Seplat, academy train 50 Journalists on energy, judiciary reporting

The Seplat Energy Plc, a foremost Nigerian indigenous energy company, has trained additional 50 journalists in Abuja on energy and judiciary reporting, leveraging technology in journalism.

The third edition training, themed ‘Retooling the Media for Better Reporting’ was organised in partnership with Channels Academy and had in attendance journalists in the energy, finance, capital market, judiciary and general business beats.

The training dwelt on Local and International Energy Market Overview, Judiciary/Energy Sector Intersection, Fundamentals of Energy Journalism, Legal Compliance and Best Practice, Data Analysis and Interpretation as well as Leveraging Technology in Journalism.

Mr Stanley Opara, Manager, Corporate Communications, Seplat Energy Plc, said in a statement on Wednesday in Benin, that the training was in line with the company’s sustainability commitment.

He said the engagement was aimed at showcasing Seplat Energy’s commitment to the continuous empowerment of journalists and the media as a whole, as partners in progress.

He identified journalists as critical stakeholders of Seplat Energy, saying that the development of the media industry in terms of skills and capacity advancement, remained dear to the company and its leadership.

Opara quoted Mr Kingsley Uranta, General Manager, Channels Academy as emphasising the role of the media in national development and underscoring the need to build more capacity in the media space.

Mr John Ofikhenua, Chairman, Energy Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ECAN), Abuja, commended the company for giving them the opportunity to participate in the training, adding that it would help them in discharging their duties objectively in the sector.

Ofikhenua lauded Seplat Energy for its support and commitment to the Nigerian media, describing the training as refreshing and educative.

He called on other corporate organisations to emulate the gesture.

“All hands must be on deck to better the fortunes of the country’s media industry,” Ofikhenua added.

It would be recalled that Seplat Energy had earlier conducted a similar training for Capital Market and Business Journalists in Lagos.

The event, which culminated in the presentation of certificates, also featured group discussions on ethical scenarios and presentations.

It was facilitated by industry experts – Martin Ayankola, veteran energy editor and Dr Paul Ogbole, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Simon Ejembi, Editor/Senior Manager, Channels Digital; Taiwo Adesina, Video production Specialist/Drone Pilot and Emonye Adekwu, were the other facilitators.