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SPDC Spends N467m On 30 Overseas Scholars
L-R apc Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, wife of Ekiti State Governor, Bisi, apc national leader, Sen. Bola Tinubu and former Head of State, retired Major-General Muhammed Buhari, at apc mega rally in Ado-Ekiti, recently. Photo: NAN
In line with its corporate policy to build capacity of Niger Delta youth to enable them bridge the manpower gap in the oil and gas industry, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) has spent about $3million (approximately N487.2million) in three years to empower 30 Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers students with post-graduate degrees in geosciences and engineering disciplines from three top universities in the United Kingdom.
The universities are Imperial College, London, University College, London, and University of Leeds while
the 30 students are products of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 batches of the ingenous scholarship initiative.
Speaking at the grand reception for the third batch of 10 scholars of the Niger Delta Overseas Post-
Graduate Scholarship scheme in his residence in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Managing Director, SPDC, Mutiu Sunmonu, said that the fourth batch of another 10 students were about to round up their programme while approval is underway for the fifth batch of 10 to commence their studies in September, 2014.
Sunmonu said that the scheme was initiated “because we recognised that Nigerian university graduates in our core operating areas needed to have a competitive advantage to be considered for key leadership opportunities in the oil and gas industry anywhere” in the world.
The managing director, who is also the country chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), noted that the all-expenses paid scheme was designed to ensure that the focus of the students is fuuly on their studies, saying that “we decided to get you fully involved and equipped with a first class education because we believe that this is the exposure you need to confidently play on any stage. We have no doubt that you, the next generation of oil and gas professionals, will make a difference in the industry.”
He stated that the transparency, rigorous and auditable merit-based selection process was designed to engender premium academic competition and performance amongst the very best university graduates
from the three states in the region, adding that in order to further enrich the scheme’s content, an internship project for scholars from Imperial College to undertake specific research studies on SCiN assets has commenced since 2013.
Sunmonu explained that apart from the Niger Delta Overseas Post-Graduate Scholarship, the company has also invested significantly in human capital development by facilitating access to education at all levels, stressing that “in 2013, the sum of $7million was spent on scholarship programmes for 1,795 secondary and 850 university students.
“Some Niger Delta youths were also trained in business management and entrepreneurship development under the SPDC JV LiveWIRE programme. This is in addition to our support for science fairs and full sponsorship ofthe national science quiz competition”, Sunmonu said.
According to him, “Nigeria is the largest recipient of social investment spending by the Shell Group globally. We are happy that our investments in formal and informal education represent one of the biggest corporate social responsibility portfolios operated by any private company in Sub-Saharan Africa.”
In his remarks, General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, Igo Weli, emphasised that the scheme has enabled Shell train high-level professionals for leadership positions in the oil and gas industry, saying that with 30 beneficiaries already contributing to the efficiency and productive capacity of the industry, the region would soon begin to dominate top leadership and drive the industry of the future.
Represented at the event by Camillus Umoh, the NCD general manager said that the performance of the 30 graduates of the scheme since its inception in 2010 has justified the huge investment in building the capacity of Niger Delta youths to take up leadership roles in the industry and play their parts in community, state and national development, noting that the scheme has in no small measure added another impetus to Shell’s local content development profile.
In their goodwill messages, General Manager, Sustainable Development and Community Relations, Nedo Osayande, and NGO and Reputation Manager, Dr Alice Ajie, said Shell’s long-standing education policy has continued to add value to the skilled manpower base of the region in particular and Nigeria in general, noting especially the impact of the Shell Summer School programme in improving knowledge in engineering and geosciences fields for the benefit of the national’s academic institutions, the people and the industry.
They urged the beneficiaries to form a network of scholars of the overseas post-graduate scheme, and also plug into the Shell Scholars Forum to enable them harness the abundant potential in interacting more closely with the different units of the large family of the leading international oil and gas company.
Also speaking, General Manager, Human Resources, Charles Gbandi, said Shell has concluded plans for early monitoring and evaluation of all scholars under the scheme with a view to ensuring that their very best are recruited to join the company’s workforce, saying that Shell would from 2015 have the first choice of refusal of employment from the beneficiaries.
He said that the policy would allow Shell conclude its recruitment interviews and processes with the scholars while they are still undertaking their studies, explaining that the new policy would avail Shell the opportunity to benefit from its investment in quality geosciences and engineering education in the region.
In their various testimonials, seven of the scholars noted the first class, top quality, highly intensive and competitive academic climate they were exposed to in just one year, and commended Shell for giving them the rare privilege to acquire Master’s Degrees from three of the top universities in the world.
The scholars, who said that without Shell, their dream of acquiring post-graduate degrees from one of the best universities in the world would not have been possible, expressed their desire to work for Shell to enable them contribute to the industry and national development.
Present at the reception were Diakparomre Ufuoma Azubuike (Delta), Dambani Samuel Legborsi (Rivers), Duvbiama Omolara Atarhe (Delta), Samuel Revelation Jacob (Bayelsa), Adebeli Onyemaechi Hillary (Delta), Ogbilikana Joseph Sampson (Rivers), and Emmanuel Joseph Coo key (Rivers), while Mogbolu Peter Odafe (Delta), Ojameruaye Ogheneovo Christine (Delta) and Enebeli Paul Chukwudi (Delta) sent their regrets.
Nelson Chukwudi
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol