Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited has stepped up its Corporate Social Responsibility in host communities as it empowered 49 youths from the Niger Delta with technical skills for careers in the oil and gas sector. The training was completed at the Technical Training Centre in Eket, Akwa Ibom state, where the passing out ceremony took place under the theme “From Roots to Results-Three Decades of Growth.”
Speaking at the event, the chief executive officer of SEPNU, Roger Brown, urged the newly trained youths to apply their skills in line with global industry standards. Brown, represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Ezeugwuorie, told the graduates that they were entering a competitive world, but noted that they had been adequately prepared to excel. “To our graduates, this moment belongs to you. You have earned it through dedication and discipline. You enter a world that is dynamic and competitive, but you are ready; equipped not only with technical expertise but with the mindset and values that define excellence. We believe in your potential, and we look forward to the value that you will create,” he said.
He described the ceremony as “a celebration of a journey that began thirty years ago, and has evolved into something exceptional,” noting that the theme reflected the growth path of the TTC. Founded three decades ago, the centre was set up with the aim of producing world-class indigenous technicians who could meaningfully contribute to Nigeria’s industrial and energy development.
“TTC was built on a bold belief,” Brown said. “A belief that developing local talent would strengthen operational excellence and shape the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape. Those were our roots — and today, the results speak for themselves.” The company highlighted that over 850 technicians have been trained since inception, with many now holding leadership positions across Nigeria and beyond.
Brown also pointed out TTC’s global recognition as the first City and Guilds Centre of Excellence, which he described as proof of its rigorous training and high standards. According to him, these achievements “are not just statistics—they represent transformed lives, strengthened communities, and a stronger Nigerian workforce.”
A major feature of the ceremony was the graduation of Apprentice Group 13, a group praised for its discipline, resilience, and commitment to standards. Another landmark recognised at the event was Seplat’s achievement of two million man-hours in offshore operations without any recordable incident. The CEO said this milestone reflected Seplat Energy’s commitment to safety, protecting lives, and ensuring workers return home safely.
In his welcome remarks, the general manager, JV Operations, John Itsueli, recalled the modest beginning of the centre. He stated that TTC started in a “small office at the Qua Iboe Terminal” but has now grown into a world renowned institution that stands as “the first City and Guilds Centre of Excellence globally.” He commended the trainers, assessors, administrators, and support teams whose efforts contributed to the centre’s development.
Meanwhile, Goodluck Enimedoukienoniso, the Best Graduating Student of Group 13, expressed appreciation to those who supported their training journey. He described his award as an honour, explaining that he was humbled because past graduates had set high standards that challenged him and his colleagues to perform well.
The passing out ceremony also marked three milestones for Seplat Energy: 30 years of the TTC, the graduation of Apprentice 13, and the celebration of two million man-hours without any incident. The company said these achievements underscored the impact of investing in people and building a competent local workforce. Officials stressed that the empowerment was also tied to its responsibility to host communities and its focus on human capital development.
For Seplat, the ceremony was more than a graduation as it highlighted decades of investment in technical capacity. It also renewed hope for young people seeking opportunities in the energy industry, especially as Nigeria pushes for greater participation of its citizens in the oil and gas space.
