Seplat-NNPC empowers 127 teachers in Imo

Seplat and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) jointly launched the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) in Imo State, equipping 127 teachers and education evaluators with digital teaching methods and alternative income-generating skills. The program's first cohort in Imo graduated in Owerri during a ceremony held on Sunday. This marks the first time STEP has been implemented in the state, following successful runs in Edo and Delta states, where over 2,000 educators were trained. Chioma Afe, Seplat’s director of External Affairs and Social Performance, spoke at the graduation ceremony, representing the company. She emphasized that STEP aims to enhance teachers' professional development and economic resilience. According to Ms. Afe, the program encourages educators to become more resourceful and influential within their communities. She noted that the initiative reflects the joint venture’s commitment to transforming communities through teacher empowerment. Ms. Afe was represented at the event by Esther Icha, general manager of Corporate Social Investment and Social Performance. She highlighted that the success of STEP will be judged by how many students are inspired, colleagues supported, and communities transformed by the participants. She encouraged graduates to apply their newly acquired digital skills in their classrooms and to inspire innovation among their students. Olanrewaju Igandan, chief upstream investment officer at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), praised the role of teachers in transferring knowledge to younger generations. Represented by Chizoba Onyike, subsurface operations adviser at NUIMS, he expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for supporting the program. He extended his best wishes to the graduates, hoping they would achieve success in their future endeavors. Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, represented by Commissioner for Education, Bertram Ikegwuoha, addressed the graduates, urging them to positively influence their students. The governor commended Seplat and NNPC for the initiative and encouraged teachers to embrace the STEP motto: “Teach. Inspire. Transform.” He emphasized the importance of educators in shaping the future of the state. Among the standout performers at the graduation ceremony was Choice Nwachukwu, who won the competition with a concept on antiseptic production. Scoring 432 points, Nwachukwu was awarded N500,000. Obinna Anele, who proposed a concept involving unripe plantain flour, secured second place with 425 points and received a N300,000 grant. Golden Ezekwe, whose idea centered around braiding, came in third with 421 points and was granted N200,000. The STEP program continues to expand its reach, aiming to empower more educators across Nigeria. With its focus on both skill enhancement and community impact, the initiative underscores the growing recognition of the vital role teachers play in national development. As the program progresses, it is anticipated that more educators will benefit from similar opportunities, further strengthening the educational landscape in the country.