INTELS raises stakes in CSR, donates N1.2bn ultramodern market to Onne town
…Donations shows total recovery from recent crisis with federal agencies
Indications have emerged showing that leading oil and gas logistics services provider and concessionaire of Onne Free Zone in Rivers State, INTELS Nigeria Limited may have fully recovered from the running battle it recently had with some federal agencies including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) over remittances to the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
Part of the indications can be seen from the rising provision of life supporting infrastructure and related assistances to host communities in the states of its operations in recent times.
Only weekend, the company delivered a N1.2 billion ultramodern market to the Onne Community in Rivers State.
Currently, INTELS Nigeria Limited developed and operates its major base within the Oil and Gas Free Zone, Onne, Rivers State. The company is also a concessionaire to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); operating dedicated oil and gas terminals at the ports of Onne, Calabar and Warri.
Explaining more on the reasons for the growing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) records of the company, the General Manager, Mr. Silvano Bellinato, said the ultramodern market was built as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to deepen informal sector development and provide better platform for the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He disclosed that currently, the company’s CSR focuses on critical areas of intervention including creation of employment, empowerment and provision of development projects for host communities, noting that INTELS adopts an integrated participatory approach to its CSR and community development projects.
Bellinato added that “At INTELS, our CSR is tailored to create an environment in which the host communities and the company become fundamentally interdependent, where understanding is mutual and commitment to growth and development total”.
He said INTELS also provides scholarships and employment to indigent and physically-challenged students, in addition to instituting various empowerment programmes for youth and women.
According to him, no fewer than 66 physically-challenged persons have been granted scholarships by the company. He said the scholarship scheme, which was set up in 2003, covers primary, secondary and tertiary education.
“Some of the beneficiaries enjoyed the scholarship from primary school through to tertiary education, attaining professional qualifications in various fields of human endeavours. The beneficiaries also have the opportunity of working at INTELS after completing their education if they so desire.
“Currently, more than 700 women have been trained and empowered by the company through its internationally acclaimed Women Empowerment Programme Scheme Synergy (WEPSS).
Business Hilights recalls that WEPSS was established in 2013 with the vision of empowering 5,000 community women over a 20-year period through training in fashion design and tailoring.
INTELS boss added that “to ensure successful implementation of the WEPSS initiative, INTELS acquired and made available over 300 sewing and specialised machines and built a 5000-square metres garment manufacturing factory at the Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT), Onne, Rivers State, for the training”.
“INTELS remains resolute in enhancing the lives of people in its area of operation, and remains committed to the development of communities in the area,’ he said revealing that “INTELS has won several awards and commendation, at both national and international levels, for its exemplary community development and empowerment programmes”.
One of the latest laurels includes the recent honours awarded to it by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) – an agency of government under the Federal Ministry of Transportation – for its outstanding contribution to the development of its host communities.
The award; ‘Most Outstanding Terminal Operator in Corporate Social Responsibility’, according to NSC was in recognition of the company’s exploits in service delivery.
Added to NSC awards, the Paramount Ruler of Onne Clan in Rivers State, King John Dennis Osaronu, recently sent a commendation letter to the company, describing it as “a company Nigerians must be proud of”.
In the letter, the monarch averred that INTELS has provided roads, drainages, streetlights, medical services and several other amenities to the community. He also commended INTELS for empowering women and youth in the community and beyond.
