Seplat Energy Plc, Nigeria’s leading independent energy company, has reaffirmed its commitment to media excellence, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment through its 2025 Annual Media Training Programme held in Abuja.
The two-day programme brought together 50 journalists from across the Federal Capital Territory for an immersive experience featuring expert-led sessions, practical exercises, and transformative insights into the evolving media and business landscape.
According to Stanley Opara, Manager, Corporate Communications, who represented Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, the initiative reflects Seplat Energy’s resolve to build capacity among its media stakeholders and strengthen professionalism across the industry.
“At Seplat Energy, we believe the media plays a vital role in shaping perception and driving progress. This programme helps build capacity, encourage innovation, and ensure career sustainability among our media partners,” Opara stated.
The training encouraged participants to explore entrepreneurship as a complementary path to journalism, enabling them to create value, diversify income, and drive innovation.
Delivering a keynote on “Can Managers or Professionals (such as Journalists) Make Good Entrepreneurs?”, renowned political economist and management expert Professor Pat Utomi distinguished between managerial and entrepreneurial mindsets, describing entrepreneurship as “a quantum leap in value creation.”
He challenged journalists to see themselves not just as storytellers, but as innovators capable of turning insights into opportunities.
Former Director of Lagos Business School, Dr. Solomon Avbioroko, delved into “Ego States Profile and Impact on Transactional Analysis,” explaining how self-awareness shapes communication and leadership effectiveness.
He also led a reflective session titled “Second Phase of Life: Overcoming the Phobia,” urging professionals to view retirement not as an end but “a beginning — an opportunity to experiment, explore, and reinvent legacy.”
Participants also explored digital transformation and business innovation. Abiola Adedeji, a seasoned trainer, led a session on “Understanding Digital Marketing with a Focus on Customer Journey Mapping,” highlighting the importance of data-driven storytelling, audience engagement, and content personalization.
Legal practitioner and entrepreneur Uloma Okoro facilitated the class on “Developing a Business Model and Writing a Winning Business Plan.” She emphasized that professionals transitioning into business must “test the waters before diving in” and embrace continuous learning.
“The business world is dynamic. You must learn, unlearn, and relearn. Mistakes are not failures—they’re part of the learning process,” Okoro advised.
Seasoned chemical engineer and business trainer Olu Onakoya delivered sessions on “The Socio-Economic Environment and Challenge of Entrepreneurial Ventures” and “Financial Intelligence – The Key Enabler of Prudent Investment.” He emphasized financial literacy as essential for sustainability in entrepreneurship.
Nnamdi Uwaemelulam, a multimedia producer and video editor, rounded off the programme with an engaging session on “Media Technology: Trends, Importance, and Adaptability.” He urged journalists to leverage new technologies, cross-platform storytelling, and audience analytics to stay relevant in a fast-changing digital ecosystem.
The 2025 Seplat Energy Media Training combined thought leadership, hands-on learning, and interactive engagement, fostering an environment of curiosity and creativity. Participants also engaged in brain teasers and collaborative exercises designed to enhance problem-solving and innovation skills.
Closing the session, Seplat Energy reaffirmed its commitment to long-term media partnerships that advance professionalism, sustainability, and social impact.
“We will continue to invest in initiatives that empower journalists, inspire innovation, and strengthen the media’s role as a driver of societal progress,” Opara concluded.
