…Donates 750KVA Transformer to Rivers Special Needs School

Concerned by the longstanding electricity challenges in Okerewa Community in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has donated a 750KVA transformer to the people.

According to the association, the initiative is part of efforts to improve residents’ living conditions and contribute to community development, as development should not be left to government alone.

The transformer was presented to the community by the National Treasurer of PENGASSAN, David Owan, who led members of the association’s board and other officials to the community.

Speaking during the presentation, Owan described the occasion as a memorable moment for the people of Okerewa, noting that the provision of the transformer was aimed at addressing the community’s lingered electricity problems.

He explained that improved electricity supply would not only enhance the quality of life of residents but would also provide an enabling environment for small and medium-scale businesses to thrive, thereby creating opportunities for economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood.

Owan said the gesture was part of PENGASSAN’s commitment to giving back to society and demonstrating its corporate social responsibility beyond the petroleum industry.

He therefore urged the leadership and residents of Okerewa Community to protect and safeguard the transformer against vandalism, stressing that responsible maintenance and protection of the facility would help sustain its benefits and encourage the provision of more development-oriented projects to the community.

Responding, representatives of Okerewa Community expressed appreciation to PENGASSAN for the gesture, describing the transformer as a major intervention that would go a long way in addressing the prolonged and epileptic power supply experienced by residents.

They assured the association of the community’s commitment to protecting the facility and ensuring that it serves its intended purpose.

In continuation of the programme, the PENGASSAN delegation proceeded to Lens Foundation and Special Needs School in Rumuokwurusi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, where it donated materials to support persons with special needs at the institution.

The donation, was intended to enhance the welfare and wellbeing of the beneficiaries and support their efforts towards achieving greater independence and inclusion in society.

Addressing the students and members of the school community, Owan encouraged persons living with special needs not to regard themselves as inferior or less important members of society.

He urged them to remain confident in their abilities, develop their talents and continue to contribute their quota to the development of society, stressing that every individual has a role to play in nation-building irrespective of physical challenges.

Owan also reaffirmed PENGASSAN’s commitment to initiatives that positively impact communities and vulnerable groups, describing the interventions as part of the association’s broader responsibility to society.

Representatives of Lens Foundation and Special Needs School also expressed appreciation to PENGASSAN for the donation, saying the gesture would contribute significantly to improving the welfare and learning experience of the beneficiaries.

The two interventions formed part of PENGASSAN’s efforts to strengthen community development, promote social inclusion and provide practical support to people and communities in need.