The Seplat-NNPC Joint Venture has empowered 127 teachers and education evaluators in Imo State with digital teaching techniques and alternative income-generation skills under its Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme, STEP.
The first Imo cohort of the programme graduated in Owerri at a ceremony attended by government officials, education stakeholders and representatives of the NNPC/Seplat Joint Venture.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Seplat’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe, said the programme was designed to strengthen teachers’ professional development while equipping them with skills that could improve their economic well-being.
Afe said the initiative reflects the joint venture’s belief that investing in teachers is an effective way of transforming communities, noting that STEP had previously been implemented in Edo and Delta States, where more than 2,000 teachers had been trained.
She described the Imo edition as the programme’s first intervention in the state and urged the beneficiaries to apply their newly acquired digital and entrepreneurial skills in their classrooms and communities.
She encouraged the teachers to share their knowledge with colleagues and inspire students to learn, explore and innovate.
Also speaking, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Olanrewaju Igandan, described teachers as critical channels for transferring knowledge and values to younger generations.
Representing the Imo State Government, Governor Hope Uzodimma urged the beneficiaries to positively influence their students and maximise the opportunities provided through the programme.
The governor expressed appreciation to Seplat and NNPC for the initiative and encouraged the beneficiaries to uphold the programme’s motto: “Teach. Inspire. Transform.”
A major highlight of the graduation was a business-pitch competition designed to showcase the entrepreneurial skills acquired by participants.
Choice Nwachukwu emerged overall winner with a business concept focused on antiseptic production. He scored 432 points and received a N500,000 grant.
Obinna Anele, who presented a concept on unripe plantain flour, came second with 425 points and received N300,000, while Golden Ezekwe, whose business focused on braiding, placed third with 421 points and received N200,000.
The organisers said the programme is expected to create a lasting impact by enabling beneficiaries to transfer their skills to other teachers and students while contributing to the development of their communities.
