The Federal College of Education, Okene is committed to the ideals of Corporate Social responsibility and it would continue to receive priority attention.
The Provost of the College, Dr. Umar Hassan stated this at the occasion of the presentation of certificate to participants of an empowerment programme organized by the College in conjunction with silver Quest Nigeria Limited, on 7th February, 2019 at the School of Arts and Social Sciences Auditorium.
Speaking at the occasion, the Provost said, “This empowerment programme therefore, is part of the responsibilities we have taken to discharge for the good and well-being of our people in collaboration with a reliable partner, Silver Quest Nigeria Limited”, and expressed his delight for the collaboration.
The Provost furthermore congratulated the entire participants for been lucky to be selected and for successfully completing the programme. “Having acquired the knowledge and skill in your various trainings, it is my hope and believe that you would utilize it appropriately to enhance your livelihood, by living a sustainable and decent life,” he advised.
In addition, he stated that aside from the skills and knowledge, the participants have been trained in, he was aware that they had also been financially empowered to build on their individual area of specialization by establishing themselves to be job creators and not employment seekers.
The Chief Executive gave a strong advice to the participant to judiciously use the fund given to them to build on the trade they have been trained on.
Similarly, the Provost said the College was determined to sustain collaboration with Silver Quest Nigeria Limited, to go on mass production of the items produced for possible marketing in outlet stores.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Silver Quest Nigeria Limited Engr. Tamasaniyu Ahmed Rufai commended the Management for the collaboration. He disclosed that the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello appreciated the programme and would have been present to see for himself what the participants have produced but due to tight schedules, he could not make it.
He stated further that all the products on display were produced in Otite, in Ebiraland, therefore, if the programme is enhanced in the entire 21 Local Government Areas in the State, it would go a long way to reduce and also eradicate poverty and create employment opportunities. According to him, the Governor has indicated his interest in the programme with the pledge to give adequate attention to it as part of his intention to turn Kogi State around.
Engr. Tamasaniyu Ahmed Rufai said the beneficiaries would be given the sum of thirty thousand naira each. He further assured them that whoever amongst the participants that make meaningful progress with the money given could also be considered for a double amount; ranging from five hundred thousand naira to a million naira.
One of the high points of the event was when the Governor called in by phone to congratulate the participants and assured them of his government support for the programme.
The participants were trained on house cleaning production, beads making, animal feed production, catering and textile production.