The Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Limited, a subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has distributed starter packs to 40 women drawn from 20 host communities in Abia, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states. The women had undergone skills training in different vocations – Make-Up-Artistry, Fashion and Design, Computer, Catering and Hair Dressing. The initiative is a part of NGC’s Women Empowerment Programme.
The starter packs presentation ceremony which held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State set the environment agog with celebration as the beneficiaries received their starter packs with joy and gratitude to the management of Nigerian Gas Company Limited.
An address, by the Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Company, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, represented by the Executive Director, Support Services of NGC; Mrs Uche Ossai noted that “the NGC organized the empowerment workshop for its host communities because it strongly believes in the development of its host communities.
“The structure and intent of the workshop was to train and empower women between the ages of 20 -40 to be self-reliant in all facets of their lives, providing support to their families and by extension, the community by which they operate.
“The handover of these starter packs to the participants of the programme is a reality, and this is testament of NGC’S commitment to actualizing its promises despite the time lag, largely due to budgetary constraints and restructuring exercise within the corporation.”
The Managing Director expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, community leaders and the participants for their patience and understanding, stressing that the initiative has further strengthened the existing cordial relationship with NGC and its host communities.
“On our part, we shall continue to solicit for your cooperation and assistance in the maintenance of peace and support for our business growth aspirations, in the interest of our people in these host communities and Nigeria in general.
“Let me reiterate that NGC will always encourage and appreciate communities that promote peace, dialogue and understanding in the resolution of any issue. This indeed is the hallmark of our community relations engagement process,” Engr. Omotowa added.
The paramount ruler of Ikot Essienn, Ikpa Ibekwe, Ikot Abasi in Akwa-Ibom State, Eteblume Akpan Nathaniel, thanked NGC for the gesture just as he promised that the host communities will continue to maintain and sustain the existing peace to support its businesses in their domain.
He urged the beneficiaries not to sell the starter packs, but to use them to better their lives.
He also appealed to NGC to go into community projects like provision of potable water facilities and construction of civic centres in the various communities.
Hon. Uyiota Abraham (JP) also commended NGC, and promised that the communities will do their best to support the security network of the company with a view to protect its infrastructure.
In the same vein; Mrs. Ugoeze Sandra from Abia State who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the management and staff of NGC for training and empowering the women with various skills as well as handing over starter packs to them. She assured the NGC that the starter packs will be put into good use.