Niger Delta
2025 STEP Initiative: NEPL/Seplat JV Trains 650 Teachers, Inspectors In Edo, Delta
The NEPL/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has trained 650 teachers and Chief Inspectors of Education (CIEs) from Edo and Delta States under its 2025 Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP).
The two-day workshop, held on Tuesday in Benin, Edo, focused on transformative upskilling and professional development, equipping educators for greater classroom impact and the adoption of digital teaching methods.
A total of 325 participants were selected from each state, reflecting the Joint Venture’s commitment to equitable regional development.
According to Seplat, the 650 beneficiaries emerged from a competitive pool of 4,666 applicants following a rigorous online selection process.
Welcoming the new cohort, Chioma Afe, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, urged participants to take the training seriously, underscoring its strategic relevance to national development.
According to Afe, the onboarding phase introduces collaboration, orientation, and the distribution of Android tablets, ahead of a four-month virtual mentorship programme that culminates in Microsoft certification.
She noted that participants also received data support from the Seplat JV to ensure uninterrupted access to training resources and platforms throughout the course.
Afe presented a paper titled “Communication for Change: Teachers as Agents of Change.”
In her presentation, she Introduced her communication framework she referred to as the 7 Cs: Clarity, Conciseness, Consideration, Completeness, Courtesy, Concreteness, and Correctness.
“A teacher is a professional guiding students to gain knowledge, build competence, and grow emotionally, intellectually, and socially through quality instruction”, she said.
She encouraged teachers to see themselves as change agents, seizing the opportunity to better themselves for both personal development and the betterment of students and society.
Afe disclosed that since its launch in 2020, STEP had empowered 1,334 teachers and CIEs through STEAM training, capacity-building workshops, and a mentorship model.
“The programme includes intensive onboarding, a four-month virtual component, and support via mobile and web platforms.
“Blending classroom leadership, digital skills, and innovative project-based teaching strategies”, Afe said.
Representing Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, commended Seplat JV’s initiative and urged teachers to fully utilise the premium training opportunity.
Okpebholo told participants that such high-quality educational packages were often accessed abroad for large sums and urged them to stay committed through to completion.
He added that the Edo State Government would track participation, working with Seplat JV to ensure full course completion, adding that teachers’ roles affected the nation’s future.
According to him, teachers should do more than teach, but be role models who break moral decay and the poverty cycle by positively shaping students’ lives and communities.
Seplat Energy’s Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Steve Ojeh, encouraged participants to fuel their personal and professional growth with curiosity, ambition, and a willingness to embrace impactful learning experiences.
During his session on “Leadership and Self-Development,” Ojeh urged educators to be passionate, intentional, and visionary in their career journeys, highlighting the far-reaching influence they can have in shaping society.
Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, represented by a Director in the ministry, Ighavbota Winifred, commended the NEPL/Seplat JV for its sustained support of teacher development in the region.
She reaffirmed Delta State’s commitment to the initiative and encouraged participants to fully maximise the opportunity.
She noted that it not only enhanced academic outcomes but “also contributes to broader social progress across communities.”
Ezewu stressed that many societal challenges could be traced back to weak educational foundations and praised the STEP programme’s vision.
She urged participants to approach the training with seriousness and dedication for lasting impact in the state.
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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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