AWACIO

The graduation of trainees of the Totalprenuer programme in Niger State occurred on the 4th of October 2018. The initial aspect of the graduation entailed the arrangement and sitting of the trainees in the order of certificates, and starter packs distribution during commencement. The ceremony officially began immediately after the arrival of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and his Directors and other dignitaries.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Huseni Ahmed, arrived with the Directors in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and exchanged pleasantries with the CEO of AWACIO, Dr. Claudia Okeke. After the exchange of pleasantries, the graduation ceremony kicked off with the National Anthem followed by opening prayer by Mr. Solomon Akuboh.
After the Important government officials/dignitaries who attended the graduation were recognized, Dr. Okeke, CEO AWACIO, gave her introductory remarks and commendations. She stated that the program almost fully absorbed the twenty five(25) local government areas in Niger State. There were exactly twenty two (22) local government areas that qualified even though the programme began with the twenty five (25) local government areas. She appreciated the students for being committed and diligent in their skills. She added that the number was reduced to twenty two (22) during the selection process of training. She further added that there were thirty (30) trainees that will receive starter packs and certificates, and fourteen (14) standbys that will receive only certificates to yield a total of forty four (44) candidates present at graduation. She also added that she appreciated the commitment of all the candidates in working through the six (6) weeks program to complete the training process. However, she stated that the true impact will be measured when the candidates use their skills to make money and become an economic force in their communities.
The goal of this program is to reduce poverty and empower indigenes in the community. She also added that there will be monitoring of the candidates with the help of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in the next twelve (12) months. This monitoring exercise will establish how the candidates are using their skills to become economically impactful. She further mentioned that the sponsor of the program, Total E&P Nig. Ltd, were unavoidably absent but had sent a Good-will message that would be read afterwards. She thanked the Ministry of Youth for their support during the last six (6) weeks of training. She ended her remarks by adding that there will be two raffle drawings for two generators during the event and that everyone was encouraged to register to win.
Following the introductory remarks by Dr. Okeke, the Good-will message from Total E&P was read by Dr. Okeke on behalf of Mr. Vincent Nnadi, the Executive General Manager, CSR, Total E&P Nig. Ltd. A copy of the message is attached. After this, the Permanent Secretary was asked to present certificates to the graduating trainees and standbys. After the certificates presentations to the graduating trainees, the raffle drawing process began. The raffle drawing was done by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Okeke, and the Director of Youth, Mr. Aliyu Gomna. Two persons were appointed from the audience to randomly pick a paper for the winners of the generators. The first winner was Fayam Grace Talatu, one of the graduate trainees in the tailoring skill, and the other winner was Ahmad Tijjani who was invited by one of the trainees.
The Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Huseni Ahmed, congratulated those graduating and presented them with their starter packs. Following the presentation, the Permanent Secretary and members of the high table and other dignitaries visited the display tables of the six skills. It was impressive to see the things made by the Shoe and bag group, the tailoring group and perfumery. The soap group produced a number of well bottled soaps and the phone repair group displayed repaired phones on the table. The hair dressing group displayed a number of wigs and braided wigs they made.
After this exhibition process, the Permanent Secretary gave his remarks on behalf of the Commissioner of Youth who was absent due to the ongoing political election. In his speech, the Permanent Secretary recognized the efforts of Total E&P Nig. Ltd, in sponsoring this program for the state and extended appreciative thanks from the government of Niger State. The Permanent Secretary also thanked AWACIO for her effort in representing Total E&P in Niger State. Dr. Okeke gave a vote of thanks to the Government officials for gracing the event.
The government officials appreciated and recognized Total E&P for supporting Niger State, and asked that Total E&P revisit the state to do more training. The event ended with the National Anthem and then a group photograph session.