By Ochuko Akuopha

SEPLAT Energy Plc, in partnership with its Joint Venture partner, the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), has concluded the 2025 edition of the PEARLs Quiz Competition with Pioneer Education Centre, Edo State, emerging as first place winner.

The school emerged winner during the grand finale of the contest organised for secondary schools across Edo and Delta States, receiving the prize money of N10 million to be used to equip its ICT centre.

The contest saw Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin, Edo State emerging second and third placed schools and getting N5 million and N3 million respectively, while the fourth placed school, Ogini Model College, Ogharefe-Oghara, Delta State went home with a consolation prize for participation

Speaking at Asaba, Delta State venue of the grand finale, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori lauded the Seplat JV for the PEARLs Quiz initiative, saying that it had greatly impacted students in Edo and Delta states for many years.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Ms Orode Udughan, the Governor said the PEARLS quiz, was a shining example of corporate social responsibility that aligned with his administration’s developmental vision.

“For years, this initiative has provided a vibrant platform for students to demonstrate intellect, confidence and character while promoting the culture of academic excellence.The scholarships, awards and educational resources you provide continue to enrich our educational landscape and nurture future leaders”, he said.

Also speaking, Edo State Commissioner For Education, Dr Emmanuel Iyamu, represented by Abudukadiri Ikoghade, Director, School Support Service, in the ministry, commended the Seplat JV for positively impacting the students and creating a positive academic environment in Edo and Delta States.

“This competition represents a remarkable platform for promoting and rewarding academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and healthy competition among our students”, he said.

In her remarks, the Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, represented by General Manager, Government Relations, Seplat, Hadiza Garbati, noted that the initiative which dated back to 2012 was conceived to promote exceptional and respectable leaders.

Congratulating all participants, particularly those who made it to the grand finale, she noted that by the quality of participation in this year’s edition, the students had demonstrated that the initiative was already bearing fruits by nurturing young people.

“A school might be going home today with the prize, but all of you are already winners and I congratulate you,” she said.

According to her, the most important aspect was the learning which each participant had taken from the PEARLs Quiz to make him or her a better person in the journey of life.

On his part, Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), represented by the Corporate Communication Department, Godwin Ijiga, expressed delight at the enthusiasm and brilliance demonstrated by the participants across Edo and Delta States.

The grand finale of the quiz competition also featured the STEAM Innovation Challenge, where students showcased inventive projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.