WAPCO commits $750,000 to skills devt, scholarships in Nigeria, others

The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO) has revealed a yearly investment of $750,000 in skill development, scholarships, and community programs across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and Togo.

This initiative, known as the Community Youth Employment Scheme (CYES), aims to empower host communities with vocational training and entrepreneurship support.

General Manager for Corporate Affairs at WAPCO, Dr. Isaac Adjei Doku, at the graduation ceremony for beneficiaries of WAPCO’s livelihood support programme in Otta, Ogun State emphasised the company’s commitment to community development beyond infrastructure projects such as schools and hospitals.

He explained that the company has evolved its approach to directly empower community members with livelihood programs, including scholarships and vocational training.

“We are identifying brilliant but needy individuals in our host communities and equipping them with skills through the CYES. This initiative is not just about training but also ensuring that beneficiaries have the tools to start their own businesses,” he said.

Doku highlighted Nigeria as a key beneficiary, with WAPCO operating across 56 communities along its pipeline corridor, spanning 56 kilometers onshore. The company believes that a peaceful and cooperative relationship with communities is crucial for business.

The program provides vocational trainees with essential tools to kickstart their businesses post-training. This year, WAPCO is undertaking a documentary project to track and showcase the progress of its past beneficiaries across Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, and Togo.

“And we hope that by establishing their own businesses, they’ll be able to also help others within their communities and therefore lift a lot more people out of poverty,” he added.
Doku further revealed that the company allocates at least $600 per scholarship candidate, ensuring that their financial commitment remains steady over time and more funds is committed for the vocational students due to the post-training equipment given to them.

He also emphasised WAPCO’s robust security framework, noting that community engagement has helped maintain a conflict-free operational environment for over two decades.