Onne Community Development Initiative Celebrates 5th Year

Since 2019, the Onne Community Development Initiative has stood as a testament to what sustainable corporate-community partnership can achieve. As we celebrate five years of this transformative program, we reflect on the profound impact it has had on the lives of thousands of residents in our primary operational base in Rivers State.

A Partnership Built on Trust

Onne has been home to our operations for over three decades. Recognizing that our success is intrinsically linked to the prosperity of our host community, we launched this comprehensive development initiative to address the most pressing needs identified by community leaders themselves.

Infrastructure That Transforms Lives

Our infrastructure investments have focused on projects that create lasting value for the community. From road improvements that connect remote areas to market centers, to the construction of modern community centers that serve as hubs for education and social activities.

Empowering Through Education and Skills

Education remains the cornerstone of sustainable development. Our scholarship program has enabled 85 young people to pursue higher education, with 60% focusing on maritime and technical fields that directly support local employment opportunities.

"The technical training program has changed my life completely. I now run my own welding business and employ three other young people from the community. This is the kind of sustainable impact we need."

Economic Empowerment and Job Creation

Beyond direct employment in our operations, the initiative has fostered local entrepreneurship through:

• Vendor Development Programs: Supporting local businesses to meet international standards and supply our operations
• Micro-Finance Support: Low-interest loans for small business development, particularly for women entrepreneurs
• Market Linkage Programs: Connecting local producers with broader markets beyond the community

Looking Ahead: The Next Five Years

As we enter the second phase of the Onne Community Development Initiative, our focus shifts to sustainability and scaling impact. New priorities include:

A Model for Corporate-Community Partnership

The success of the Onne Community Development Initiative has attracted attention from other corporations and development organizations. We regularly share our learnings and best practices, contributing to a broader understanding of how sustainable community development can be achieved through genuine partnership.

As we celebrate five years of this transformative initiative, we remain committed to the vision that guides all our CSR efforts: creating shared value where business success and community prosperity go hand in hand.