Seplat Energy has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening media capacity in Nigeria, concluding the second session of its Annual Media Training Programme in Lagos with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional excellence.

The two-day training brought together 50 journalists from across the country, including correspondents covering the judiciary, energy, and business sectors. The programme combined expert-led workshops, interactive sessions, and practical exercises aimed at equipping participants with the skills to thrive in an evolving media landscape.

Empowering Journalists Beyond the Newsroom

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Chioma Yvonne Afe, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, emphasised the company’s dedication to supporting the growth and development of media practitioners.

“This training goes beyond our corporate relationship with the media,” Afe noted. “It deepens understanding of business principles, explores sustainable revenue models, and leverages digital technology for greater reach and impact. By embracing entrepreneurship, journalists can build ventures that empower communities and drive economic growth.”

Expert Insights and Practical Guidance

The programme featured distinguished speakers, including:

• Dr. Solomon Avbioroko — Highlighted self-awareness and networking as key drivers of entrepreneurial success in his session on “Self Search: Ego State Profile and Impact on Transactional Analysis.”
• Mrs. Uloma Okoro — Led a workshop on “Developing a Business Model and Writing a Winning Business Plan,” advising journalists to build businesses based on personal skills and available resources rather than family support alone.
• Mr. Olu Onakoya — Spoke on financial intelligence, urging participants to embrace disciplined spending, strategic investment, and business number literacy.
• Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy — Addressed declining readership and called for neutrality, research, and fact verification in journalism.
• Mr. Nnamdi Uwaemelulam — Shared strategies on embracing media technology, cross-platform engagement, and content personalisation.
• Mr. Babajide Adisa, Lagos State Director of DSS — Discussed national security, intelligence gathering, and the importance of collaboration between media and security agencies.
• Professor Pat Utomi — Inspired journalists to view themselves as problem-solvers and visionaries with the capacity to fill societal gaps through entrepreneurship.

Building Future-Ready Media Professionals

Participants engaged in interactive sessions that blended thought leadership with practical skill-building. Brain teasers, case studies, and mentorship discussions encouraged strategic thinking, self-leadership, and relational intelligence.

By the end of the programme, journalists left with actionable tools, fresh perspectives, and renewed confidence to explore media entrepreneurship as a viable and impactful career path.