AllAfrica.com: Globacom, Shell Partner to Curb Unemployment: “Economic and social experts have described unemployment and poverty as the main reasons for the restiveness in the Niger Delta.” (ShellNews.net)

This Day (Lagos)

'Lola Adewoyin

Post 16 Sept 2004

Globacom has taken another giant stride in its effort to proffer solution to the Nigerian situation as it partnered with oil giant, Shell Petroleum-Development Company, in the Niger-Delta. The partnership is to alleviate the unemployment problem and poverty rampaging the region. Economic and social experts have described unemployment and poverty as the main reasons for the restiveness in the Niger Delta.

The two companies, working under the aegis of Telecoms Self-Employment Programme, (TELSEP) are making available telecommunication infrastructure and equipment that will help individuals who have the drive to become self employed and even create job for others.

TELSEP is a rural telecoms initiative designed to support youth and women entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta, to set up mobile call centres. TELSEP is primarily targeted at young entrepreneurs from18 to 30 years of age and Women In Enterprise in SPDC host communities with Globacom coverage.

The programme aims at supporting entrepreneurs to establish call centres, ensuring that telecoms services are available in target areas and creating self-sustaining avenues for increased employment and income.

Under the scheme, Globacom and Shell will provide Alcatel handsets, Glo Premium Lines, parasols, promotional vests and start-up training for beneficiaries, to enhance their technical and business management skills.

The partnership comes on the heels of a similar arrangement with the National Poverty Eradication Programme, which is also geared at helping to improve the standard of living of Nigerians who currently live below poverty line.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200409150695.html