpose is to change lives and there is no other way to do that than develop our 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 observed.
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 on self discipline to qualify as graduands, “When you leave and by the time you get your seed capital, resist temptation that comes when money gets into your pocket” he warned.
He maintained that tracking done by the company depicts 88 per cent success rate of trainees, saying that, the company would increase the monitoring to make sure the seeds sown, germinates and yields more for the community members.
“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”, revealing 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 vocations.
“We will keep increasing the numbers of candidates, we keep increasing the numbers of vocations that we train people for. I am looking forward to when we will be training people in ICT and some of these emerging opportunities that points to where the world is going”.
Speaking on the modality used in the selection of beneficiaries, the MD, 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, calling for a continuous robust relationship with the communities to achieve long term development.
In his address, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who was represented by Executive Secretary to the State 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.
“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 said that the state government is in wholesale reception of what Transcorp in empowering youths in the state as he lauded the company for not shying away from its CSR to its host community.
“If every company in the shores of the state should replicates what Transcorp is doing they would be at peace with their host communities and promote development” he stated.
He 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 employment 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.
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.
Also, Mrs Okuna Regina, 52 years old, 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.
