… Onne, Eleme, Ogu, Rumuadolu communities applaud investment in youth empowerment
STARZS Investments Company Limited (SICL) on Monday kicked off activities marking its 40th anniversary with the launch of a Special Skills Acquisition and Maritime Education Programme for 40 youths drawn from its four host communities, reaffirming its commitment to human capital development and sustainable community empowerment.
The programme, unveiled in Port Harcourt by the company’s Managing Director, Ms. Iroghama Ogbeifun, combined scholarships for maritime education with specialised vocational training designed to equip beneficiaries with industry-relevant skills that will enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
Ogbeifun described the initiative as a strategic investment in people, as she said STARZS was determined to ensure that its host communities share in the benefits of the company’s four decades of operations.
40 youths to benefit
The Managing Director announced that 40 beneficiaries would be selected from the four host communities through a transparent process that guarantees fairness and inclusiveness.
She disclosed that four of the beneficiaries would receive scholarships to study at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, and Charkin Maritime Academy, with two slots allocated to each institution.
The remaining 36 beneficiaries will undergo specialised vocational training in Electrical Instrumentation, Welding and Fabrication, as well as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
According to Ogbeifun, the training will commence immediately after the completion of the selection process.
Gender inclusion takes centre stage
Ogbeifun stressed that the programme would reflect STARZS’ commitment to gender equality, insisting that young women must be adequately represented among the beneficiaries.
“We must see our nation advance with a mindset that every aspect of society is represented”, she said.
She maintained that excluding women from such opportunities would amount to denying them a chance to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“If you are picking a pool of 40 people and you cannot find enough females, then we have done an injustice”, she stated, adding that the company would go the extra mile to ensure deserving young women benefit from the programme.
Training designed for industry needs
Explaining the choice of courses, Ogbeifun said STARZS deliberately selected specialised technical fields where skilled manpower remains scarce within the maritime, oil and gas and industrial sectors.
She noted that the objective goes beyond providing training certificates, adding that beneficiaries are expected to become highly employable or establish successful businesses after completing the programme.
“The question should always be, what happens after the training? We want beneficiaries to become productive and self-reliant’, she said.
She revealed that the company is already considering providing starter packs and work tools to participants after their training to help them establish themselves professionally.
According to her, the company’s industry experience enabled it to identify skill gaps that offer significant employment opportunities for properly trained young people.
Chairman’s success story inspired initiative
Ogbeifun said the programme was inspired by the life story of the Chairman and Founder of STARZS Group, Engr. Greg Utonwem Ogbeifun, whose career was transformed through a scholarship-sponsored technical training programme.
“Our chairman is a product of such programmes. He received a Shell scholarship that changed the trajectory of his life before he eventually became an engineer and built an international career”, she said.
She explained that while STARZS had previously focused on supporting outstanding cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, the company decided to expand its intervention to include youths from its host communities as part of its vision of transforming lives.
Partnership to deepen human capital development
Ogbeifun commended Diopter Technologies for partnering STARZS on the initiative, expressing confidence that the collaboration would produce highly skilled professionals for Nigeria’s maritime and industrial sectors.
She said the company intends to sustain the programme beyond its anniversary celebration, making it a long-term investment in community development.
Earlier, the Head of Human Resources at STARZS, Mr. Tari Agiobu, described the initiative as another demonstration of the company’s enduring partnership with its host communities and maritime institutions.
“We’re equipping members of our host communities with skills that will empower them and, in turn, empower their communities”, he said.
Host communities applaud STARZS initiative
Representatives of the host communities praised STARZS for investing in the future of their youths, describing the initiative as one that would have lasting social and economic impact.
Speaking on behalf of the Onne Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Bright Ngolo, alongside Crown Prince Andrew Jiala, commended the company for prioritising youth empowerment.
“There is nothing that gives us greater joy than seeing our youths empowered with skills that can secure their future. We appreciate STARZS for this gesture and assure the company of our continued support”, Ngolo said.
President of the Rumuadolu Youth Council, Mr. Elvis Aguma, described the programme as a world-class initiative that further strengthens the cordial relationship between STARZS and the community.
“We are pleased and honoured by this programme. STARZS has maintained a peaceful and mutually beneficial relationship with our community over the years, and today’s initiative reinforces that partnership”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Ogu Community, Chief Fidelis Opouye, applauded the company for consistently demonstrating genuine commitment to the welfare of its host communities.
He said the skills acquisition programme would permanently change the lives of many young people while encouraging stronger cooperation between STARZS and its host communities.
Representatives of the Eleme community also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would provide young people with practical skills, create employment opportunities and contribute to long-term community development.
Training partner charges beneficiaries
Managing Director of Diopter Technologies, Mr. Emmanuel Ugwumba, urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by embracing discipline, excellence and continuous learning.
He said technical skills remain one of the most valuable assets young people can possess in today’s economy and encouraged participants to focus on building careers that would positively impact their families and communities.
“Begin with the end in mind. Make the most of this opportunity so that when you complete the programme, you become valuable to STARZS or any organisation you choose to work with.
Your success will ultimately become a source of pride for your families and your communities”, he said.