Over 850 technicians have been trained under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Seplat Energy PLC Joint Venture (JV) since the commencement of the partnership of both companies.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Seplat Energy PLC, Roger Brown, disclosed this at the graduation of the “Apprentice G13 Class” at the company’s Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Eket on Wednesday.

Mr Brown, represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy PLC, Samson Ezeugwuorie, said that 49 technicians graduated from the centre.

He said that some of the technicians had risen to leadership positions across the energy industry, adding that the legacy was worth celebrating.

He said that the beneficiaries graduated from four areas of specialisation, which include Applied Instrumentation and Controls Technology, Applied Electrical Maintenance Technology, Applied Oil and Gas Technology and Applied Mechanical Maintenance Technology.

He described the event as “a celebration of a journey that began 30 years ago and had evolved into something exceptional. We gather to honour three major milestones that reflect our identity and our direction as a transformational energy company. The graduation of Apprentice Group 13 and two million man-hours without a single recordable incident at Seplat Offshore.”

The CEO said that the TTC was built with the belief that developing local talent and building a pipeline of skilled technicians would strengthen operational excellence and shape the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape.

He noted that the TTC had grown into a world-class institution, proudly recognised as the first City and Guilds Centre of Excellence globally.

He added that the NNPC/Seplat JV was committed to empowering youths for decent work and economic growth in various sectors that cut across host states with various signature programmes targeting the youths.

“To our graduates, this moment belongs to you. You have earned it through dedication and discipline. You entered a world that is dynamic and competitive, but you are ready, equipped not only with technical expertise but also with the mindset and values that define excellence.
The results we celebrate today reflect the power of collaboration between Seplat/NNPC JV, community and state,” he stated.

In his remarks, General Manager, Joint Venture Operations, John Itsueli, said that the organisation valued a legacy built on dedication, excellence and shared purpose.

He congratulated the graduands and expressed confidence that they would carry forward the values and skills that defined the centre.

“We eagerly anticipate the contributions you will make as you shape the future of the oil and gas industry,” Mr Itsueli said.

He also commended the trainers, assessors, administrators and support teams whose tireless efforts made the achievements possible.

Speaking on behalf of the graduands, the best graduating student of the set, Vincent Goodluck, expressed gratitude to those who made their journey possible.

Mr Goodluck assured that the G13 set would be building on the globally high standards that had made the TCC famous.

The event was christened “From Roots to Results: Three Decades of Growth.” 

(NAN)