ExxonMobil Foundation Spends $1.5m On Youth Empowerment

ExxonMobil Foundation Spends $1.5m On Youth Empowerment

Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) has said that ExxonMobil Foundation spent 1.5 million dollars on youth empowerment schemes in Akwa Ibom between 2008 and 2010.

MPN's Executive Director, Mrs Gloria Essien-Danner, said that the foundation, MPN's philanthropic arm, spent the funds on youth projects in four council areas.

The beneficiaries were the oil bearing local governments of Ibeno, Eket, Esit Eket and Onna.

Essien-Danner, who was represented by Ms Susan Eshiet, the Manager, Major Projects, MPN, said that the project had assisted 1,440 youths who dropped out from schools.

She said that 84 per cent comprising 969 girls and 241 boys completed the programme, explaining that  51 per cent of those who completed the programme returned to formal and vocational schools.

“The project is designed to specifically improve the knowledge, skills and gender awareness to prepare them to make healthy and productive choices in education and civic participation,” Essien-Danner said.

The project was implemented by Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) in conjunction with Non Government Organisations (NGOs) based in Akwa Ibom.

In a remark, Mrs Daniel Grant, Senior Director of International Programmes of CEDPA, said that the implementing NGOs, benefited from training in financial management and skills to run youths-focused programmes for their communities.

Mrs Matilda Edohoeket, who spoke on behalf of the benefiting communities, said that the project support committee sourced additional funds to complement funds from the foundation.

Edohoeket called on CEDPA and ExxonMobil foundation to continue the sponsorship of the project to secure the future of the teeming youths in the area.

NAN/Margaret/ Elewedalu