MEDIATRACNET
About 20 People Living with Disabilities (PLWD) graduated from an empowerment and skills acquisition programme fully sponsored by the Nigeria LNG Limited.
The spokesperson of the company, Andy Odeh, said the programme was part of efforts to deepen Inclusion and Diversity in company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
Odeh, who is also General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of the company, said the special empowerment training was implemented in conjunction with Rugged Steps Foundation for African Youths Development.
The Foundation is a non-Governmental Organisation focussed on disability advocacy, civic education, Diversity and Inclusion, and improving the standards of African women and youths.
Odeh said the beneficiaries were trained in Fashion Design & Catering
Speaking at the graduation ceremony recently, NLNG’s Manager for Community Development and Sustainability Development, Charles Epelle, said the Company was proud of the 20 beneficiaries who started their vocational courses in November 2021 and completed without anyone dropping out.
Epelle who was represented by the Head of Lands and Claims, Tonbrafa Nanaghan, said: “NLNG remains committed to its vision of being a globally competitive LNG company, helping to build a better Nigeria.”
One of the four pillars of the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, he said was Economic Empowerment.
In this area, he the NLNG has executed various programmes, including its Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), which has positively transformed the lives of over 1,400 youths from its host communities since its inception in 2004.
“Some persons living with disabilities have benefited from NLNG’s programmes. This is why NLNG continues to deepen its Diversity and Inclusion agenda, having observed the positive impact that this has on societal harmony and overall prosperity,” Epelle told the graduates.
He called on the beneficiaries to use their newly acquired skills to become role models in their various communities.
Also, he said in the 21st century, the world was more accommodating to diversity and inclusion, adding that people living with disabilities could achieve their aspirations more than ever before.
NLNG is an incorporated Joint Venture owned by four Shareholders, namely, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (49%), Shell Gas B.V. (25.6%), TotalEnergies Gaz & Electricite Holdings (15%), and Eni International N.A. N. V. S.àr.l (10.4%).
