The management of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, Lagos, has lauded the company’s corporate social responsibility impact in its host communities, revealing that its modest contributions have fostered knowledge and research at the Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden.
The company’s executive chairman and founder, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, disclosed this while speaking with our correspondent in Uyo recently after his conferment of an honorary doctorate degree in business administration.
Indimi was honoured alongside the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who bagged a Doctor of Arts; and the Central Bank Deputy Governor (Corporate Services), Mrs Emem Usoro, who received a Doctor of Business Administration.
The university’s Governing Council, in a letter, said Indimi’s nomination was based on recognition of “his outstanding accomplishments, impacts on industry and immense contributions to scientific research, knowledge advancement, mentorship and national development.”
The executive chairman, who spoke through his company’s Head of Community and Government Relations, Dr Uwem Ite, disclosed that in the 2022/2024 session, the company sponsored a research programme in the Department of Geology, which enhanced research activities and knowledge.
He added that the university was named the best state university in Nigeria following the 2024 Basin Evaluation Competition, highlighting its expertise in the energy sector.
According to him, the company also instituted a university scholarship award scheme for undergraduates from Akwa Ibom State studying in Nigerian universities, with more than 2,000 students benefiting from the initiative.
He said, “In addition, from 2022 to 2024, my company (Oriental Energy Resources Limited) contributed to research, teaching and learning at Akwa Ibom State University by sponsoring a research programme in the Department of Geology of this university. Several staff and students benefitted from the research programme.
“As a father and grandfather, I know what it takes to provide quality education for our children. This is part of the reason that my company instituted a university scholarship award scheme for undergraduates from Akwa Ibom State who are studying in Nigerian universities.
“Since the inception of our operations offshore, more than 2,000 students from Akwa Ibom State have benefited from the scheme. Some of the Oriental Energy University Scholarship beneficiaries studied in and subsequently graduated from this great university.”
He noted that the new award would spur him to do more community-driven services, citing his longstanding relationship with Akwa Ibom State, particularly in the Mbo Local Government Area where the company operates, and with the university community.
“The award I have received today has given me a fresh impetus,” he added.
