Abuja: No fewer than 692 indigenes of Effiat, Uda, Udesi, Ebughu and Enwang communities in Akwa Ibom have benefited from an education and skills support programme by Oriental Energy. The programme was implemented under the Effiat and Mbo Host Communities’ Development Trust, in partnership with Oriental Energy, the Settlor.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chairman of the Trust, Mr. Inam Okon, speaking at an event in Uyo, said the interventions were designed to create opportunities and improve the long-term prospects of beneficiaries and their communities. Okon detailed that 72 beneficiaries were selected for vocational and skills training, while 400 students received education bursaries, with an equal split between secondary and tertiary education students. Additionally, 40 beneficiaries were awarded full secondary school scholarships, and 180 others received business grants.
Mr. Okon emphasized the holistic approach of the programme, stating, “Today, we are not just presenting bursaries and scholarships to deserving beneficiaries. We are also creating opportunities for learning, skills, growth and empowerment.” Vocational training will be provided by Dakkada Training Centre, Azimarine for welding and fabrication, and Aptech Computer School for computer training. The Trust will cover tuition, accommodation, feeding, and other programme-related expenses for vocational trainees, who will also receive monthly stipends. Successful trainees are expected to receive take-off support.
Under the education programme, 200 secondary school students and 200 tertiary education students will receive bursaries of N500,000 each. The 40 beneficiaries of full secondary school scholarships will receive support until they complete their secondary education.
In his remarks, Mr. Sunday Etim, Chairman of Mbo Local Government Area, commended Oriental Energy for maintaining a strong relationship with the local government and its communities. Etim highlighted the Trust’s initiative as a tangible intervention, noting the educational support for students and business grants provided without repayment obligations. He stated that the programme would benefit the recipients and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
Mr. Mustafa Indimi, Managing Director of Oriental Energy, said the establishment of the Trust reflected the company’s commitment, as Settlor, to creating lasting value in its host communities. Represented by Dr. Uwem Ite, the company’s Head of Community Relations, Indimi described the Trust as an important milestone in efforts to create positive change and foster prosperity in the host communities.
The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Mr. Nsikak Ekong, noted the programme’s potential to empower beneficiaries, strengthen livelihoods, and create sustainable economic opportunities for young people and families. Represented by Mr. Anietie Emah, Director of Petroleum Resources in the ministry, Ekong commended the Trust for investing in education, skills acquisition, and small businesses.
Mr. Henry Edet, representing the Trust’s Management Committee, urged business grant recipients to treat the funds as business capital, maintain proper records, and use the grants strictly for their approved purposes. Edet also encouraged students and vocational trainees to approach the programmes with discipline and make effective use of the opportunities provided. He stated that the Trust would monitor the programmes to promote accountability and ensure that the interventions contributed to educational advancement.