A total of 98 indigenes of Ugborodo community in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delrta State have been enrolled in the 2024 Skills Acquisition Programme of a non-governmental organization, Eric Igban Foundation.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr. Andrew Omagbemi Igban, said the trainees would be set up at the end of the two-week intensive training session, holding in Ugborodo town in Warri South West Local Government Area.
Giving a brief history of the non-profit and humanitarian service organization, Igban stated that the Foundation has made remarkable strides in meaningful engagement of people for socio-economic development, particularly in Itsekiri nation.
He listed areas of special focus to include, education, community health, environmental cleanliness, economic growth, youth and women empowerment as well as sustainable development.
Igban also highlighted hundreds of indigent citizens who are on scholarship in the Foundation’s Scholarship Scheme, saying that more will benefit as there would be another phase of the exercise.
“This programme is the first initiative of Eric Igban Foundation for the year 2024. The skills acquisition programme is aimed at developing and empowering women and youths in our communities”.
“Over the decades, Eric Igban Foundation had saddled itself with the responsibility of championing literacy programmes. The Foundation Scholarship schemes have received a lot of accolades, even from international communities.
“The Foundation has also promoted SME’s, development and Primary Healthcare sustainability. These initiatives are geared towards improving and enhancing the wellbeing of our people and curbing youth restiveness in support development”, Dr Igban stated.
While formally introducing team of experts for the training programme, Igban pleaded with the participants to be dedicated and committed to the skills development, including, Baking, Makeup Artistry and Headgear tying.
Emphasizing that the foundation is not a political organization, he disclosed that it was established in memory of his beloved elder brother, Eric Igban.
The Chairman explained that the many legacy and positive impacts the late brother left behind, could not be allowed to be in vein, hence decision to set up the foundation.
He disclosed that the late Eric Igban was so passionate about the development of Ugborodo community and her indigenes while he was alive.
Beneficiaries and some community leaders who responded, expressed gratitude to the Foundation for it sustained interest in the wellbeing of the community.
They said the oil rich Ugborodo community had suffered a lot of neglect and commended those determined to change the narratives, including Dr Andrew Igban for their efforts.
The foundation at the event gave gift items to pregnant and nursing mothers to show it love and support.
