NNPC, Tecnimont Empower Women of Eleme and Okrika with Skills and Starter Packs

By Nwafor Oji Awala

It was a day of celebration, fulfillment, and empowerment on Friday, October 10, 2025, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and its engineering partner, Tecnimont Nigeria Limited, graduated a new set of women trainees from Eleme and Okrika host communities after months of intensive training in catering and fashion designing.

The colourful event, held at Genesis Academy, Trans Amadi Industrial Layout, Port Harcourt, marked the successful conclusion of the Women Skill Acquisition and Empowerment Programme—an initiative aimed at improving the economic livelihood of women in the host communities of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC).

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates, starter packs, and awards to the graduating trainees. The best three participants in each skill category, best instructors, and best-behaved trainees were specially recognized with awards and incentives courtesy of Tecnimont, Genesis Group, and African Pride Clothing.

"Practicalize What You Have Learned" - Tecnimont Representative

Delivering the keynote address, Chief F. D. Omeme, representing Tecnimont Nigeria Limited, expressed gratitude to Genesis Academy, African Pride Clothing, and all partners who made the program a success. He encouraged the women to take their training seriously and put their skills to practical use.

“What you have learned can make you great. However small it is, anywhere you are, do it. Don’t dump or sell your starter packs. Be serious and consistent. God has never made a mistake,” Chief Omeme advised.

He stressed the importance of discipline and commitment in business, urging the trainees to value punctuality and professionalism.

“If you are supposed to resume by 8 a.m., be there at that time. Don’t blame your village juju when you lose customers due to lateness. You are the juju,” he said, to the laughter of the audience.

Chief Omeme also revealed that Genesis Group had employed the three best-performing trainees from the previous batch, and promised to advocate for similar opportunities for the best graduates at African Pride Clothing.

“While you were training, we observed your character and seriousness. Those who excelled will be rewarded. Eleme and Okrika are our communities. On behalf of our Managing Director, I send warm greetings to your kings,” he concluded.

PHRC Commends Tecnimont’s Commitment

In his goodwill message, Chief Gerald Ohaji, who represented the management of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), applauded Tecnimont for complementing PHRC’s community empowerment efforts.

“This program, unlike our former YESA initiative, focuses on women. You have shown character and skill, which qualify you for this stage. Wear the flag of the company that trained you with pride,” he said.

Communities Express Gratitude

The Joint Community Relations Committee (JCRC) chairmen of Eleme and Okrika, Mr. Anthony Obari and Chief Tamuno Akalugbo respectively, commended Tecnimont for its transparency and community engagement.

Mr. Obari, representing Eleme, praised Chief Omeme for ensuring strict compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with host communities.

“This second phase shows that Tecnimont is doing great for us. Please don’t sell your starter packs; rather, open your shops and begin your business,” he advised the graduates.

Chief Akalugbo, speaking for Okrika, recalled the initial resistance to signing the MoU and credited Chief Omeme for insisting on it.

“Without that MoU, we wouldn’t be here today. Tecnimont has trained the physically challenged, built schools and town halls, and even paid fees for our undergraduates. No contractor has done this before,” he said.

He also warned the beneficiaries against selling their starter packs, emphasizing that discipline and trust in their training would help them grow.

Genesis and African Pride Inspire Graduates

Speaking on behalf of Genesis Group, Mrs. Folashade Omole, Executive Director, Operations, urged the trainees to take every opportunity seriously.

“We selected our top three based on performance, attendance, and character. Punctuality and good attitude matter as much as skill. You can only move from being an employee to an entrepreneur through consistency,” she noted.

She announced the employment of the top three trainees — Rejoice Sebastine, Ibinabo Bowe, and Indira Bowe — by Genesis Group, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting women-led enterprises.

From African Pride Clothing, Mr. Steve Mbata encouraged the fashion design trainees to remain focused, network with peers, and specialize in one area of expertise.

“Don’t chase too many things at once. Master your craft. In fashion, patience and consistency lead to the top,” he said.

Recognition for Community Leadership

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to community development and leadership, NNPC and Tecnimont Nigeria Limited honoured High Chief Sunny Graham Nkpe with an Award of Exceptional Leadership.

The event ended with applause, photos, and emotional expressions of gratitude from the newly empowered women, who pledged to make the most of the opportunity and become role models in their communities.

As one of the trainees said in her vote of thanks, “We thank Tecnimont, PHRC, Genesis Academy, and African Pride Clothing for believing in us. We promise to make our sponsors proud.”

The program, indeed, underscored the message that empowering women means empowering families, communities, and the nation at large.

Nwafor Oji Awala 

(c) Prime Heritage Magazine