ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has reaffirmed that education remains one of the most potent instruments for societal transformation, commending Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited for its sustained investment in scholarships, youth empowerment and community development initiatives.
The governor gave the commendation on Thursday at Government House in Asaba when the company’s Managing Director, Elozino Olaniyi, led her management team on a courtesy visit. He described the firm’s scholarship programmes as impactful and noted that its corporate interventions demonstrate how growth in the energy sector should align with social responsibility.
“Investing in students today secures the future of our state tomorrow,” Oborevwori said, while also acknowledging the company’s safety and environmental record, including over seven million man-hours without a Lost Time Injury, which he described as evidence of discipline, professionalism and operational excellence.
He stressed that environmental responsibility and transparency are indispensable in the oil and gas industry, assuring the delegation that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment for responsible businesses to thrive. According to him, policies promoting local content participation, community inclusion and sustainable development would remain central to his administration’s economic strategy.
The governor emphasised that strong collaboration between government and the private sector is essential for peace, stability and long-term growth, urging the company to deepen engagement with host communities, especially in renewable energy, infrastructure development and youth employment. He also praised Olaniyi’s leadership, describing her visit as a reinforcement of shared goals anchored on accountability, innovation and community impact.
Earlier, Olaniyi said the company views oil and gas operations beyond profit-making, stressing that its mission is driven by values and measurable social impact. She disclosed that since assuming office, the firm has intensified its focus on education and capacity building, awarding scholarships to 298 students across the country this year alone, with investments exceeding $2 million.
She added that the scholarship scheme covers secondary and tertiary education, benefiting students from Delta State and other host communities, some of whom are currently studying in the United States and Latvia, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing future leaders through global exposure and quality learning opportunities.
