UGBOLAND HOST COMMUNITIES’ DEVELOPMENT TRUST AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO 926 STUDENTS
_…as Chevron representative, Joseph Adeyemi commends the Trust’s transparent process, says the Trust is in safe hands, praising Sir Obayelu and his team for their dedication._
By Coastal Renaissance News, Akure
November 12, 2025.
The Ugboland Host Communities’ Development Trust (UHCDT) has empowered 926 students with scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year, marking one of the most significant educational investments in the history of the Ugbo coastal region. The annual scholarship award ceremony, held at the prestigious Oba Makin Osangan Hall in Ode-Ugbo, drew a distinguished audience from government, traditional institutions, the oil and gas industry, and the academic community.
In his keynote address, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Sir Benson Obayelu, highlighted the scale and impact of this year’s programme. A total of 522 secondary school students and 404 tertiary institution students were awarded scholarships amounting to ₦119,950,000.
Sir Obayelu announced that disbursement will be executed in two batches for efficiency. The first batch, comprising 639 students (364 secondary and 275 tertiary), has already entered the payment stage, amounting to ₦82,300,000. He expressed deep appreciation to Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL)—the settlor of the UHCDT—alongside the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Ondo State Government, led by Governor Orimisan Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for their consistent support.
He urged beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“Make judicious use of the scholarship,” he charged. “This is an investment in your future and in the development of Ugboland.”
Representing Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Joseph Adeyemi commended the Trust’s transparent process and strong leadership. He described the scholarship scheme as “one of its kind in the whole of Ugboland, worthy of emulation,” and reaffirmed CNL’s unwavering support.
“The Trust is in safe hands,” he said, praising Obayelu and his team for their dedication.
A heartfelt vote of thanks was delivered by Miss Omowumi Margaret Yetunde, who spoke on behalf of all beneficiaries. She expressed profound gratitude to UHCDT and CNL and promised that the students would remain committed to their studies to justify the confidence reposed in them.
The ceremony was enlivened by captivating cultural presentations from Ilaje High School, Igbokoda, and C&S Academy, Ugbonla, showcasing the rich heritage of Ugboland and adding colour to the event.
The ceremony was attended by: Representatives of the Ondo State Government, representatives of NUPRC, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), traditional rulers across Ugboland, members of the UHCDT Board of Trustees, Management Committee, and Advisory Committee, epresentatives of public and private schools, elected councillors from Ilaje Local Government.
The successful execution of the 2025/2026 scholarship ceremony reaffirms the strong partnership among Ugboland Host Communities, Chevron Nigeria Limited, and the Ondo State Government. This collaboration continues to advance educational development, foster hope, and inspire a promising future for the youth of Ugboland.
Planning Committee Members:
1. Jide Nana Esq. — Chairman
2. Engr. Gift Oriretan
3. Pst. Ishola Omoyele
4. Mr. Eganosi Ayenuberun
5. Mr. Daniel Ojogbon
6. Mr. Sutton Ajijo
7. Mrs. Joke Obajimi — Secretary
