The Seplat Energy Plc, in partnership with its Joint Venture partner, the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, has empowered Edo, Delta students with N18 million.
The firm announced the award shortly after the grand finale of the 2025 edition of the PEARLs Quiz competition for secondary schools across Edo and Delta States on Saturday in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
The Pioneer Education Centre, Edo State, which emerged as the winner, went home with the prize money of N10 million, while second and third placed schools, Notre Dame College, Uzoro, Delta State and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, 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 initiatives geared towards the promotion of academic excellence, nurturing critical thinking, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
In her opening remarks, the Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, represented by Hadiza Garbati, General Manager, Government Relations, Seplat, welcomed the governments of Delta and Edo States and congratulated all the participants, particularly those who made it to the grand finale.
The initiative, she pointed out, was conceived for promoting exceptional and respectable leaders, dating back to 2012, which has seen Sepalt remain active in host communities and helping to foster students in the right direction.
“She noted that by the quality of participation in this year’s edition, the students have demonstrated that the initiative is already bearing fruit by nurturing young people.
“A school might be going home today with the prize, but all of you are already winners, and I congratulate you,” she said.
According to her, the learning which each participant had taken from the PEARLs Quiz made him or her a better person in the journey of life.
She commended the teachers, many of whom have also been trained under various CSI initiatives of Seplat, for encouraging the students to make the 2025 PEARLs Quiz the huge success.
In addition to the quiz competition, the grand finale also featured the STEAM Innovation Challenge, where students showcased inventive projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
On his part, Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited , represented by the Corporate Communication Department’s Godwin Ijiga, expressed joy at the enthusiasm and brilliance demonstrated by the participants across Edo and Delta States.
In his remarks, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the state Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Orode Udughan, commended the Seplat JV for the PEARLs Quiz initiative.
He said the initiative greatly impacted students in Edo and Delta states for many years.
“Today, we celebrate not just a contest 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 profound appreciation to Seplat Energy and the NNPC Joint Venture for their consistent and impactful investment in education.
“The PEARLS quiz, which translates to promoting exceptional and respectable Leaders, is a shining example of corporate social responsibility that aligns perfectly with our developmental vision.
“For years, this initiative has provided a vibrant platform for students to demonstrate intellect, confidence and character while promoting the culture of academic excellence,” Oborevwori said.
