The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has expressed the Agency’s readiness to explore a partnership with the Aromire-Eko Empowerment Foundation on initiatives aimed at promoting community development, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, training and job creation.
Dr. Akutah stated this when officials of the Foundation, led by its head, Prince Sijuade Ojora, paid a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
Welcoming the officials of the Foundation, the DG/CEO noted that the Agency places importance on giving back to communities within which it operates. He explained that NPERA has continued to undertake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives as part of its commitment to creating value for its host communities.
Dr. Akutah observed that the Foundation’s people-centred approach aligns with the Agency’s commitment to community development, particularly initiatives focused on empowering young people and improving livelihoods.
He said NPERA would explore possible areas of support for the Foundation’s proposed programme, particularly in the areas of training, skills development and provision of relevant materials, while stressing that such interventions would be subject to the Agency’s available resources and applicable procedures.
The NPERA boss also commended Prince Sijuade for taking the initiative to mobilise support for members of his community, describing the effort as commendable and worthy of encouragement.
He further directed the Foundation to engage with the Director, Special Duties, for detailed discussions on its proposals, noting that the outcome of the engagement would guide further consideration by Management.
Earlier, Prince Sijuade presented the community’s empowerment initiative, which is designed to create opportunities for youths and other members of the community through skills training, employment opportunities and other interventions, particularly within the port and shipping-related sectors.
Prince Sijuade explained that the Foundation was seeking collaboration with NPERA to provide training, materials and other forms of support that would equip members of the community with relevant skills and contribute to reducing unemployment among youths.
Both parties expressed optimism that the engagement would provide a foundation for a long-term partnership focused on improving livelihoods, empowering young people and contributing to sustainable community development.
