A frontline traditional ruler in Delta State and Ovie of Idjerhe kingdom, His Majesty, King Obukohwo Monday Arthur Whiskey, Udurhie I, has praised the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Seplat Energy Joint Venture for donating essential infrastructure and educational learning materials to seven primary schools located within the host communities.
The donated items, including lawnmowers, teacher’s chairs, desks, school furniture, bags, textbooks and exercise books, among others, were presented to the beneficiary schools on Tuesday at the premises of Onyeburu Primary School, in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The event was graced by community leaders, students and educators.
It was gathered that the NEPL/Seplat JV’s SEED initiative is a core part of its community intervention strategy, dedicated to improving the educational landscape in its host communities.
Reacting to the gesture from the oil firms, King Whiskey noted that “it is not only laudable but worthy of emulation by others.”
The monarch said, “This is one of the most laudable services that Seplat Energy and their partners have rendered to my kingdom since I became king.
“Education is the light, and what I’ve seen here today reflects Seplat’s special regard for our people.
“Despite the vast area of coverage, Seplat has not forgotten even the farthest communities like ours.”
Also speaking, NEPL’s Community Liaison Officer, Mrs Faith Otitinor, reaffirmed the JV’s commitment to empowering local communities through education, saying, “Our goal is to equip young people with educational skill sets to compete globally, improve livelihoods, and break cycles of poverty.
“By partnering with local stakeholders, we can create a brighter future for these communities.”
The Managing Director of Western Assets, Seplat Energy, Ayodele Olatunde, and Base Manager of Western Assets, Seplat Energy, Kingsley Udebor were represented on the occasion by Stanley Opara, Manager of Corporate Communications at Seplat Energy.
Olatunde expressed the hope that the donated items “will play a crucial role in enhancing the learning environment and ensuring that students can thrive academically and holistically.”
He said that this year’s theme, ‘Igniting Potential, Inspiring Excellence: Advancing Education for a Brighter Tomorrow,’ underscores the JV’s continued commitment to fostering educational development.
He emphasized “the vital role of education in building human potential and promoting sustainable communities.”
His statement partly reads, “At Seplat, we believe education is the bedrock of strong communities and thriving societies.
“The Seplat Educational Empowerment Drive programme goes beyond donating learning materials. It’s about sparking a passion for learning and inspiring a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Opara urged the students to see themselves as the future, saying, “Everything we do today is to equip you with the tools, confidence and inspiration to aim higher and achieve greatness.
“The theme of this event reminds us that excellence is within your grasp.”
Responding, the headmaster of Onyeburu Primary School, Comrade Iwonisa Freeborn, lauded Seplat for the donations.
He said, “It is a very good development for Seplat and NEPL to bring this equipment into this school. With the aid of the lawnmower and the books, the students can now focus better on their studies, and parents who cannot afford the textbooks now have the relief of receiving these materials for free.”
Speaking on behalf of the students, a Primary Five pupil, Felix Oghenekevwe, expressed heartfelt gratitude.
He said, “We are very happy to receive these gifts from Seplat. Thank you!”
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