Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — In commitment to community empowerment and sustainable development, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, NEPL, and Seplat Energy Joint Venture, JV, celebrated the graduation of 69 participants from the 2023 Seplat Skills Acquisition Training Programme in Delta State.
This initiative, which focuses on providing young people in host communities with essential vocational skills, plays a crucial role in the JV’s long-term strategy to foster self-reliance and stimulate economic growth across Edo and Delta States.
The graduation ceremony, held in Sapele, Delta State, marked the culmination of months of intensive training which has been instrumental in equipping participants with hands-on expertise in key trades such as fashion design, welding, Information and Communications Technology, ICT, and catering, amongst other areas.
Addressing the graduates, Mr. Ayodele Olatunde, Managing Director, Western Assets, Seplat Energy, represented by Stanley Opara, Manager Corporate Communications at Seplat Energy, lauded the achievements of the graduates and emphasised the significance of the training.
He said: “Today, we are not just celebrating the completion of a programme; we are witnessing the empowerment of bright and talented individuals who are now equipped to make meaningful contributions to their communities and Nigeria at large. At Seplat Energy, we believe in the transformative power of education and skills development, which drives our commitment to capacity building and entrepreneurship.”
To ensure a smooth transition into the workforce or entrepreneurial ventures, the programme also provides graduates with starter packs, including essential tools like generators, welding kits, sewing machines, hairdressing supplies, and baking equipment. These resources, coupled with financial stipends and certificates of completion, enable the graduates to either establish their own businesses or secure jobs within their fields, positioning them as contributors to the local economy.
Mrs. Faith Otitinor, the NEPL Community Liaison Officer, reiterated the programme’s long-term benefits. “The goal of the Skills Acquisition Training Programme is to enhance the economic prospects of our host communities by equipping beneficiaries with marketable skills,” she said.
She added: “Through this programme, we have invested in human capital, which is the bedrock of sustainable development. The skills you have learned here will not only benefit you but also uplift the entire community.”
Ogunnubi Benjamin Olusegun, Regional Coordinator, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Warri, represented by Ambassador Daniel Onuegbu, the Assistant Director, HydroCarbon Production, NUPRC, also commended the JV’s efforts, noting that: “The success of today’s graduates is a reflection of the harmonious relationship between NEPL/Seplat Energy JV and its host communities. These skills and knowledge will inspire higher innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, enabling people to become agents of positive change in their communities.”
The Seplat Skills Acquisition Training Programme also exemplifies the strong partnership between NEPL/Seplat JV and the local communities, a collaboration that has resulted in ongoing efforts to improve livelihoods and enhance opportunities. The programme is part of a broader set of CSR initiatives, including education and health interventions, all designed to create long-term social and economic benefits for host communities.
Echoing this sentiment, Chief Margaret Unukegwu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ekugbe, urged the graduates to fully embrace their newfound skills and resources, reminding them of their responsibility to drive change.
She said: “Today, you will receive certificates and starter packs. It would be a great disservice to yourself and the community if you go back and sell your starter pack or leave it unused in a corner. It is crucial to apply the knowledge you have gained and make the most of the tools provided. By doing so, you will inspire others to take advantage of future opportunities. When NEPL and Seplat Energy return to select more trainees, others will be eager to participate, motivated by your success and the progress you have achieved.”
One of the beneficiaries, Erewa Bridget, expressed her heartfelt thanks: “I want to thank the Seplat JV for this opportunity. We are profoundly grateful for the tools and knowledge you have given us. We are ready to make a difference in our lives and our communities.”
The Skills Acquisition Training Programme is another example of NEPL/Seplat JV’s commitment to fostering economic resilience and social progress in its host communities. By equipping participants with marketable skills and the tools to succeed, the programme is shaping the future of Edo and Delta States, helping young people not only improve their own lives but also contribute to the sustainable development of the regions.
