NEPL/Seplat Energy Deepens Inclusiveness, Empowers Over 110 Youths, Upgrades Visually Impaired Centre in Edo Communities

Seplat Energy Plc, in partnership with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, has celebrated the graduation of 110 young Nigerians from its Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP) in Benin, Edo State. Samson Ezugworie, Chief Operating Officer of Seplat Energy, described the program as a strategic investment in people, communities, and Nigeria's future, aimed at equipping youths with practical renewable energy skills and startup support. The initiative focuses on building sustainable livelihoods, enabling graduates to serve their communities and contribute to Nigeria's clean energy future. The YEP graduation ceremony, held under the theme 'Lighting Up the Nation: Empowering Youths in Renewable Energy Solutions,' featured exhibitions of practical solutions developed by participants, including solar home systems, mini-grid prototypes, and solar dryers. Beyond technical training, the program provides graduates with start-up grants to launch their businesses. Ezugworie emphasized that the program is designed to help young people convert their training into income-generating enterprises while addressing real needs for reliable and cleaner energy solutions. He noted that these initiatives demonstrate the NNPC/Seplat JV's commitment to creating long-term value through education, enterprise development, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. In a parallel effort, the JV commissioned an upgraded classroom block and modern learning facilities for the Visually Impaired Unit at Ihogbe College, Benin City. This project included renovating three classrooms, an administrative office, and an inverter room, along with providing specialized learning equipment. The intervention aims to create a more supportive learning environment for visually impaired students and strengthen teachers' capacity, thereby improving access to quality education for learners with special needs.

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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.