FIC Report (Imo State) – The NNPC/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has graduated 127 teachers and education evaluators in Imo State under the first cohort of its Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), equipping them with digital skills, STEAM-focused teaching techniques and alternative income-generating skills.
The three-month maiden Imo edition brought together teachers from communities across the state for intensive training in digital learning, communication, entrepreneurship and practical skills development, with emphasis on applying the knowledge gained in classrooms and communities.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance, Esther Icha, said the Joint Venture’s investment in education was based on the belief that empowering teachers was an effective way of creating sustainable impact in communities.
She noted that STEP had previously been implemented in Edo and Delta States, where more than 2,000 teachers had been trained and empowered, adding that the Imo edition was the programme’s first intervention in the state.
According to her, the programme was designed to go beyond conventional teaching methods by equipping teachers with digital competencies to integrate technology into teaching and learning, improve productivity and prepare students for an increasingly digital world.
She added that the programme’s focus on alternative sources of income was intended to strengthen teachers’ financial resilience, encourage entrepreneurship and create opportunities for additional income beyond their primary profession.
Representing the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Olanrewaju Igandan, the Subsurface Operations Advisor, NUIMS, Chizoba Onyike, described the graduation as an investment in the future of host communities, noting that teachers remained critical channels for transferring knowledge and opportunities to younger generations.
Also speaking, Governor Hope Uzodimma, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. B.T.O. Ikegwuoha, congratulated the beneficiaries and commended the NNPC/Seplat JV for bringing the teachers’ empowerment initiative to Imo State.
The Governor urged teachers to embrace the changing nature of education by moving beyond memorisation and conventional approaches to practical, research-driven and skills-based learning, while encouraging them to become trainers, mentors and innovators.
Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence, Imo State, Dr Henry Okafor, also commended the Joint Venture for its commitment to community development in the state, particularly in oil-producing areas.
He described education as a foundation for individual and societal development and urged the beneficiaries to use the knowledge acquired to create positive change in their schools and communities.
As part of the programme’s entrepreneurship and innovation challenge, 23 entries were received, with 16 contestants advancing to the final presentation stage.
Nwachukwu Choice Oleji, who presented a concept on antiseptic production, emerged overall winner with 432 points and received a N500,000 cash prize to support the development of the business. Obinna Nnele, with a concept on unripe plantain flour, came second with 425 points and received N300,000, while Golden Ezekwe, whose concept focused on braiding, placed third with 421 points and received N200,000.
Other business concepts included liquid soap production, fashion design and fish farming, underscoring the programme’s emphasis on practical skills and alternative sources of income.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the training had strengthened their professional capacity, digital competence and ability to introduce practical skills into their classrooms and communities.
The NNPC/Seplat JV was urged to sustain and expand the initiative in Imo State to enable more teachers and communities to benefit from the programme.
CHIKA ANURUNWA
ACIPRO/ANIPR
22/8/2026
