INTELS Empowers 62 Women Through Tailoring Skills Program 

INTELS Nigeria Limited, a leading oil and gas logistics company, has empowered 62 women through its Women Empowerment Project Scheme Synergy (WEPSS). This initiative, launched in 2013, has now trained a total of 2,047 women, equipping them with skills in fashion design and tailoring. During the 11th graduation ceremony of the WEPSS program, INTELS also donated 500 garments designed by the graduates to support its host communities, showcasing its commitment to community upliftment and corporate responsibility. 

Investing in Women is Investing in Development 

Speaking at the event, INTELS Managing Director, Mr. Pasquale Fiore, emphasized the company’s belief in empowering women as a vital source of global development. When we invest in a woman, we are investing in a powerful source for global development. Since its inception, WEPSS has empowered over 2,000 women. Each year, we strive to take on bigger projects to support more women and provide them with the tools they need to succeed, Fiore stated. He encouraged the graduates to use their newfound skills to excel in the fashion industry while remembering to give back to society. “Knowledge is power, and ambition is the driver. Use the skills you have acquired here to build successful careers and uplift others around you,” he added. 

Equipping Women for Professional Growth 

The Executive Director of Legal, Corporate Services, Contracts, and Compliance at INTELS, Amaopusenibo Epelle, urged the graduates to leverage their training for both personal and professional development. You can now showcase your creativity and become role models for other women. Develop yourselves further, improve your collections, and make the best use of the knowledge gained here,” Epelle said. The WEPSS Project Manager, Nancy Freeborn, praised INTELS for its consistent support, noting how the initiative has transformed lives over the past 11 years. Many women have entered this training center with dreams and left empowered with the skills to achieve them. Today, we celebrate 62 new success stories as these women step into the world of fashion, Freeborn remarked. 

Rewarding Excellence 

As part of the ceremony, Obarijima Lewa, the 2024 best graduating trainee, was awarded N2 million and a starter kit, including an industrial sewing machine and a steam iron. Additionally, starter kits were presented to 15 other top-performing graduates to help them kickstart their careers in fashion design. 

When we empower women, we empower a nation. Through skills and knowledge, we are unlocking their potential to drive development and uplift communities.” – Pasquale Fiore, Managing Director, INTELS Nigeria Limited 

A Model for Corporate Responsibility in Nigeria 

With over 40 years of experience in Nigeria’s oil and gas logistics sector, INTELS continues to set a benchmark for corporate social responsibility and innovation in Africa. Headquartered in Onne, Rivers State, the company remains a symbol of excellence in both its industry and community-focused initiatives. 

The WEPSS program underscores the transformative power of empowering women with practical skills. By training over 2,000 women and aiming to empower 5,000 by 2033, INTELS is not just uplifting individuals but building stronger communities. As Mr. Fiore highlighted, “When we empower women, we empower a nation. This initiative serves as an inspiring example of how corporate organizations can drive sustainable development and create lasting impacts in society.