Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), the Nigerian wholly owned subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd, has continued its community development efforts in Osun State by supporting women entrepreneurs and students across its host communities.

The company provided the support through the 2026 Segilola Women Initiative Programme (SWIP) and the SROL Gold Scholarship Programme (SGSP), benefiting 96 people from Iperindo, Odo-Ijesha and Imogbara. The initiatives are focused on strengthening livelihoods, creating economic opportunities and supporting the long-term development of young people.

Under SWIP, 30 women entrepreneurs received equipment suited to their respective businesses. The items included freezers, sewing and stoning machines, digesters, multi-purpose grinders, gas burners and cooler sets.

The intervention is intended to improve the beneficiaries’ productivity, support business expansion and help them develop more sustainable sources of income.

SROL also provided additional equipment to three previous SWIP beneficiaries, with one beneficiary selected from each host community, as part of its ongoing monitoring and business upscaling efforts.

In Iperindo, one beneficiary received an industrial sewing machine to replace a domestic model, enabling her to increase her production capacity. In Odo-Ijesha, another beneficiary who had earlier received a pepper grinder was given a flour and maize grinder to diversify her processing business.

In Imogbara, a beneficiary whose existing enterprise was based on sewing received weaving and button-cover machines, allowing her to expand the range of services offered by her business.

Since SWIP began in 2021, the programme has supported more than 200 women across SROL’s host communities with practical tools and equipment intended to promote financial independence and increase their participation in the local economy.

Returning SWIP beneficiary Adesuyi Titilope Elizabeth said:

“I appreciate SROL for recognising the needs of women in our community and providing practical support. This equipment will help me serve more customers and increase my income. I hope to become an example to other women.”

Beyond the women empowerment initiative, Thor Explorations, through SROL, awarded scholarships to 63 students from its host communities.

The scholarship beneficiaries comprised 28 secondary school students and 35 tertiary students. Through the SROL Gold Scholarship Programme, students are recognised for strong academic performance and provided with assistance to continue their education and fulfil their potential.

The top-performing students in each category also received laptops and learning devices to facilitate digital learning and support continued academic excellence.

Speaking at the event, Madhurii Sarkar-Amoda, Community Development and Stakeholder Manager, SROL, said:

“When a company creates initiatives that directly address community needs, the impact is real. At Segilola, we see our host communities as partners in progress. Women and youth are central to entrepreneurship and sustainability. These programmes provide immediate support while laying the foundation for long-term growth and self-reliance.”

The 2026 awards were presented by Thor Explorations at ceremonies held on August 20 at the Iperindo Community New Town Hall.

The SWIP and SROL Gold Scholarship Programme are part of Thor Explorations’ wider community development commitment, implemented through SROL, to create shared and lasting value in communities surrounding its operations.

The Group’s continued investments in education, entrepreneurship, livelihoods and skills development are intended to support initiatives that address local priorities and contribute to sustainable development beyond the life of the mine.

Source: The Guardian