Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), the Nigerian wholly owned subsidiary of Thor Explorations Ltd, has advanced its commitment to sustainable community development with the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and the award of scholarships to students across its host communities in Osun State.
Through the 2026 Segilola Women Initiative Programme (SWIP) and the SROL Gold Scholarship Programme (SGSP), 96 beneficiaries from Iperindo, Odo-Ijesha and Imogbara communities received support aimed at strengthening livelihoods, expanding economic opportunities and investing in the long-term development of young people.
Under SWIP, 30 women entrepreneurs received equipment tailored to their businesses, including freezers, sewing and stoning machines, digesters, multi-purpose grinders, gas burners and cooler sets. The support is designed to help beneficiaries increase productivity, expand their businesses and build more sustainable sources of income.
A further three previous SWIP beneficiaries, one from each host community, received additional equipment as part of the programme’s continuous monitoring and business upscaling initiative. In Iperindo, a beneficiary was upgraded from a domestic sewing machine to an industrial sewing machine to increase production capacity. In Odo-Ijesha, a beneficiary who had previously received a pepper grinder received a flour and maize grinder, enabling her to diversify her processing business. In Imogbara, weaving and button-cover machines were added to an existing sewing business, enabling the beneficiary to broaden her services and expand her enterprise.
Since its launch in 2021, SWIP has supported more than 200 women across SROL’s host communities, providing practical tools and equipment to promote financial independence and greater participation in the local economy.
Speaking about the impact of the programme, returning SWIP beneficiary Adesuyi Titilope Elizabeth said:
“I appreciate SROL for recognizing 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.”
Alongside the women empowerment programme, Thor Explorations, through SROL, awarded scholarships to 63 students from its host communities, comprising 28 secondary school students and 35 tertiary students.
Through the SROL Gold Scholarship Programme, students are recognised for outstanding academic performance while receiving support to further their education and realise their potential.
Top-performing students in each category also received laptops and learning devices to support digital learning and encourage 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 at ceremonies held on August 20 at the Iperindo Community New Town Hall.
The SWIP and SROL Gold Scholarship Programme form part of Thor Explorations’ broader commitment, delivered through SROL, to creating shared and lasting value in the communities surrounding its operations.
Through continued investment in education, entrepreneurship, livelihoods and skills development, the Group is supporting initiatives that respond to local priorities and contribute to sustainable development beyond the life of the mine.
Thor Explorations expands community investment through women empowerment, scholarship programmes