Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and indigenous capacity development by sponsoring a 20-week highly specialised underwater welding training programme for the first batch of youths selected and nominated by the Akwa Ibom State Government from across all 31 local government areas of the state.
The programme, inaugurated at Royalty Hotels, Eket, on Wednesday offers the 35 youths nominated by their respective LGAs and the State Government access to one of the most prestigious, technically demanding and expensive specialised training pathways in the marine and offshore industries.
The comprehensive sponsorship covers training, feeding, accommodation and medical expenses throughout the 20-week programme, with support from SEEPCO.
Speaking on behalf of the state government and commissioners present, the Dean of Commissioners and Hon. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, commended SEEPCO for the investment, praising the company’s commitment to developing young people through opportunities that can improve their prospects and strengthen local technical capacity.
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He also applauded Governor Eno’s youth development vision, noting that purposeful engagements of this nature could help reduce community tensions, strengthen peaceful coexistence and sustain the peaceful environment for which Akwa Ibom is known.
Archibong charged the beneficiaries to approach the opportunity with seriousness, discipline and commitment, describing it as potentially life-changing. He urged them to maximise the investment by remaining focused and meeting the demanding requirements of the training.
Other government officials present included the Commissioner for Information, Elder Aniekan Umanah; the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Paul Ekanem; the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Elder Ikoedem Ekong; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Relations, Sir Udo Kieran Akpan.
In his welcome remarks, the base manager of Ibom Developers FZE, an affiliate of SEEPCO, Barr. Umoh Monday, thanked the state government for its vision and commitment to youth development. He highlighted the company’s efforts to support initiatives that build local capacity, expand opportunities and contribute to sustainable development.
The Senior Base Manager of Sumedha Energy Limited (SEEPCO’s JV arm with NEPL) for OML 13, Engr. Fabian Ebri, also commended the programme as a significant investment in specialised skills development. He encouraged the trainees to demonstrate dedication, uphold professional standards, take safety requirements seriously and make the most of the opportunity provided through the sponsorship.
The State Coordinator of VCare Development Foundation (VCDF), the CSR affiliate of Sterling Oil, Dr Grace Offem, was also in attendance.
During an interactive technical briefing, the General Manager and National Skills Qualification Assessor of Subweb Technical Assembly Academy, Rivers State, took the beneficiaries through the fundamentals of underwater welding, the demands of the profession, training expectations, safety requirements and the competencies they would be required to demonstrate.
The 20-week programme is scheduled to take place at Subweb Technical Assembly Academy, Onne, Rivers State, commencing end of October 2026. Underwater welding combines advanced welding expertise with professional diving, physical fitness and rigorous safety procedures.
Practitioners support the inspection, maintenance and repair of submerged infrastructure, including offshore oil and gas facilities, pipelines, vessels and other marine structures.
Subject to successful completion of the required training and assessments, participants are expected to obtain Nigerian Institute of Welding & other relevant certifications approved for 30 Mtr air diving, underwater welding, structural welding, chamber operations, compressor operations and first aid.
By extending the opportunity to the first batch of 35 beneficiaries nominated from all 31 local government areas, the initiative promotes wider access to specialised technical training while supporting the development of a skilled indigenous workforce capable of participating in Nigeria’s marine, offshore and industrial sectors.
The programme forms part of SEEPCO’s broader commitment to community development, local content advancement and sustainable economic opportunities. Through its operations and affiliated organisations, including Ibom Developers FZE (IDFZE), Sumedha Energy Limited and VCare Development Foundation (VCDF), the company continues to support initiatives that develop human capital, strengthen communities and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial growth.
The sponsorship underscores the value of collaboration between government and the private sector in opening access to specialised professional training, improving youth employability and supporting the vision to build the youth and build the nation.
