Segilola rolls out minibuses, tools to power youth enterprises

By Chioma Obinna

Under its second phase of its 2026 Youth Empowerment Programme, operator of Nigeria’s first large-scale commercial gold mine, Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), has deepened its investment in community development by handing over nine commercial minibuses and providing business support to artisans across its host communities in Osun State

The initiative, implemented under the company’s Community Development Agreement (CDA), is aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods, reducing unemployment and strengthening local economies through entrepreneurship and skills development.

Under the transport empowerment scheme, three commercial minibuses each were presented to beneficiaries from Iperindo, Odo-Ijesha and Imogbara communities to enable them establish commercial transportation businesses and generate steady sources of income.

In addition to the transport scheme, the company expanded support for beneficiaries of previous empowerment programmes by providing equipment to help them grow their businesses.

Among the beneficiaries is Mr. Kayode Temitope, an aluminium fabricator from Imogbara, who received a power generator to improve productivity after benefiting from the 2025 Youth Empowerment Programme.

Also, supported was Mr. Akinrotimi Seun Michael, a cobbler from Iperindo who completed both the beginner and advanced vocational training programmes in 2023. He received additional working materials and a filing machine to expand his production capacity.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, SROL’s Mines Manager, Engr. Sikiru Haruna, said the company remains committed to empowering residents of its host communities through initiatives that create lasting economic value.

“At Segilola Resources Operating Limited, we believe lasting community development begins with investing in people. Through our Youth Empowerment Programme, we are equipping members of our host communities with the tools, resources and opportunities they need to build sustainable businesses, improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of their communities.

“Our commitment is to create opportunities that continue to deliver value long after today’s intervention,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries of the transport scheme, Mr. James Adejugbagbe, described the vehicle as a turning point in his life.

“Receiving this vehicle is a life-changing opportunity for me and my family. It gives me a reliable means of earning a living and the confidence to build a sustainable business.

“I sincerely appreciate Segilola Resources Operating Limited for investing in our future and creating opportunities that will positively impact our communities. We are committed to making the most of this opportunity to improve our lives and support our families,” he said.

The Youth Empowerment Programme is one of the flagship initiatives under SROL’s Community Development Agreement, through which the company collaborates with its host communities to promote inclusive socio-economic development.

By supporting transport operators, artisans and other small business owners with productive assets and vocational skills, the mining firm said it is helping to stimulate local enterprise, create jobs and build more resilient communities across its operational areas in Osun State.