INTELS Nigeria Limited, an oil and logistics firm, said it has admitted 125 women from about 700 applications into the 2018 Women Empowerment Programme Synergy Scheme (WEPSS).
The Director of INTELS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Silvano Bellinato, who disclosed this, said the company remained resolute in enhancing the lives of people in its area of operation and that it was committed to the development of communities in the area.
WEPSS was established in 2013 to empower 5,000 community women in 20 years through training in fashion design and tailoring. So far, over 500 women have benefitted from the project.
Bellinato said INTELS acquired over 300 sewing and specialised machines and built a 5000-square metre garment manufacturing factory at the Federal Lighter Terminal, Onne, in Rivers State to drive the training.
Speaking at the commencement of the 2018 session in Onne on Monday, the Head of WEPSS, Abhina Ajmani, said, “This is our fifth session. The training is held once every six months. Most of the applicants are persons who just have their WASSCE qualification.
“Out of the 700 women that applied, we admitted 125. It was really competitive because the slots are limited. This training is free and lasts for four months per set,” he said.
A 2016 beneficiary and graduate of WEPSS, Ms. Dorothy Egbe, said, “WEPSS has been of great help to me because I was able to learn new skills and acquire an industrial sewing machine. I am sewing clothes for myself, my family and friends at the moment. I am still in school, but after studies, I plan to start sewing full time, on a commercial scale.”
