The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)/Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) Joint Ventures says it will continue to support the growth of education in the country.
The Chairman and Managing Director of the CNL, Mr Jim Swartz gave the assurance on Friday at the “2025 Awards Ceremony of the Chris Ikomi Essay Competition for Secondary Schools in Delta State,”.
Recall that Chris Ikomi, a former employee of Chevron tragically lost his life during a communal crisis in 1999.
Swartz said that the essay competition was constituted by the multinational to sustain the good legacies of the departed Ikomi whom according to him, was a champion of universal friendship and partnership.
He described Ikomi as a dedicated and committed colleague, with an unbending drive for success and excellence.
Swartz added that Ikomi’s legacies continues to live on in the collective consciousness of every employee of the CNL.
“This competition, instituted in his memory, is more than just a writing contest.
“It is a platform for nurturing the minds of our future leaders, a space where creativity, critical thinking, and expression are encouraged, nurtured and celebrated.
“In collaboration with our valued partner, the NNPCL, we are proud to continue this tradition of excellence in learning,” he said.
Swartz said that the theme for this year, “Nigeria: Going Green and Sustainable,” was apt as it challenges the young minds to think critically about the future of our environment and the role they must play in building a more sustainable Nigeria.
According to him, such reasoning is indeed a requirement to foster a prosperous and environmentally sustainable world in which Nigeria is a subset.
Swartz added that the objective of the essay competition was to encourage students to develop their reasoning and articulation skills through creative writing while also enthroning the spirit of friendly and healthy competition.
He said that reports from the assessors of the competition had showed that the company was achieving the broader objective of the competition which was to inculcate in our students the skills of reasoned and profound articulation of opinions through the English language which remains the cornerstone of educational advancement in our country.
“I crave your indulgence to applaud the six young winners of the 2025 edition of the Chris Ikomi Essay Competition who in many ways embody the virtues of Chris, among which are: diversity, tolerance, peace, honesty, integrity and environmental awareness.
“We salute Mala Abei of Ighogba Secondary School, Warri; Chukwuewinwe Isioma of Niger Mixed Secondary School, Asaba; Onyebo Naomi of NEPA Staff School, Sapele; Chukwulo Chidinma of Noble Academy, Okpanam; Ajogwu Jovian of NEPA Staff School, Sapele; and Okosi Believe of Okene Mixed Secondary School, Okpe.
“We honour you today because your young minds exhibit such brilliance that represent hope of our tomorrow,” he said.
Swartz said that over the years, the Chris Ikomi Essay Competition had become a beacon of hope and opportunity.
He said that the competition had helped to build capacity among students, encouraged constructive competition, and strengthened the partnership between the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture and the Delta State Government through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Swartz maintained that the corporate belief of the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture was that education remains a veritable tool for fostering self-worth, societal growth, and sustainable development;
He said that in line with that laudable belief, the Chevron had make efforts to support this important component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Nigerian National Policy on Education.
“We are also pleased inform you that our contributions to education are helping to improve the ability of Nigeria to develop quality manpower in different fields including, but not limited to the oil and gas industry.
“Over the years we have demonstrated commitment to qualitative education in Nigeria, and in particular, Delta State through investments in competitions, education infrastructure, sponsorship of manpower development programmes, and provision of scholarships,” he said.
Swartz said that beyond education, Chevron companies in Nigeria and its partners, have made further social investments in areas of solar-powered water project, drainage, mother and child hospitals, and provision of x-ray machines amongst others to address needs in the society.
He called for a collective and sustainable investment in education to develop the potentials inherent in our youth and by implications empowering the next generation of thinkers, writers, and leaders.
“To every student here today and all contestants in the essay competition, your participation is a testament to your courage, creativity, and commitment to learning.
“Whether you win a prize or not, you are all champions. You have taken a bold step toward becoming articulate, thoughtful, and responsible citizens,” he said.
.
Swartz, however, thanked the partners, educators, and community leaders for their unwavering support.
He assured that together, they could shape a brighter and a more sustainable future for our children and the country.
The Chairman and Managing Director of the CNL, Mr Jim Swartz gave the assurance on Friday at the “2025 Awards Ceremony of the Chris Ikomi Essay Competition for Secondary Schools in Delta State,”.
Recall that Chris Ikomi, a former employee of Chevron tragically lost his life during a communal crisis in 1999.
Swartz said that the essay competition was constituted by the multinational to sustain the good legacies of the departed Ikomi whom according to him, was a champion of universal friendship and partnership.
He described Ikomi as a dedicated and committed colleague, with an unbending drive for success and excellence.
Swartz added that Ikomi’s legacies continues to live on in the collective consciousness of every employee of the CNL.
“This competition, instituted in his memory, is more than just a writing contest.
“It is a platform for nurturing the minds of our future leaders, a space where creativity, critical thinking, and expression are encouraged, nurtured and celebrated.
“In collaboration with our valued partner, the NNPCL, we are proud to continue this tradition of excellence in learning,” he said.
Swartz said that the theme for this year, “Nigeria: Going Green and Sustainable,” was apt as it challenges the young minds to think critically about the future of our environment and the role they must play in building a more sustainable Nigeria.
According to him, such reasoning is indeed a requirement to foster a prosperous and environmentally sustainable world in which Nigeria is a subset.
Swartz added that the objective of the essay competition was to encourage students to develop their reasoning and articulation skills through creative writing while also enthroning the spirit of friendly and healthy competition.
He said that reports from the assessors of the competition had showed that the company was achieving the broader objective of the competition which was to inculcate in our students the skills of reasoned and profound articulation of opinions through the English language which remains the cornerstone of educational advancement in our country.
“I crave your indulgence to applaud the six young winners of the 2025 edition of the Chris Ikomi Essay Competition who in many ways embody the virtues of Chris, among which are: diversity, tolerance, peace, honesty, integrity and environmental awareness.
“We salute Mala Abei of Ighogba Secondary School, Warri; Chukwuewinwe Isioma of Niger Mixed Secondary School, Asaba; Onyebo Naomi of NEPA Staff School, Sapele; Chukwulo Chidinma of Noble Academy, Okpanam; Ajogwu Jovian of NEPA Staff School, Sapele; and Okosi Believe of Okene Mixed Secondary School, Okpe.
“We honour you today because your young minds exhibit such brilliance that represent hope of our tomorrow,” he said.
Swartz said that over the years, the Chris Ikomi Essay Competition had become a beacon of hope and opportunity.
He said that the competition had helped to build capacity among students, encouraged constructive competition, and strengthened the partnership between the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture and the Delta State Government through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Swartz maintained that the corporate belief of the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture was that education remains a veritable tool for fostering self-worth, societal growth, and sustainable development;
He said that in line with that laudable belief, the Chevron had make efforts to support this important component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Nigerian National Policy on Education.
“We are also pleased inform you that our contributions to education are helping to improve the ability of Nigeria to develop quality manpower in different fields including, but not limited to the oil and gas industry.
“Over the years we have demonstrated commitment to qualitative education in Nigeria, and in particular, Delta State through investments in competitions, education infrastructure, sponsorship of manpower development programmes, and provision of scholarships,” he said.
Swartz said that beyond education, Chevron companies in Nigeria and its partners, have made further social investments in areas of solar-powered water project, drainage, mother and child hospitals, and provision of x-ray machines amongst others to address needs in the society.
He called for a collective and sustainable investment in education to develop the potentials inherent in our youth and by implications empowering the next generation of thinkers, writers, and leaders.
“To every student here today and all contestants in the essay competition, your participation is a testament to your courage, creativity, and commitment to learning.
“Whether you win a prize or not, you are all champions. You have taken a bold step toward becoming articulate, thoughtful, and responsible citizens,” he said.
.
Swartz, however, thanked the partners, educators, and community leaders for their unwavering support.
He assured that together, they could shape a brighter and a more sustainable future for our children and the country.
