The Country Chair, of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor, yesterday, said that the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate degree in Business Administration on him, by the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, would further cement the blossoming relationship between Shell Companies in Nigeria and the Institution.
Mr. Okunbor, who is also the Managing Director, of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, said that several ESUT students are currently under the scholarship of his company, adding that Shell has a long history of supporting education through scholarships and other initiatives.
He made the remarks after being conferred with the honorary degree during the 19th convocation ceremony of ESUT, stating that Shell has over 3,500 university grants for Nigerian Students.
“I am delighted and full of joy at the honour that you have bestowed upon me with this award of an honorary doctorate degree from the Enugu State University of Technology.
“I accept it gladly and, on behalf of my family and the Shell companies in Nigeria, I say ‘Thank you’.
“Ordinarily, knowing that I work for a company that has a predominant presence far from Enugu State, in the oil and gas producing region of Nigeria, this honour would have been a big surprise.
“However, Shell companies in Nigeria have a long history of interaction with the good people of Enugu State and with the breathtaking topography of the Enugu State University of Technology.
“Over the years, several of your students have been and are still on the Shell university scholarship which has been helping our dear country grow its human capacity.
“Shell Companies in Nigeria have a long history of supporting education through scholarships and other initiatives. Since the 1950s, the Shell scholarship schemes have supported several thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to become Nigeria’s business, political and social leaders.
“Currently, we have over 3,500 university grants for Nigerian students.
“The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) also built, here at this great Enugu State University of Technology, this same campus, a state-of-the-art centre. That Centre is one of six that we donated over recent years to major universities across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
“I also have several graduates of this university and of this state as my colleagues and former colleagues of the Shell Companies in Nigeria. They have always represented you with dignity.
“Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, this award of honorary degree of the Enugu State University of Technology, ESUT, will, therefore, further cement the blossoming relationship between Shell Companies in Nigeria and the Enugu State University of Technology, and, indeed, with the government and good people of Enugu State.
“I will continue to cherish this award and I thank you for your attention.”
