Copyright tribuneonlineng
The 2025 edition of the PEARLs Quiz organised by Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian independent oil company, in partnership with its Joint Venture partner, the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) for secondary schools across Edo and Delta States has ended in Asaba with schools carting away huge prizes. Pioneer Education Centre, Benin City Edo State, took the first position, smiling home with N10 million to be used to equip its ICT centre. Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin, Edo State, took the second and third positions with N5 million and N3million award respectively as their winning prizes. The fourth placed school, Ogini Model College, Ogharefe-Oghara, Delta State went home with a consolation prize for participation 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. Under this category, the top three projects were awarded cash prizes and commendations for creativity, functionality, and real-world problem-solving potential. The first prize of N1m went to Hollywood International School, Asaba, Delta State which presented a multi-functional academic laboratory while the Pioneer Education Centre, Benin, Edo State which took the second position got N500,000 and Women Affairs Secondary School, Asaba, Delta State took the third position to receive N250,000. The annual PEARLs Quiz which stands for Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders, is one of Seplat Energy JV’s flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives geared towards the promotion of academic excellence, nurturing critical thinking, and inspiring the next generation of leaders. In his remarks at the occasion, Governor Sheriff Oborewvori of Delta State commended Seplat Energy and the NNPC Joint Venture, for their unwavering commitment to the future of children through the PEARLS Quiz. The governor said the initiative had for years provided a vibrant platform for students to demonstrate intellect, confidence and character while promoting the culture of academic excellence. Represented by the state Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Ms Orode Muyiwa Uduaghan, the governor called on other corporate organisations to emulate the laudable gesture by investing in the education of children, the most valuable resource of our nation. According to him, the scholarships, awards and educational resources the partners provide have continued to enrich the educational landscape and nurture future leaders. He commended the courage, diligence and brilliance of the students from Edo and Delta states as they have all shown what hard work and determination can achieve. He congratulated the students who got to the finals of the competition as they have done their schools, families and states proud. “Beyond the trophies and prizes, every participant in this competition is a winner. The knowledge you have gained, the teamwork you have displayed and the confidence you have built are lasting assets that will guide you throughout life. Let this experience be a springboard for even greater academic and personal achievements. “As we celebrate these bright minds today, I urge our students to stay curious, keep learning and pursue excellence with integrity and purpose. In his goodwill message, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr Emmanuel Iyamu, represented by the ministry’s director of School Support Service, Abudukadiri Ikoghade, applauded Seplat JV for positively impacting the students and creating a positive academic environment in Edo and Delta States. “Today, we are not only celebrating the intellectual achievements of our students but also reaffirming our collective commitment to education as a powerful tool for shaping the future. Dr Iyamu commended Seplat Energy for giving back to the communities and states where it operates. On his part, managing director of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) Nicolas Foucart, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, Mr Godwin Ijiga expressed joy at the enthusiasm and brilliance demonstrated by the participants across Edo and Delta states. While commending the students for participating and making it to this stage, Foucart expressed gratitude to the Edo and Delta State governments for creating a conducive atmosphere for business to thrive and being in position to give back to the society. The Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, represented by the general manager, Government Relations, Seplat, Hadiza Garbati, pointed out that the quiz competition which dated back to 2012, had seen the company remain active in host communities and had been helping to foster students in the right direction. She noted that by the quality of participation in this year’s edition, the students had demonstrated that the initiative is already bearing fruits by nurturing young people. She commended the teachers from the schools, many of whom had also been trained under various CSI initiatives of Seplat for encouraging the students to make the 2025 PEARLs Quiz the huge success it had turned out to be.
