Oriental Energy Resources Limited has supported 692 residents of its host communities in Akwa Ibom State with education bursaries, scholarships, vocational training and business grants through the Effiat and Mbo Host Communities’ Development Trust.
The beneficiaries were welcomed at the just-concluded 2026 orientation exercise held in Uyo. According to a statement by the company, the intervention, which is part of the implementation of the Trust’s Host Communities Development Plan, covers 72 beneficiaries selected for vocational and skills training, 400 education bursary beneficiaries, 40 full secondary school scholarship beneficiaries and 180 recipients of business grants.
The Chairman of the trust, Inam Okon, said the interventions were designed to create opportunities and improve the long-term prospects of beneficiaries and their communities.
“Today, we are not just presenting bursaries and scholarships to deserving beneficiaries. We are also creating opportunities for learning, skill, growth and empowerment,” Okon said.
The 400 education bursary beneficiaries comprise 200 secondary school students and 200 tertiary education students, with each tertiary education bursary beneficiary expected to receive a one-off grant of N500,000.
The 40 full secondary school scholarship beneficiaries will receive support until the completion of their secondary education.
For the vocational training programme, 72 beneficiaries will receive training from Dakkada Training Centre, Azimarine for welding and fabrication, and Aptech Computer School for computer training.
The trust said it would cover tuition, accommodation, feeding and other programme-related expenses for the vocational trainees, who would also receive monthly stipends.
Beneficiaries who successfully complete their vocational training are also expected to receive take-off support. The trust also selected 180 residents for business grants, with 80 per cent of each approved amount to be released upfront.
It added that the remaining 20 per cent would be paid after verification that the initial disbursement had been used for the approved business purpose.
The Chairman of Mbo Local Government Council, Hon. Sunday Etim, commended Oriental Energy for its relationship with the local government and its host communities.
“Oriental Energy is one company that relates very well with the Mbo Local Government and our communities,” Etim said.
He described the intervention as one with tangible benefits, citing the educational support for students and grants provided without repayment obligations. Etim said the programme would support beneficiaries and contribute to the local economy of Mbo.
The Managing Director of Oriental Energy, Mustafa Indimi, stated that the establishment of the Effiat and Mbo Host Communities’ Development Trust reflected the company’s commitment, as Settlor, to creating lasting value in its host communities.