Foundation trains 4,000 in Niger Delta

The MGE Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has said it has trained over 4,000 people in skills in Niger Delta, to enable them escape from poverty.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the 8th edition graduation of 28 beneficiaries, the foundation’s Co-Founder, George Etomi, said the organisation had been carrying out such charity work since 2007.

He said the foundation was established to give back to the society, adding that they were compelled to give back to the people, who lost their means of livelihood, following the devastating effects of oil bunkering.

Etomi said: “In those days, when you graduated you could go fishing or further your education. We were proud of the system. Fishing was a thing of pride.

“So when we saw what we saw, it was annoying. But we told ourselves not to get mad, but to see how we could help people. If God allows us, we will lift as many people out of poverty as possible.

“Today, I am proud. We have reached out to over 4,000 beneficiaries, and we have over a 90 per cent success rate in terms of how they are doing in life”.

He advised beneficiaries to devise means of lifting others from poverty as a sign of appreciation.

“So those of you who are beneficiaries today, you are now part of what we are doing. When we touch your life, you give back by promising to touch others’ lives”, he said.

He appealed to the beneficiaries to take the opportunity seriously and aim for greater heights.

He said: “We do not interfere with the process. We should have reached out to more people, but we only want to take the number we can handle because it is a full-year training”.

Etomi disclosed that the foundation also partnered with Bishop Abere School of Music to train some students in music.

Also speaking, another founder, Dr. Mike Etomi, who spoke from London, said skills acquisition was the only viable option in the current economy.

He commended the Executive Director of the foundation, Ibifama Walaku, saying that during the cashless era she continued to follow up on the programme.

The Executive Director of the foundation, Walaku, said: “Our focus is on breaking the cycle of poverty in the Niger Delta region.

“Today, 28 people graduated from the foundation. Including them, the total number that have graduated from the foundation is 4033. They are going home with starter packs such as sewing machines, gas cookers and laptops”.

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Mbata, who donated N5million to support the foundation, hailed the founders of MGE Foundation, saying he was happy to associate himself with the noble cause.

Maxwell Adoki thanked the founders for giving them a sense of direction.

“I did not know how to express myself, but in my prayers I remember MGE Foundation every single morning,” Adoki said.