Olu of Warri’s Representative, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema Launches SME Grant and Skills Training Programmes for Itsekiri Indigenes

The Office of the Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri to NNPC Limited and its Joint Venture (JV) Partners has officially launched two major empowerment initiatives targeted exclusively at Itsekiri indigenes, in a strategic move to promote economic growth, skills acquisition, and self-reliance within Itsekiri communities.

The programmes, unveiled on Friday, April 10, 2026, include the Itsekiri Indigenes SME Grant Programme and the Itsekiri Skills Training Programme, both designed to address unemployment and enhance capacity development among Itsekiri youths and entrepreneurs.

The SME Grant Programme is structured to provide financial support to Itsekiri-owned startups and existing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative aims to stimulate grassroots entrepreneurship, foster job creation, and drive sustainable economic development across Itsekiri communities.
In addition, the Skills Training Programme offers comprehensive, hands-on technical and vocational training through two accredited institutions.

These include El-Totuoma Weld School in Port Harcourt, which will provide training in welding, fabrication, and boat building, as well as UNIBEN Consultancy in partnership with Petro-Tracking in Benin City, where participants will be trained in pipeline inspection and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), natural gas processing, drilling operations, forklift operations, electrical and solar installation, and crop production.

A total of 660 training slots have been made available across both training centres, offering a significant opportunity for Itsekiri youths to acquire industry-relevant skills.

The Office emphasized that both initiatives are strictly reserved for Itsekiri indigenes, urging all applicants to carefully review the eligibility and selection criteria before applying. Only candidates who meet all stipulated requirements will be considered.

The application window is open from Friday, April 10, 2026, to Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Interested applicants can register and access full details via the official portal:
www.owpla.org⁠

Speaking on the initiative, Prince Collins Oritsetimeyin Edema, Sole Representative of the Olu of Warri to NNPC Limited / JV Partners, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering Itsekiri people through sustainable development programmes that will enhance economic independence and long-term community growth.

This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening human capital development and fostering economic resilience within Itsekiri land.