As part of activities marking its 40th anniversary, STARZS Investments Company Ltd has launched a special skills acquisition and maritime education programme, awarding full scholarships to 40 youths drawn from its host communities in Rivers State.
The initiative, unveiled in Port Harcourt by the company’s Managing Director, Iroghama Ogbeifun, is aimed at equipping young people with industry-relevant technical skills while promoting long-term human capital development.
The beneficiaries will receive training in Electrical Instrumentation, Welding and Fabrication, and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), disciplines the company identified as being in high demand across the oil, gas and maritime sectors.
Ogbeifun said the courses were selected following industry research and an internal assessment, which revealed a shortage of skilled professionals in the specialised fields.
She stressed that the programme was deliberately designed to be gender-inclusive, insisting that women must not be left behind in technical and vocational education.
“We must see our nation advance with a mindset that every aspect of society is represented,” she said, adding that the company was committed to ensuring adequate female participation, describing the exclusion of the girl-child from such opportunities as unacceptable.
Of the 40 scholarship slots, 36 have been allocated to intensive vocational and technical training, while four beneficiaries will undertake maritime education at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, and Charkins Maritime School.
Speaking at the launch, themed Transforming Lives, 40 Years On, Ogbeifun said the initiative was inspired by the life story of the company’s founder and chairman, Engr Greg Ogbeifun, who also benefitted from a scholarship early in his career.
“Our chairman is a product of such programmes. He was trained by Shell on scholarship,” she said.
She added that the company intended to go beyond classroom training by helping beneficiaries become self-reliant, including providing starter packs and work tools to outstanding graduates to enable them establish careers immediately after completing the programme.
Representatives of the host communities, including Eleme, Rumuadolor, Onne and Ogu, commended the company for what they described as its sustained investment in community development.
The Secretary of the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Onne, Bright Ngolo, and Andrew Jiala said the initiative would provide lasting empowerment for young people by equipping them with specialised skills that are in demand.
The Youth President of Rumuadolor Community, Elvis Aguma, described the programme as a significant intervention, saying STARZS’ consistent investment in the area had strengthened its relationship with the community over the years.
Speaking on behalf of Chief Taripaka Gbobbo Amos of Ogu Community, Fidelis Opouye described the company as an economic blessing to the area, expressing confidence that the training would have a lasting impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.
The training will be delivered in partnership with Diopter Technologies. Its Managing Director, Emmanuel Ugwumba, urged the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously and remain focused on the long-term benefits.
“When you are done, you will become valuable to STARZS or any other company,” he said, encouraging them to become shining examples in their families and communities.
The company also rewarded long-serving employees in recognition of their dedication, resilience and loyalty. Service awards were presented to employees who had spent five, 10, 15 and 20 years with the firm, while four staff members were elevated to partners in the business.
Those elevated to partners include Sofieye Uzor, who received a two per cent of the company’s shareholding, and Monday Benson, Iyowuna Obomanu and Gideon Erondo, who each received one per cent.