By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) has expressed readiness to partner the Aromire-Eko Empowerment Foundation on programmes focused on youth empowerment, skills acquisition, training and job creation.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr Akutah Pius, MON, disclosed this when officials of the foundation, led by its Head, Prince Sijuade Ojora, paid a courtesy visit to the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
Akutah said NPERA places strong emphasis on supporting the communities within which it operates, noting that the agency has continued to implement Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives as part of its commitment to creating value for host communities.
He said the foundation’s people-centred approach aligns with NPERA’s commitment to community development, particularly efforts aimed at empowering young people and improving livelihoods.
According to him, the agency would explore possible areas of support for the foundation’s proposed programmes, especially training, skills development and the provision of relevant materials.
He, however, stressed that any support would be subject to NPERA’s available resources and applicable procedures.
The NPERA boss also commended Prince Sijuade for mobilising support for members of his community, describing the initiative as commendable and worthy of encouragement.
Akutah subsequently directed the foundation to engage with the Director, Special Duties, for detailed discussions on its proposals, adding that the outcome of the engagement would guide further consideration by NPERA management.
Earlier, Prince Sijuade presented the foundation’s community empowerment initiative, which is designed to create opportunities for youths and other community members through skills training, employment and related interventions.
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He said the programme would particularly focus on opportunities within the port and shipping-related sectors.
According to him, the foundation is seeking NPERA’s collaboration in providing training, materials and other forms of support to equip members of the community with relevant skills and help reduce youth unemployment.
Both parties expressed optimism that the engagement would lay the foundation for a long-term partnership aimed at improving livelihoods, empowering young people and promoting sustainable community development.
