It was recently reported that Borno-born billionaire, Mohammed Indinmi, donated $14 million for the construction of the Mohammed Indimi International Business Center in Lynn University located in Boca Raton, Florida.
Following the report, Nigerians have been vilifying Indinmi, with many of them condemning the donation, stating that the Nigeria educational sector is in better need of the money.
However, some clarification has come from an Official of Oriental Energy in a statement, issued to THISDAY newspaper.
The statement, which has been endorsed by Mohammed Indinmi, revealed that Indinmi donated $900K and not $14million as earlier reported.
Furthermore, a list of various philanthropic activities undertaken by Mohammed Indinmi was also contained in the statement.
Below is the full text of the statement from Oriental, endorsed by its chairman, Indimi:
“Following recent online, and media coverage of a donation made by our Chairman, Dr Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, we find it necessary to provide clarity on the nature of the relationship with Lynn University, and Oriental’s operations in and commitment to the Niger Delta.
“Contrary to reports circulating, neither Oriental, nor our Chairman, donated US$14 million to Lynn University. This figure is unsubstantiated, inaccurate and misleading. The figure jointly donated by Oriental and former partner, Afren Plc, to Lynn University, a University from which Dr. Indimi and nine of his children have received nine Bachelors, five Masters, and one Doctorate degree, is $900,000.
“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.
“This is why the organisation has, 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 Resources will continue to protect its reputation and reiterate its commitment to the Nigerian community particularly in instances like this where journalistic due diligence would have disproved the unsubstantiated rumors.”
IDP’s in Borno where he comes from deserved that donation and not any university outside the country!!!
What is your contribution & those of your fathers businesses to project Nigeria? Is donation compulsory? Dr. Indimi has discharged his social obligations as per communities of operations, Nigeria & world stage. Leave this old man alone to decide where next to channel his energy.