Patrick Odey
The Executive chairman and founder of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, a leading indigenous player in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammadu Indimi, has been honoured with the honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration of the Akwa Ibom State University, located in Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State
Indimi was confered along with the Emir of Kano, his Highness Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who bagged (Doctor of Arts Honoris Causa of the university) and
Central Bank Deputy governor,Mrs. Emem Usoro (Doctor of Business Administration, Honoris Causa).
Others honorary awardees include Managing director, Hensek Engineering limited,Engr. Uwem Stephen Okoko( (Doctor of Engineering Honoris Causa),Engr. Oliver Ebong { Doctor of Engineering Honoris Causa), Pastor Inyang Udo Tobby ( Doctor of Human Letters Honoris Causa,) and Engr. Elvis Effiong Osung( Doctor of Engineering Honoris Causa).
The University Governing Council said Indimi’s nomination was based on recognition of ” his outstanding accomplishments, impacts on industry and immense contributions to scientific research, knowledge advancement, mentorship and national development”
In his acceptance speech, Indimi who was represented at the occasion by Dr. Uwem Ite, Head of Community and Government Relations, lauded the leadership of the University for recognising his modest contributions in the development of Nigeria oil and gas sector as well as sustainable community development initiatives within Akwa Ibom State and beyond.
He said the award has given him a fresh impetus to do more,having being conferred with a chieftaincy title of Ovong Uforo Mbo” meaning Chief of Progress
Indimi said,”The award I have received today has given me a fresh impetus. This is because my relationship with Akwa Ibom State in general, and Akwa Ibom State University in particular, is not entirely new. For example, in 2017, the people of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State honored me with the traditional chieftaincy title of “Ovong Uforo Mbo” (i.e. Chief of Progress).”
The awardee highlighted his company’s modest contributions to fostering knowledge and research in the institution having sponsored a research programme in the Department of Geology which several staff and students benefited
Besides, he said the company has instituted University Scholarship Award Scheme for undergraduates from Akwa Ibom State studying in Nigerian Universities, adding that more than
2,000 students from Akwa Ibom
State have benefited from the scheme.
He said” In addition, from 2022-2024, my company (Oriental Energy Resources Limited) contributed to research, teaching and learning in Akwa Ibom State University by sponsoring a research program in the Department of Geology of this university. Several staff and students benefited from the research program.
“As a father and grandfather, I know what it takes to provide quality education for our children. This is part of the reasons that my company instituted a University
Scholarship Award Scheme for undergraduates from Akwa Ibom State who are studying in Nigerian Universities.
“Since inception of our operations offshore, more than 2,000 students from Akwa Ibom State have benefited from the scheme. Some of the Oriental Energy University Scholarship beneficiaries studied in and subsequently graduated from this great university.”he said
Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Indimi, is an iconic Nigerian industrialist, philanthropist, and nation-builder whose life exemplifies entrepreneurial resilience, strategic foresight, and enduring commitment to human development.
Born on 12 August 1947 in Maiduguri, Borno State, Alhaji Indimi’s journey from modest beginnings to global prominence reflects an extraordinary narrative of self-determination and enterprise. Through
self-education, he acquired literacy in English while already grounded in Arabic scholarship, and today commands fluency in multiple languages — an intellectual versatility that mirrors his broad engagement across cultures and industries.
Alhaji Indimi is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, a leading indigenous player in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, where he has accumulated over three
decades of transformative leadership. Under his stewardship, the company has contributed significantly to national energy development, local content advancement, and employment.
At the event were the Visitor to the University (His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State), Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki; Minister of State for petroleum resources (gas), Obongemem
Ekperikpe Ekpo, members of the State Executive Council; and other government functionaries