The graduation of twenty (20) Esan youths from Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State with international certification in welding and fabrication after a nine-month training is part of the various milestones in the journey to Esanland capacity building and industrialization championed by the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP).
From inception in 2001, the Association of Esan Professionals (AEP) was clearly focused on empowering Esan people through rapid social and economic development of Esanland, mobilizing and facilitating youths and human capital development as well as fostering the spirit of unity and a sense of oneness among all Esan people.
This vision combined with the desire to emancipate Esanland from the vicious cycle of poverty inspired the institution of Esan Economic Empowerment Workshop (EEEW), a summit aimed at promoting economic revival and infrastructural development of Esanland.
In July 2017, AEP signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the management of PTI on skill acquisition for Esan youths. Pursuant to that MoU, the Association has so far sent two batches of young graduates of Esan extraction to the institute for a nine-month training in the acquisition of special skills in welding and fabrication techniques under the Association’s Skill Acquisition Programme.
At the graduation ceremony of the first batch of trainees held at PTI Conference Centre in Effurun on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki who was represented by the Honourable Commisssioner for Education, Hon. Emmanuel Agbale in his keynote address, eulogized AEP for this noble project being the first of its kind in Edo State. He assured the graduands of the Edo State Government support and urged them to upload their curriculum vitae (CV) on Government job portal.
The Principal and Chief Executive of the institute, Prof. Sunny Iyuke, through the Director of Research and, Dr. R.M. Umoh commended AEP for the laudable initiative of the training. He likened the programme to the Malaysian model for capacity building, poverty alleviation and economic independence and called on other bodies to emulate the Association of Esan Professionals. Prof. Iyuke added that with the International Welder Certification, the youths can work anywhere in the world as tube welders having gone through rigorous training and assessment on fillet, plate and pipe welding.
On August 1, 2018, the PTI trained international welders and fabricators were presented to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki at Government House, Benin City. The Governor assured the graduands that his Government will give employment priority to them through partner projects as well as link them to firms where their skills will be effectively put to use. He made reference to the proposed construction of modular refinery in Edo State which will commence soon.
The production of a well investigated video documentary on Esan Cultural Values and Practices (2015)
The deployment of ₦40 million on various projects in Ewu and other parts of Esanland (2005)
Formation and training of artisans/welders’ co-operative members in Esanland for a period of 6 months (2007)
Collaboration and 5% shares in the establishment of a poultry known as Virgin foods Ltd with and initial set-up capital of ₦43 million in Ubiaja, Esan South-East L.G.A. towards empowering our people and cater for the needs of the poultry co-operatives (2007)
Capacity building in terms of sponsoring teaching staff in public schools and providing books for them.
Payment of stipends to all NYSC members in schools in Esanland and facilitating the posting of more NYSC members to schools in Esanland to complement the efforts of the very few in all public secondary schools (2014)
Advocacy and survey to stimulate Edo State Government intervention in the education sector in Esanland.
The training of some Esan Farmers (males and females) on improved agricultural processes to enables them attain higher yields and soft loans given to them to run their co-operative societies (2008).
Sponsorship of candidates to Uhiele Farm Training Center (UFTC)
Sponsorship of the training of 25 farmers to Songhai center in Port Novo, Republic of Benin on animal husbandry (2007)
Facilitating awards to 12 deserving female Students of Edo extraction by a Canadian based NGO, Association of Women Experts (AAWE)
Total prize money = ₦4.5million (₦2million and ₦2.5million for junior secondary school and senior secondary school respectively - 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions (2010)
Total prize money = ₦4.5million (₦2million and ₦2.5million for junior secondary school and senior secondary school respectively - 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions (2011)
Provision of equipment for Science and Home Economics laboratories at Ujolen Grammar School, Ekpoma (2011)
Provision of equipment for biology, Agricultural Science, Chemistry and Physics Laboratories at Iduwele Girls Secondary School, Ewu
Provision of tables, chairs and refrigerator for Staff room/Principal office and accommodation for NYSC members at Annunciation Catholic College (ACC), Irrua (2011)
Renovation of 2 classrooms, provision of equipment for Home Economics Laboratory, changing of roof and ceiling as well as painting 6 classrooms block at Sacred Heart Girls Model School, Ubiaja.
Provision of Science laboratory equipment and furnishing/renovation of the library at Ebhoiyi Secondary School, Uromi
Rehabilitation of student dormitory at Esan Model Boys Grammar School, Uromi.