A 16-year-old boy, Chinedu Emmanuel Nwali, has received a big surprise after his creative work went viral on social media. Chinedu, a Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1) student, built a model of a Rainoil petrol station with amazing detail. His work caught the attention of Gabriel Ogbechie, the Founder and Group Managing Director of Rainoil Limited, who rewarded him with N5 million and a lifetime scholarship.
The kind gesture happened on Saturday in Asaba, Delta State, where Chinedu was invited along with his artwork to be celebrated.
What Did the Boy Do?
Chinedu saw a Rainoil petrol station on his way to the market and was inspired. He decided to build a small version (model) of the station using the money he and his brother saved. He paid attention to every little part—from the fuel pumps, the signs, the water tanks, to even the “No Smoking” warning on the fence.
How Rainoil Found Him
When the video of the artwork started spreading online, many people shared it with Rainoil’s boss, Mr. Ogbechie. He was amazed by the talent and asked his team to find the boy. They later discovered that Chinedu was from Ebonyi State and brought him to Asaba for the surprise.
Mr. Ogbechie said,
“It’s rare to see such talent in someone so young. We didn’t just want to appreciate him with money, but also support his education. That’s why we’re giving him a scholarship that will cover his school from now until university.”
He added that they would keep in touch with Chinedu to make sure he stays in school and develops his talent.
Words of Encouragement
The Rainoil boss encouraged other young people to stay focused, just like Chinedu, and avoid bad habits.
“While many youths are getting involved in wrong things, here is a young boy who used his time to create something so detailed. He should be a role model to other children,” he said.
What Other Leaders Said
The chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Emma Bazim Chinye, was also present and praised Chinedu. He said the boy’s work was a gift from God and promised to support him too.
What Chinedu Said
Chinedu shared that he had always admired the petrol station whenever he passed by.
“Each time I go to the market, I see the station and feel happy. So, I decided to build it so the manager could see it. My brother and I saved money to buy the materials.”
What His Father Said
Chinedu’s father, Mr. Sunday Kingsley Nwinyima Nwali, is a 49-year-old bus driver. He was full of joy, saying this was the happiest day of his life.
“Since he was two years old, he has been building things. Even though he finds reading difficult, he is very talented with his hands,” he said.
He added that Chinedu has already built models of houses, churches, and more, and that he spends hours working on his designs.
Chinedu is the third of five children and attends City of College, Ogidi, a technical school.
His Father’s Advice to Parents
Mr. Nwali advised parents to pay attention to what their children are good at and support them.
“Each child has a calling. As parents, we must help them grow in their area of strength and encourage them to be hardworking and obedient,” he said.
A Message to Children
Chinedu’s story is a reminder that hard work, focus, and using your talent well can bring amazing rewards. He is now not just a student, but an inspiration to children across Nigeria.
Well done, Chinedu!
Rainoil Limited is a leading integrated energy company in Nigeria, founded in 1997 by Gabriel Ogbechie, an industrialist and entrepreneur. The company operates across the downstream oil and gas sector, specializing in the importation, storage, distribution, and retailing of petroleum products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
Key Highlights:
- Retail Network: Rainoil operates a large chain of over 200 retail petrol stations and multiple LPG plants across Nigeria.
- Storage Infrastructure: The company owns three ultra-modern petroleum storage depots located in Delta, Lagos, and Cross River States, with a combined capacity of about 150 million liters.
- Logistics: It boasts a fleet of over 150 tank trucks for efficient distribution of petroleum products across the country.
- LPG Expansion: Rainoil is also investing heavily in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) infrastructure, contributing to Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
Vision and Values:
Rainoil is committed to delivering quality energy solutions, maintaining operational excellence, and empowering communities through CSR initiatives like scholarships, youth empowerment, and health programs.
