Seplat Energy Empowers 35 Journalists With Media Skills

Seplat Energy has held a two-day capacity-building workshop for journalists from Edo and Delta States, equipping them with modern skills in report writing, mobile journalism, personal effectiveness, media technology and digital marketing.

The workshop, which took place in Benin, brought together reporters from the print, broadcast and online platforms in Benin City, Asaba, Warri, Sapele and environs.

In his welcome remarks, Stanley Opara, manager of Corporate Communications at Seplat Energy Plc, who represented Chioma Afe, director External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, said the training is aimed to strengthen the competence of journalists and support ethical and impactful reporting.

“Seplat believes that continuous learning is important for journalists, especially in an industry that is fast changing. We are committed to helping the media grow because a strong media system benefits everyone,” he said.

He noted that Seplat Energy would continue to partner with the media whilst creating the needed impacts as they pertain to the media.

The workshop featured sessions on effective report writing and mobile journalism facilitated by media trainer Mr. Nnamdi Uwaemelulam, who stressed the importance of clarity, strong leads and fact-checking.

Uwaemelulam also demonstrated how smartphones and basic digital tools could improve storytelling. He later delivered a session on media technology, highlighting emerging trends and the need for journalists to adapt to digital transformation.

The training also featured veteran journalists and broadcaster, Patrick Oke, who spoke on the role of media in national development and the need to develop the requisite competence for the task.

Dr. Solomon Avbioroko, a former lecturer at the Lagos Business School, took participants on self-search and transactional analysis, where he explained how personal behaviour patterns could influence communication, teamwork and productivity.

Dr. Avbioroko also educated the journalists on personal effectiveness, focusing on discipline, time management and decision-making.

He urged journalists to manage their time wisely and build positive relationships in their workplaces.

The workshop ended with a presentation by digital strategist Mr. Abiola Adedeji, who lectured on digital marketing and its importance to modern journalism.

He explained how journalists could use digital platforms, analytics and online tools to grow their audience and enhance their reporting.

Participants described the training as timely and beneficial, noting that the sessions would help them perform better in the fast-changing media landscape.