Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi commented on media reports that claimed he had donated USD14 million to a private US university
The billionaire, who hails from Borno state, named the real sum of donation, described his relations with the foreign institution and investiments in Nigeria
Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi cleared the air on controversies generated by reports that claimed he donated USD14 million (N2.79 billion – official rate – N4.83 billion black market rate) to USA’s private Lynn University.
The figure caused outrage among Nigerians who accused the founder and chairman of Oriental of spending Nigeria’s money on foreign institutions instead of supporting local education.
Oriental’s latest statement confirmed the donation equal USD900,000 (N179.2 million – official rate – N310.5 million black market rate).
The statement added that the donation was made jointly by Oriental and Afren Plc, its former partner.
The information of the donated USD900,000 goes in line with details available on the website of Lynn. Oriental also replied the critics who said the billionaire does not invest in Nigeria:
” … over a four-year period, contributed billions of Naira to the communities where we operate in Nigeria. These donations include scholarships to beneficiaries from the Universities of Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Nsukka, amongst others, the development of University of Port Harcourt’s digital library, the re-habilitation of the University of Uyo’s Petroleum Institute, infrastructure development in our host communities” as well as donations towards support for internally displaced people in the north-east of Nigeria, and victims of terrorism.
“Oriental Energy is a proud indigenous oil company with a steadfast commitment to investing positively and purposefully in the communities where we have operations and beyond. Oriental is particularly committed to fostering and supporting the development of education and indigenous technical skills, as a fundamental pillar for long-term sustainable development. We understand that without adequate investment in the education of the youth, there will be no sustainable economic growth,” the statement concluded.
The groundbreaking ceremony of Lynn’s International Business Centre took place over three years ago, on March 22, 2013.
Dr. Indimi and nine of his children have received nine bachelors, five masters, and one doctorate degree at the Lynn University.
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