KULA HOST COMMUNITIES’ DEVELOPMENT TRUST OF OML-55 SCREENS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS
By Aluta News
August 25, 2025
The Kula Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) of the NNPC Limited/Belemaoil OML-55 Joint Venture has successfully conducted test and screening exercise for applicants from the host communities of Kula Kingdom for its scholarship awards for the 2025/2026 Academic Session.
This initiative marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time since inception the Trust is handling scholarship program for the host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) arrangement.
The PIA empowers host communities to drive their own development in partnership with the operating oil companies, in line with regulatory guidelines and procedures.
The three-day test and screening process, held in Port Harcourt was aimed at identifying qualified recipients from the host communities who align with the Trust’s goal of promoting education and sustainable development.
Applicants from various academic categories, including Post-primary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate, participated in the exercise.
They were drawn from secondary schools within Kula and Port Harcourt, as well as tertiary institutions in Rivers State, such as the University of Port Harcourt, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, and Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic.
The eligibility criteria for the scholarship included proofs of indigeneship, local government identification, academic standings, letters of attestation, and other relevant documents.
The exercise covered specific levels, including Junior Secondary School (JSS 2) and Senior Secondary School (SSS 1) students, as well as Higher National Diploma (HND-1) and second-year university students.
Postgraduate applicants pursuing Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master’s Degree, and Ph.D. programs were also considered.
Speaking to newsmen at the end of the scholarship screening exercise, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Kula Host Communities Development Trust of OML-55, Chief David Emineye-Orlu said the Trust’s scholarship program underscores its unwavering commitment to promoting education and empowering the youth of Kula host communities.
Chief Emineye-Orlu stated that with the successful conduct of the test and screening, the Board of Trustees would convene in due course to thoroughly scrutinize the outcome, determine the number of recipients, and approve the scholarship awards.
On his part, representative of Belemaoil Producing Limited and Secretary of the Board, Prince Datolu Sukubo reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its responsibilities as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act.
Datolu emphasized that Belemaoil remains dedicated to improving the standard of education in its host communities through initiatives like the scholarship program.
Some of the applicants who spoke to newsmen during the test and screening exercise expressed optimism in securing the scholarship award by the Kula HCDT of the NNPC Limited/Belemaoil Joint Venture.
They said the offer would alleviate the financial burden of education on their parents and guardians, enabling them to sustain their academic pursuits and attain excellence.
Signed:
Media Office,
Kula Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) of the
NNPC Limited/Belemaoil OML-55 JV,
Monday 25th August, 2025.