In a bold move to redefine the future of media practice in Nigeria, Seplat Energy Plc has transformed its 2025 Annual Media Training Programme into a launchpad for journalists ready to evolve beyond traditional reporting into entrepreneurship and innovation.
Held in Abuja, the two-day event gathered 50 media professionals for an intensive learning experience that merged business acumen, digital transformation, and self-development — signaling Seplat’s commitment to building financially independent and forward-thinking journalists.
Redefining the Role of Journalists in a Changing Economy
At the core of the training was a radical idea — journalists can be creators, innovators, and business owners.
Professor Pat Utomi, political economist and management thinker, challenged participants to step outside the boundaries of conventional media roles during his session, “Can Managers or Professionals Make Good Entrepreneurs?” He described entrepreneurship as “a quantum leap in value creation,” urging the press to see opportunity where others see limitation.
Mastering the Mind, Money, and Market
Leadership expert Dr. Solomon Avbioroko introduced participants to the psychology of growth through “Ego States and Transactional Analysis,” emphasizing how emotional intelligence shapes professional success. His second session, “Second Phase of Life: Overcoming the Phobia,” reframed retirement as a period for reinvention — a continuation of purpose rather than an end.
In another session, Uloma Okoro, lawyer and serial entrepreneur, broke down the blueprint of business creation in “Developing a Business Model and Writing a Winning Business Plan.” She encouraged participants to “test, fail, and reimagine” their paths, reminding them that every entrepreneur starts as a learner.
Thriving in the Digital-First Media Era
As the world transitions rapidly to digital engagement, trainer Abiola Adedeji led a masterclass on “Customer Journey Mapping in Digital Marketing.” She detailed how journalists can build stronger audience connections and revenue models by applying marketing insights to storytelling.
Seasoned engineer Olu Onakoya expanded the conversation with “Entrepreneurial Leadership and Venture Financing” and “Financial Intelligence for Prudent Investment.” His message was clear: journalists must treat financial knowledge as a survival tool, not an afterthought.
Meanwhile, multimedia expert Nnamdi Uwaemelulam explored “Media Technology: Trends, Importance, and Adaptability,” urging journalists to embrace algorithms, AI tools, and cross-platform storytelling to remain relevant in the evolving digital ecosystem.
A Culture of Growth and Reinvention
Representing Seplat Energy’s leadership, Stanley Opara, Corporate Communications Manager, reiterated the company’s vision of empowering media stakeholders through continuous learning and professional development. Speaking on behalf of Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, he affirmed that Seplat Energy views the media not only as storytellers but as partners in shaping national progress.
Beyond Training — Building Media Entrepreneurs
The programme blended thought leadership, mentorship, and practical exercises, creating a space where journalists could rethink their future as creators of businesses and ideas, not just conveyors of news. From digital marketing to financial literacy, participants left equipped with the mindset and tools to navigate both journalism and entrepreneurship successfully.
The 2025 edition of Seplat Energy’s Media Training Programme stands as more than an educational event — it is a movement toward a new generation of Nigerian journalists who think like innovators, act like entrepreneurs, and lead with purpose.
