-By Michael J. Ekokoruwe:

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and the United Nation’s SDG 4 on Education, Heritage Energy Operations Services Limited (HEOSL), operator of OML 30 assets on behalf of the Joint Ventures between Nigeria National Petroleum Company E & P Limited (NEPL) and Shoreline Natural Resources Limited (SNRL) has released a total of One Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million Naira (N169,000,000.00) to the 2022 scholarship awardees from its 112 host communities in OML 30, Delta State.

According to a statement signed by Ado Oseragbaje, Chief Executive Officer HEOSL, the scholarship programme is keeping with the company and her Joint Venture partners’ commitment to ensure inclusive and quality education for scholars from their host communities.

He stated that a total of 2,353 scholars, comprising of 1,830 post primary scholars and 523 undergraduates are benefiting from the OML 30 scholarship programme for the 2022 academic year.

While congratulating the OML 30 scholarship beneficiaries, the Mr. Oseragbaje admonished them to use the scholarship for the intended purpose which is to support their academic pursuit; stating that “education is the master key for human and national development”.

He added that “Access to educational scholarships will close fundamental gaps in youth restiveness in the Niger Delta Region and engender economic development and foster a better relationship between the oil rich communities and the operators of the industry.

The HEOSL boss emphasized the importance of a peaceful operating environment to ensure that host communities derive their due benefits from oil exploration and production.

Also speaking on the released payment which will be received directly into the beneficiaries designated bank accounts, HEOSL General Manager, Government, Joint Ventures and External Affairs, Adesola Adebawo noted that the payment for the scholarship to OML 30 beneficiaries from the 112 host communities demonstrates Heritage’s belief in human capital development and it is in line with the United Nation’s sustainable goal on education.

Mr. Adebawo advised the scholars “to focus on their studies, ensure they maintain the established status in their respective institutions and adhere to the conditions of the scholarship programme to sustain their eligibility throughout the scholarship duration”.

Since inception in 2013, the OML HEOSL and her Joint Venture Partners, scholarship scheme has supported over 5,111 scholars from the 112 host communities for access to quality education in secondary schools and universities.