Business
Shell GMoU: 36 Indigenes Get Starter Packs In Rivers Community
The Minama Community
Trust under the Degema 3 Cluster Development Foundation of the Shell Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) has presented starter packs worth millions of naira to over 36 indigenes of the community. A breakdown of the figures shows that, 12 persons were presented with sets of computers, four received hairdressing machines while five of the beneficiaries got welding/fabrication machines.
Similarly, two of the beneficiaries were presented with aluminum smelting machines, seven got fashion designing equipment to start up their business, one received carpentry equipment, while auto mechanic equipment were presented to two of the beneficiaries.
The Amanyanabo of Minama, HRH Iboroma Talbot Pokubo Ibiamaye Loku XI described the gesture as a new dawn for Minama community.
The traditional ruler told newsmen during the ceremony in Port Harcourt that the initiative would help the beneficiaries to be self employed as well as employers of labour, adding that the situation would help them to resist the lure of cultism and other anti-social vices.
He said that, apart from the skills acquisition programme, the community trust has also embarked on the award of scholarships to deserving indigenes of Minama and the construction of a model town hall.
Also speaking, Chief Mpakaboari George of Obo House Minama urged the beneficiaries to ensure proper use of the gesture to improve their conditions and the rest of the community.
According to him, the gesture will cushion the harsh economic effects on beneficiaries as most of them are unemployed as well as reduce criminality in the area.
Speaking with newsmen, the representative of Anpez centre for environment, Mr. West Aribidokiari said that the initiative was part of the effort by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria to reduce poverty in the host communities.
He said that some of the beneficiaries had undergone six months skills acquisition programme while some were trained in four months.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen thanked the Community Trust for the gesture and pledged to put them into proper use.