Otta, Ogun State – As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has committed $750,000 annually over the past decade to vocational training and scholarship programs benefiting young artisans and university undergraduates in its host communities across Lagos and Ogun States.

The General Manager, Corporate Affairs, WAPCo, Dr. Isaac Adjei-Doku, disclosed this during the graduation ceremony of the Community Youth Empowerment Scheme (CYES) in Otta, Ogun State. During the event, participants were awarded certificates and startup equipment to support their entrepreneurial journeys. He emphasized the company’s continued commitment to youth empowerment through significant funding of scholarships and skill acquisition programs, fostering self-sufficiency and economic growth.

In his address, Oba Abdul Azeez Akinde, the Oloja Ekun of Igbesa Land, commended WAPCo for its sustained support and vowed to ensure the security of the gas pipeline. He encouraged the beneficiaries to utilize the tools they received effectively to uplift themselves and their communities.

Similarly, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Ogungbayi, the Onitetiku of Owode, Otta, called for proper monitoring of the beneficiaries to ensure they maximize the opportunities provided.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Adeyemi Oluwagbenga expressed gratitude for WAPCo’s vocational training initiatives, stating that the program and the accompanying tools have created a pathway to financial independence. He emphasized that the initiative serves as a model for youth empowerment in the region.

WAPCo’s consistent investment in education and skills development underscores its dedication to fostering economic resilience in its host communities while contributing to sustainable development in Nigeria.