Shell LiveWIRE Nigeria empowers female entrepreneurs with $6,672
Jul 19, 2016
The Shell Petroleum Development Company Joint Venture (SPDC JV) empowered 12 women from Escravos and Otumara communities in Delta State with a grant of US $6,672 (N2.4m) at the closing ceremony of the SPDC JV Special LiveWIRE Entrepreneurship Training Programme which held on February 22, 2018, in Warri, Delta State. The LiveWIRE programme which was primarily targeted at women provided grants to the women to expand their businesses and intensive training which lasted for five days.
Speaking at the event, The General Manager, External Relations, represented by the Social Investment Manager, Emmanuel Ekpenyong, highlighted the importance of the scheme. He said, “The LiveWIRE programme is part of the global Shell LiveWIRE social investment programme which equips young people with the skills to start their own businesses and create employment. It also provides access to the essential business knowledge and support they need to transform their enterprising ideas into a viable and sustainable business.”
A past beneficiary of the LiveWIRE scheme, Benedita Salubi Oporaza, the Manging Director of Dumville Global Ventures, shared her success story during the event to inspire the current beneficiaries. According to her, she won the young business leaders award, and got a loan of US $38,920 (N14m) from Grofin which enabled her to scale-up her business and create job for 13 persons.
The Honourable Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Delta State and other dignitaries appreciated the SPDC JV for empowering their women. The beneficiaries were equally grateful to Shell for the programme and promised to make good use of the knowledge gained and the funds received.
The Award ceremony was well attended by government officials, representatives from communities and personnel from SPDC. Dignitaries in attendance included the Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mofe Pirah represented by Aweka Avwenaghagha; Chairman, Warri South-West Local Government Council, Touyo Oritsematosan Duke; His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Warri represented by Chief Mercy Olowu (The Eregwa of Warri Kingdom); Ugborodo Community Trust represented by Austin Oborogbeyi; Ugboegungun community represented by Bayo Oteri; Deghele Community represented by Alfred Temisanren; Wells Operations Manager, SPDC, represented by Wells Interface Lead, Land East Hub, Happy Agbeyi and many others.