By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited on Friday presented two million, four hundred thousand Naira start-up grants to twelve graduands’ of its Special Livewire programme for Escravos-Women to start up their own businesses.
SPDC presented the grant at an award ceremony which was facilitated by ANPEZ, Centre for Environment and Development and Contributors in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking at the event, SPDC General Manager (External Relations), Mr. Igo Weli noted that the beneficiaries went through an intensive entrepreneurship training before receiving the awards for the start-up grants.
Weli who was represented by SPDC’s Social Investment Manager,Mr. Emmanuel Emiko said,”We expect that they will be able to join the rank of successful business owners by nurturing their ideas to fruition. Of course, they can count on our continuing support as they mature their ideas.”
“To the beneficiaries, today, you are taking the first in what we hope will be a long and fulfilling career in self-development and skill optimization.
“I have informed you of the huge opportunities that lie ahead. The road to being a successful entrepreneur is seldom smooth but if the journey is undertaken with commitment and zeal it deserves, it can be very rewarding.”
Weli also congratulated the beneficiaries just as he urged them to be steadfast and determined to succeed.
He also thanked the facilitators for their continuous effort and commitment to the success of the programme.
“I specially commend each and everyone of you,our beneficiaries, for inviting us to work with you in building your dreams and maximizing your potential. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”
Weli stated that the Shell livewire Programme is part of global Shell livewire social investment initiative which enables young people to start their own businesses and Create employment.
According to him, it provides budding young entrepreneurs with access to the training and support they needed to transform their ideas into viable and sustainable businesses.
“In 14 years of operation in Nigeria,Shell liveWire leadership Magazine Award for youth development,a year after it won the Social Enterprise and Reports Award(SERAs) in 2010.
Weli further noted that this edition of the Programme is targeted at women from Escravos-Otumara.
The warri South west LG chairman thanked SPDC CHELL for the job well done in the lives of the the beneficiaries.
The LG chairman therefore, begged the SPDC Shell to come back to Delta State as Warri is now a peaceful place for all and can accommodate them peacefully.
Benedict Salobi Oporaza, Producer of Damebi special changing. (Damille global ventures) thanked the the SPDC Shell for making her an employer.
SPDC Shell is my only guarantor at the time I started. They made me who I am today. They sent me to seminars, workshops and recommended me to many places for awards. I can go on and on and on to keep thanking SPDC Shell for transforming my life,” the excited producer added.
