Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), has said that it would sustain its Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme (YESAP) for its host communities, despite inflationary trend and the challenges faced by the economy.

The Executive Director Services, Alhaji Abdulahi Idris made this disclosure Friday in Kaduna at the opening ceremony of the eight edition of YESAP for over 100 youth as beneficiaries.

Idris said the number of beneficiaries will continue to vary in line with the availability of funds to execute the programme.

He stressed that the reason for introducing the programme since 2008, was to support government efforts in poverty alleviation, youth restiveness and to reduce unemployment. "This is more glaring and apt with the continuous dearth of white collar jobs and the current world economic recession,” he stressed.

Idris asserted that the programme has grown over the years with more than 16 trades and life skills such as self esteem, communication skills, basic book keeping, job find techniques, health, safety and environmental issues being taught the beneficiaries.

Idris assured the host community leaders of counting on their “support, co-operation and understanding from the selection of participants up to the business set up and the KRPC’s final exit”, while urging the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of their communities, utilise the advantage and excel in their chosen trades.

Welcoming the guests to the event, the Manager, Public Affairs Division (PAD), Alhaji Aminu Daneji said about 800 youth have benefited from the programme thus far, with some having employees under them.

This eight edition, he revealed has beneficiaries from the company’s immediate communities and some part of the northern states.

Representative of the host communities who is the District Head of Kamanzo, Auta Makama stressed that youth are the backbone of any enterprise and the nation, hence the need to invest in them. He applauded KRPC for placing the interest of the communities on the front burner.

Tobias Aboki, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries assured that they would utilise the opportunity to their advantage and thanked KRPC for the life saving opportunity.

Trades such as Plaster of Paris (POP), Welding and Fabrication, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting, Electrical Installation and Rewinding, Carpentry and Wood Work, Fashion Design, Poultry and Fish Production, Catering and Event Management, Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, Auto Mechanic, Mechatronics, Spray Painting, Screen Printing, GSM Handset repairs, Photography and Visual Imaging, Auto Welding and Panel Beating are taught to the beneficiaries.

•Photo shows Kaduna Refinery.

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