Belemaoil Awards N45m Yearly Scholarship to Children of Fallen Heroes

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt

An indigenous oil company in the Niger Delta, Belemaoil Producing Ltd has announced the award of annual scholarship worth over N45 million to 300 children of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Army in the Niger Delta and the north-east.

The founder/President, Mr. Jack-Rich Tein Jr. announced the scholarship at the ground breaking ceremony for the building of 16 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, named Camp Buratai in Yenagoa Bayelsa State.

He explained that the 300 children of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Army would benefit N150,000 each annually within the duration of the scholarship scheme, adding that the gesture was in appreciation of the effort of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the security, peace and unity of Nigeria.

Tein pointed out that it is important for the company and the corporate community to be part of projects that would motivate and encourage the Nigerian Army.

“It is a great honour for our humble selves to be here today with us and this is the second project that Belemaoil is being part of with the 16 Brigade; the last was a 100-bed hostel space at Elele. My mission here today will not be complete until I be part of those appreciating the efforts of the fallen heroes and fortunately I heard him (Commander of 16 Brigade) talked about programme for the widows.

“I thought it is important for Belemaoil and the corporate community of this great country to be part of this project that will motivate and encourage the Nigerian Army. I, on behalf of my company hereby pronounce the award of 300 scholarships at N150,000 each amounting to N45 million per annum for the service men and women that paid the ultimate price in the north-east and in the Niger Delta. I will be very happy to have all the details worked out to make sure this project goes.”

He said Belemaoil has also taken over the construction of 30 units Corporal Below Quarters at the site of the 16 Brigade Army Command, Yenagoa, adding that the initiative was in appreciation of the excellent security services being rendered by the Nigerian Army especially the Joint Military Taskforce in the company’s areas of operation.

“Belemaoil has decided to take over the construction of 30 units Corporal Below quarters for the Camp Buratai and to demonstrate the love that has brought us together within Bayelsa and Rivers State, and also the super-excellent services that have been rendered by the Nigerian Army, especially the JTF in our area of operations, we make sure that before today and Friday, the cash amounting to N116.3 is paid into the account so this project can start tomorrow.

“I want to use this window to say to all the corporate players in this great country and also in this part of the world, Bayelsa State, not to take their eyes off in supporting the Nigerian military. And I believe strongly that the military are here for you all Bayelsans to network, for you to have access to relationship and to have new friends.

“I want to thank the Governor of Bayelsa State for taking the bold step by making this parcel of land available for this historic project. Our door is open to more support and partnerships between Bayelsa State, projects for the military and other government functionaries,” he said.

He described the Chief of Army Staff as a hardworking, humble and compassionate man that is committed to tackling insecurity in the country. “I also want to thank the service men and women that paid the ultimate price in north eastern part of this country for the unification and security of this great country.”

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai thanked Tein for donating a block of 30 flats at the site of the 16 Brigade Command as residential area for the families of soldiers. He said the housing project by Belemaoil would assist in addressing part of the immediate accommodation needs of the brigade.

The state Governor, Seriake Dickson acknowledged the role of the founder/president in promoting communal peace and stability, as well as his sustained support for the Nigerian military. He said the state government needs more captains of industry to do what Belemaoil is doing in the state.

“Let me appreciate the president of Belemaoil who has been doing big businesses and making good money in this state and around this area. You have done very well for the military. I have heard the good works about the way you are running your company and promoting communal peace and stability.

“This state also needs your support. We need more captains of industry to do what Belemaoil has just announced and I want to thank you all and solicit for collaboration and support for this brigade and indeed for all arms of our nation’s security services in the state.”