By Edu Abade
Following the successful first session of the Seplat Energy Annual Media Training Programme in Lagos which was held between June 25, 2025 and June 26, 2025, the Company has concluded the second leg of the training for journalists in Lagos, reaffirming its continuous commitment to media excellence and entrepreneurship.
The training session brought together media professionals from across Nigeria for two days of hands-on learning, expert-led sessions, and transformative insights into the evolving media landscape and entrepreneurship opportunities open to media practitioners.
The programme was specifically designed for selected correspondents covering the judiciary and energy sectors, as well as general business.
Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Mrs. Chioma Yvonne Afe, who spoke at the event, said Seplat Energy remains committed to the growth and development of media practitioners, adding that the initiative would have lasting value beyond the company’s core relationship with the media.
She said, “The importance of this training cannot be overstated. It allows you to deepen your understanding of business principles, explore new revenue models, and leverage digital technologies to expand your reach and impact. By embracing entrepreneurship, you can create sustainable media ventures that inform and educate, empower communities and contribute to economic development.”
The programme featured distinguished facilitators and speakers, including: Dr. Solomon Avbioroko, who in his insightful session on Self Search: Ego State Profile and Impact on Transactional Analysis, stressed the importance of networking and self-awareness in entrepreneurial success.
He encouraged participants to deepen their reading habits and expand their knowledge base, stating that success in business goes beyond financial resources.
Mrs. Uloma Okoro, who also led a compelling session on Developing a Business Model and Writing a Winning Business Plan, cautioned against launching businesses based solely on support from family or friends and encouraged participants to start businesses based on personal skills or available resources.
She provided practical examples of business plans and the inevitability of mistakes or failure in entrepreneurship.
In his session on financial intelligence, Mr. Olu Onakoya discussed building wealth through smart investment decisions and risk assessment. He emphasised the imperative of having a clear vision and being disciplined in spending. He shared personal experiences and stressed the importance of understanding business numbers to facilitate better decision-making.
On his part, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, addressed challenges faced by journalists today, notably the decline in readership, while urging journalists to uphold neutrality, conduct proper research, and verify their stories before publication.
In a session on media technology, Mr. Nnamdi Uwaemelulam, a video editor and multimedia producer, emphasised the need for media professionals to embrace evolving technologies. He discussed innovative content formats, cross-platform media habits, and the critical role of personalisation and algorithms.
In his intervention, Lagos State Director of the Directorate of State Service (DSS), Babajide Adisa, spoke on national security, the importance of intelligence gathering, and its legal frameworks. He stressed collaboration among government agencies, media and members of the public in the fight against insecurity and terrorism.
In his session, Professor Pat Utomi shared insights on the entrepreneurial potential of professionals, especially journalists, describing entrepreneurs as individuals with a clear vision who solve problems and fill societal gaps.
Throughout the programme, participants received practical tools, insightful knowledge, and inspiration to confidently venture into media entrepreneurship. The training combined thought leadership, skill-building workshops and interactive sessions with brain teasers, fostering a dynamic learning environment tailored to media professionals aspiring to lead and innovate in their fields. The event focused on self-leadership, mentorship, strategic thinking and relational intelligence as critical to sustainable business success.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe; Manager, Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara; CEO, DFD Smart & Standard Concept (Seplat Media Consultant), Dan Aibangbe; officials of ELOH Consulting Limited and Energy, Judiciary and Business Journalists during the Seplat Energy Media Entrepreneurship Programme (Phase 2) organized in partnership with ELOH Consulting Limited in which 50 media practitioners were trained in Lagos
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