Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) & Lekoil Nigeria and Gas Investment Limited Joint Venture has awarded scholarships to 611 primary and secondary schools’ students from its host communities in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

This is as 1000 members of the communities also received bags of rice as livelihood packages from JV operators.

The student beneficiaries were drawn from the host communities of the Joint Venture natives of Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama and Asukoyet communities in Andoni. The bursary/scholarships catered to students in primary, secondary, undergraduate and post-graduate levels from Ugama Ekede and Asukama communities.

A breakdown showed that 169 students from Ugama Ekede and 181 from Asukama benefited from the scholarship programme, while the bursary awards were given to 121 students from Ugama Ekede and 140 from Asukama. 

Presenting the scholarships to primary and secondary school beneficiaries, representatives of the JV, Godwin Omayi, Security & Community Relations Officer (CRO), Lekoil, and Asuk Michael Edwin, CRO, Green Energy, said the initiative was aimed at enhancing educational opportunities in the host communities, while serving as part of initiatives under the Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama, and Asukoyet Host Community Development Trust (HCDT)

Omayi stated; “This initiative underscores the commitment of Green Energy International Limited and Lekoil & Gas Investment Limited (GEIL/LEKOIL JV) commitment to support youths’ educational advancement in host communities and fostering sustainable development through investment in human capital. 

Speaking at the award ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama, and Asukoyet Host Community Development Trust, Asuk Nathan Sampson stated, “The HCDT has a mandate to foster sustainable prosperity of the four communities that make up the body.

He said the bursaries further seek to, “Address the problem of school-drop out by ensuring through effective monitoring that beneficiaries complete their applicable educational programmes.”