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NNPC/BPL JV empowers 10 SME’s in Niger Delta with N30 million

By Ann Godwin, Port Harcourt
02 July 2019   |   4:02 am
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Belema Oil Producing Limited (BPL), Joint Venture, has empowered 10 indigenes...

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Belema Oil Producing Limited (BPL), Joint Venture, has empowered 10 indigenes of Niger Delta region with N30million to strengthen their businesses and add value to the economy.

The beneficiaries were awarded different amounts of money based on their request and business type, and they are to invest the funds in businesses like fish farming, music production, hairdressing and fashion design.

Speaking during the handover of cheques to the beneficiaries in Port Harcourt recently, the Director, Production and Engineering, BPL, Mufaa Welsh, noted that Belema Oil was committed to the development and empowerment of youths of the region.

Welsh noted that the money was not in the form of loan, but a grant that would not be refunded, warning that the NNPC/BPL would retrieve the money from any of the beneficiaries who fails to put in good use the purpose it was given.

Welsh said: “The money for the SMEs is to assist the government to reduce the level of unemployment in the country. This is so that we can have a crime free society to live in. We are committed 100% to this scheme. I urge the beneficiaries to make good use of the fund, and resolve the unemployment issues around them.”

He, however, encouraged the beneficiaries to use the opportunity to empower others around them.

Also, the General Manager Production, Belema Oil, Abisa Pepple, said the beneficiaries are expected to invest the funds within one month.

“We set out plans to honour our community base individuals to empower them to set up their business. The essence of the programme is to empower the people to generate employment, and to empower others. We are providing funds to enable them set up their various businesses,” he said.

The President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Sukubo Sara-Igbe, commended the Founder of BPL, Tein Jackrich jr, for the gesture, noting that youths are pleased with the development.

Sukubo said: “It is clear that people need help and they have gotten it. We thank the NNPC and Belema Oil. We urge the people of the nation to have faith that this is just the beginning.”

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Bethel Oko-Jaja, said the empowerment will go a long way in repositioning their economic fortune.

He said: “Belema Oil has created the creeks and the canals and water will flow. He has done so well and he is developing that region. The money will boost our businesses. It is the Small and Medium Businesses that drive the economy. We will reciprocate by using the fund judiciously.”

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