By Usman Aliyu
The NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has graduated more than 110 youths in Edo from its Youth Entrepreneurship Programme, equipping them with renewable energy skills and start-up support to launch sustainable businesses.
The joint venture also inaugurated a renovated classroom block and modern learning facilities for the visually impaired unit of Ihogbe College, Benin, in a move to expand access to inclusive education in the state.
These twin initiatives are aimed to demonstrate the its commitment to youth empowerment, education, clean energy and sustainable community development.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Benin, the Chief Operating Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, Mr Samson Ezugworie, described the programme as a long-term investment in people and national development.
“The Youth Entrepreneurship Programme is here to stay. We have sustained it over the years with our Joint Venture partner because we believe that investing in young people is fundamental to nation-building,” he said.
The graduation, held under the theme, “Lighting Up the Nation: Empowering Youths in Renewable Energy Solutions,” featured practical innovations developed by participants.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that these solutions included solar home systems, mini-grid prototypes, solar dryers, biogas digesters and energy audit tools.
Ezugworie said the programme was designed not only to provide technical skills but also to empower beneficiaries with start-up grants to launch businesses capable of addressing energy needs in their communities.
“Today, we celebrate your achievement but tomorrow, we want to celebrate your impact.
‘Your contribution should extend beyond personal success to creating opportunities, solving problems and transforming communities,” he said.»
Also speaking, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy Plc, Mrs Chioma Afe, said the initiative was helping young people build careers in sectors driving the future economy.
“Across Nigeria, families, schools, healthcare facilities and small businesses are seeking reliable, affordable and cleaner energy.
“By equipping young people with renewable energy skills, we are helping them create new sources of livelihood while empowering them to become problem-solvers in their communities,” she said.
Afe said the programme bridged the gap between technical training and entrepreneurship, enabling participants to convert acquired skills into sustainable businesses.
She added that the initiative formed part of the joint venture’s broader investment in education and community development.
This, she said, included the PEARLS Quiz Competition, undergraduate scholarships, the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), solar-powered STEAM laboratories and energy access projects across host communities.
The Managing Director of NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd., Mr Nicolas Foucart, represented by Mr Olubukonla Oyegbami, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to partnerships that expanded opportunities for young people and strengthened host communities.
In Ihogbe College, the project executed under the Diversity and Inclusion Programme of the joint venture, comprised the renovation of three classrooms, an administrative office and an inverter room.
The venture also provided specialised learning equipment for visually impaired students.
Receiving the facility on behalf of the Edo Secondary Education Board, Dr Rita Erewele, represented by Mr Gregory Anokwu, commended the JV for the intervention.
She said it would improve teaching and learning while creating a more inclusive environment for students with visual impairment. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AUO/CHOM
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma