Seplat Energy Plc, together with its joint venture partner, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, has awarded N18 million to students in Edo and Delta States.
The announcement came following the grand finale of the 2025 edition of the PEARLs Quiz competition for secondary schools in Edo and Delta, held on Saturday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The Pioneer Education Centre in Edo State emerged as the overall winner, taking home N10 million, while the second and third-place schools Notre Dame College, Uzoro in Delta State, and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College in Benin, Edo State received N5 million and N3 million, respectively.
The PEARLs Quiz, which stands for Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders, is one of Seplat Energy JV’s flagship Corporate Social Investment programs. It aims to promote academic excellence, foster critical thinking, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
In her opening remarks, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe, represented by Hadiza Garbati, General Manager of Government Relations, welcomed officials from Delta and Edo States and congratulated all participants, especially those who reached the grand finale.
She explained that the initiative, designed to promote exceptional and respectable leaders, has been running since 2012, with Seplat actively engaging host communities and guiding students toward positive growth.
Highlighting the high level of participation in this year’s edition, she noted that the program is already showing results in nurturing young talent. “A school may be taking home the prize today, but all of you are already winners, and I congratulate you,” she said.
She praised the teachers, many of whom have benefited from Seplat’s various CSI training programs, for motivating the students and helping make the 2025 PEARLs Quiz a resounding success.
Alongside the quiz, the grand finale also featured the STEAM Innovation Challenge, where students presented creative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Representing NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, Godwin Ijiga from the Corporate Communication Department conveyed the joy of Managing Director Nicolas Foucart at the enthusiasm and talent displayed by participants from Edo and Delta States.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Ms. Orode Udughan, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, commended the Seplat JV for the initiative, noting its long-standing positive impact on students in Edo and Delta States.
She added, “Today, we celebrate not just a competition, but the brilliance, promise, and potential of our young people the true future of our states and our nation. On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Seplat Energy and the NNPC Joint Venture for their consistent and meaningful investment in education.”
“The PEARLS Quiz, which stands for Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders, is an outstanding example of corporate social responsibility that aligns seamlessly with our development goals.
“For many years, this initiative has offered students a dynamic platform to showcase their intelligence, confidence, and character, while fostering a strong culture of academic excellence.”
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