Enageed Resource Limited, a Sahara Group Company, has initiated free healthcare, ICT training and Capacity Building programmes for residents of Ajoki, in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State to bolster sustainable development in the community.
No fewer than 600 Ajoki residents and their dependents are expected to benefit from the project which reinforces Enageed's commitment to seamless host community relations that promotes economic development, health and safety, and environmental sustainability.
The project flagged off with sessions aimed at giving residents foundational knowledge on how to improve their various skill sets, pursue self-development goals, personal financing, and business registration.
Speaking during the capacity development initiative, Henry Menkiti, Chief Operating Officer of the company, said Enageed, a sister company to Asharami Energy, had invested in the sustainability of its processes and operations to ensure the safety of residents and facilities in keeping with global standards.
Menkiti said this has been instrumental to cordial relations and economic growth in Ajoki and its environs.
He said: "Enageed developed the new initiative to improve the capacity of local community contractors and set their businesses on a steady growth and expansion pedestal. We are proud of our collaboration with our host communities across all our locations where Enageed is deeply rooted as a proud member and stakeholder."
Menkiti explained that the theme “Connecting our Communities to Endless Opportunities” reaffirms Enageed's position that building human and social capital is a never-ending act and is integral to strategic community investments.
"Enageed is aware that millions of people around the country have challenges with accessing basic amenities, employment, health care, and education, we are deliberate about the development of our communities. Enageed has assembled seasoned facilitators to provide key lessons on fundamental 21st-century skills and how to leverage Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which continues to change the way we live, work and do business.
"To ensure our community contractors have the right skills for an increasingly digital and globalized world, the ICT session which is one of the key components of this training would bridge this gap.
"Another key component is the session on financial literacy that is designed to help beneficiaries effectively manage and plot the growth of their businesses. This session would ensure our contractors are more knowledgeable about finance, how to access finnce and how to keep their books in a way that is relevant to their business."
Frank Emeruwa, Head of Supply Chain Management, further noted that the company's commitment to promoting healthy communities is driving free medical screening sessions for members of the community.
"Enageed is unwavering in its commitment to the safety and health of its employees and host communities. We are hopeful that this session will enlighten the community on how to stay healthy and provide relief for people requiring eye care interventions and other basic health challenges.
"We stand ready to ensure continuous development in the communities we operate in, and believe the skills learned and knowledge gained will better equip community contractors to improve the efficiency of their operations and grow their business. We therefore look forward to the future outcome of this training to foster innovation and economic development in the Ajoki Community," he added.
In his goodwill message, the Secretary-General of Ajoki Community, Scott Omesan, commended Enageed for the laudable initiative, which he noted would continue to facilitate cordial relations between the community and Enageed.
Omesan promised that as a Community, "we shall do everything possible to protect the company's facilities in our domain."
He also added: "We also expect continuous cooperation with the company in the spirit of the local content policy today's programme has given our youths the opportunity to learn more about ICT. Also, the medical outreach has afforded a lot of our people to opportunity to know their health status in the area of eye challenges and others. With such initiatives, I believe the relationship between the company and us will continue to be cordial."
Esther Koma, the community woman leader, was extremely grateful to the company for the medical outreach, particularly for the elderly. She asserted that the treatment she received was very beneficial to her and would enable her carry out her daily duties with ease. Similarly, Michael Ukuyon, the community Youth Leader and entrepreneur confessed that the event significantly improved his computer skills and would help him transact his business in line with global standards.
In delivering his remarks, Babatomiwa Adesida the Community and Stakeholder Relations Manager for Enageed thanked the community for their unwavering support towards ensuring the organizations peaceful operations in their area. He reiterated Enageeds commitment to continue empowering the community and enjoined the youth to remain dedicated to developing their skillsets which is a key element to promoting financial independence.
Responding on behalf of the local beneficiaries, Friday Eseoghene, a young person in the community, appreciated Enageed for the computer literacy program which he confirmed has opened his eyes beyond what he could have ever imagined. He asked for many more of such events and assured the organization of the youth's dedication to promoting peace and unity in the community.