WAPCo Spends $750,000 Annually in Empowering Artisans, Undergraduates in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo

Peter Uzoho

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has in the last 10 years sustained its $750,000 yearly spending on vocational training and award of schorlarships to young artisans and university undergraduates from communities in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Togo where its pipeline crosses.

General Manager, Corporate Affairs, WAPCo, Dr Isaac Adjei-Doku, disclosed this Wednesday at the graduation ceremony of the participants of the Community Youth Empowerment Scheme (CYES) held in Otta, Ogun State, where the beneficiaries were presented with their certificates and startup equipment.

Some of the equipment distributed to the beneficiaries to enable them start up or scale up their businesses included sewing machines, ovens, refrigerators, freezers, building materials, and catering equipment among others.

Adjei-Doku said, “Every year, we allocate no less than $750,000 across the four countries we operate in and we’ve been doing this for over a decade.

“In Nigeria alone, WAPCo supports around 170 individuals annually through vocational training and scholarships across Ogun and Lagos states.”

He explained that while some equipment were not brought to the event in Ogun State due to logistical challenges, similar programmes were carried out in other regions, such as Badagry.

“Typically, each candidate receives support valued at no less than 600 dollars,” he added.

Adjei-Doku emphasised WAPCo’s ongoing investment in the communities where their pipeline passes.

The general manager said that this includes funding educational initiatives like building schools and hospitals, as well as transitioning to livelihood programmes aimed at directly empowering local populations.

He said that the company introduced the Livelihood Programme to identify talented but disadvantaged individuals within their communities, offering scholarships and vocational training through the CYES programme.

He pointed out that the scheme focuses on providing the skills needed for the participants to start businesses and create lasting opportunities.

Adjei-Doku highlighted Nigeria as the company’s largest community, with 56 communities located along the pipeline.

“We feel it’s our responsibility to give back to the communities that allow us to operate here. The company’s efforts align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as they prioritise social investment and community empowerment.

“Upon completing their training, beneficiaries receive tools to start their own businesses, helping to lift themselves and others out of poverty.

“WAPCo ensures follow-up support for those who have benefited from their programmes, fostering long-term success,” he added.

He said that over the years, WAPCo had built strong, incident-free relationships with the communities along their pipeline, spanning more than 20 years.

He also noted the significant funding allocated to scholarships and CYES, aimed at supporting students and young entrepreneurs in their journey toward higher education and self-sufficiency.

In his remarks, Oba Abdul Azeez Akinde, the Oloja Ekun of Igbesa Land, commended WAPCo for its positive impact on the community, vowing to ensure the protection of the pipeline.

He urged the youth to use the tools they received judiciously empower themselves and their communities.

In the same vein, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Ogungbayi, the Onitetiku of Owode, Otta, called for monitoring of the beneficiaries, ensuring they make the most of the opportunities provided to them.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, one of the beneficiaries, Adeyemi Oluwagbenga, expressed their appreciation for WAPCo’s vocational training initiatives, which, along with the provision of tools, offer a pathway to their economic independence and serve as a model for others in their communities.