Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian energy company listed on the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, in partnership with Conversations for Change (C4C) has empowered a total of 22 entrepreneurs from the duo’s Youth Entrepreneurship Programme.

The event had the entrepreneurs unveil their business plans following the 2022 C4C Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship Programme, and was held at the Lux Terra Leadership and Training Centre, Abuja.

The empowered entrepreneurs and their area of businesses are: Oluyemi Oyinleye (Café business); Pauline Musa (Catering); Maryam Musa (Spices); Mary Oteikwu (Fish drying); Justin Agbo (Fashion); Joseph Agu (Fashion); Chizoba Okolo (Fashion/fabric sales); Adebola Olamide Greatness (Fashion); Regina Etuka (Fashion); Blessing Gabriel (Bag making); Princess Esther Samuel (Shoe making); and Emmanuel Ogwuche (Footwear).

Others are: Nancy Otokina (Confectionaries); Adeola Samuel (Confectionaries); Gladys Emuh; (Agro processing); Patience Sunday (Palm oil production); Brume Aina (Herbal skincare); Bright Bello (Salon & Spa); Ogechi Iwuanyanwu (Plants & Flowers); Olufunbi Akinyemi (Gift curator); Benedict Gabriel (Photography); and Stephen Ahor (Laundry services).

The beneficiaries from the programmes have been equipped to begin their business empires, which are expected to grow and flourish as well as provide support to not just them and their families, but also for communities, countries and indeed the world.

C4C is a non-profit organisation with a major objective of empowering young people to participate more effectively in all relevant areas of development.

Efforts are focused on young people aged 18-40, in the belief that they are ready to embark on being valuable and creative members of their society and therefore are most in need of the inspiration, empowerment, guidance and support to do so.

Speaking to the entrepreneurs at the ceremony held in Abuja on Friday, the Director, External Affairs and Sustainability, Seplat Energy, Dr. Chioma Nwachuku, said: “You are indeed equipped for your next phase in your various enterprises. Thanks to C4C and to Seplat Energy for enriching you with the knowledge and competencies you need to grow your business. The greater appreciation and kudos, however, goes to you, for having the capacity to establish your striving enterprise.

“Congratulations dear C4C-Seplat Global Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program 2022 Graduates!

“We are happy at Seplat Energy to play a big role in changing the narrative of the Nigerian Youth. You are no longer the leaders of tomorrow rather, with the empowerment you have received over the year, you are the change agent of your generation. We are quite elated with the level of creativity and passion you all exhibited and truly, the sky will not be your limit.”

Empowerment is one of the strong pillars on which Seplat Energy is addressing social challenges in Nigeria particularly that of Sustainable Development Goals’ 1, 2 and 8 on no poverty, zero hunger and decent work and economic growth. We believe that as soon as these critical SDGs are addressed, other things will follow, Dr. Nwachuku explained.

She added: “In this regard, we felicitate also with Conversations for Change, our visionary partners on this journey for a great job well done. Dear 2022 graduates, we have a great confidence in your ability to further excel. Congratulations, and we pray to your continued success.”

Responding, the President/Founder, C4C, Dr. Kechi F. Ogbuagu, thanked Seplat Energy for the invaluable support over the yearswhilst pledging C4C’s resolve to empowerment of the youth population to drive national economic prosperity.

The entrepreneurs thanked Seplat Energy and C4C for the huge investment in their future and wished both organisations the best of success in all their endeavour. Two presentations of interest were from Blessing Gabriel who used various materials, including waste to make bags; and Ogechi Iwuanyanwu who presented plants and flowers for different uses.