692 A’Ibom indigenes benefit from Oriental Energy education, skills programme
Uyo, Sept. 10, 2026 ( TBL Africa) 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.
Speaking at the event on Thursday in Uyo, the Chairman of the Trust, Mr Inam Okon, said the interventions were designed to create opportunities and improve the long-term prospects of beneficiaries and their communities.
Okon said 72 beneficiaries were selected for vocational and skills training, while 400 students received education bursaries, comprising 200 secondary school and 200 tertiary education students.
He added that 40 beneficiaries received full secondary school scholarships, while 180 others received business grants.
“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.
“Those who successfully complete their training are expected to receive take-off support,” Okon said.
According to him, under the education programme, 200 secondary school students and 200 tertiary education students will receive bursaries of N500,000 each.
He added that the 40 beneficiaries of the full secondary school scholarships would receive support until the completion of their secondary education.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Mbo Local Government Area, Mr Sunday Etim, commended Oriental Energy for maintaining a strong relationship with the local government and its communities.
Etim described the Trust’s initiative as a tangible intervention, noting the educational support for students and business grants provided without repayment obligations.
He said the programme would benefit the recipients and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
Also speaking, 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.
Indimi, represented by the company’s Head of Community Relations, Dr Uwem Ite, described the Trust as an important milestone in efforts to create positive change and foster prosperity in the host communities.
“For us at Oriental Energy, the establishment of Effiat and Mbo Host Communities’ Development Trust is more than simple compliance with the law,” he said.
Indimi added that the company had sponsored capacity development for community stakeholders on sustainable community development planning and management ahead of the establishment of the Trust.
The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Mr Nsikak Ekong, said the interventions had the potential to empower beneficiaries, strengthen livelihoods and create sustainable economic opportunities for young people and families.
Ekong, represented by the Director of Petroleum Resources in the ministry, Mr Anietie Emah, commended the Trust for investing in education, skills acquisition and small businesses.
Mr Henry Edet, who represented 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 urged students and vocational trainees to approach the programmes with discipline and make effective use of the opportunities provided.
He said the Trust would monitor the programmes to promote accountability and ensure that the interventions contributed to educational advancement.
