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  • Junior Achievement Nigeria marks 25 years of impact

    Junior Achievement Nigeria marks 25 years of impact

    Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has celebrated its 25th anniversary dinner in Lagos. 

    The event gathered the organisation’s board members, corporate partners, government officials, educational stakeholders, alumni, volunteers, staff, and supporters.

    The dinner was a celebration of Junior Achievement Nigeria’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through its core pillars of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital literacy, and work readiness.

    Since its inception in 1999, JAN has evolved into a leading non-profit focused on equipping youth with the skills they need to succeed in a global economy across all 36 states and the FCT, through various impactful programs.

    A highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, Executive Director, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems PLC (NIBSS) and one of the pioneer participants of Junior Achievement Nigeria’s Venture in Management Program (ViMP) in 2000.

    Her keynote, titled “Financing the Future: How FinTech Can Drive Innovation in Entrepreneurship Education and Empower Nigeria’s Youth”, explored the transformative role that financial technology can play in advancing entrepreneurship education.

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    She emphasized how FinTech not only opens up new pathways for innovation but could also serve as a medium to equip young people with the tools to become more financially literate.

    Ngover went on to acknowledge JAN’s role in her professional journey, describing the organization as a vital force for positive change that has shaped the entrepreneurial futures of countless Nigerians over the past two decades.

    The Executive Director JAN, Ugonna Achebe expressed pride in the organization’s journey and the impact it has had on youths nationwide.

    He remarked, “Celebrating 25 years is a significant milestone, not just for Junior Achievement Nigeria but for every young person whose life has been touched by our programs. As we look forward, we are committed to continuing our mission of empowering the next generation with the skills, values, and mindsets needed to thrive in today’s ever-evolving world.”

    As part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations, Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) recognized the outstanding contributions of some of its alumni, staff, and key stakeholders through a special awards segment. Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa, was honored with the JAN Accelerator Award for her visionary leadership and significant impact in driving the organization forward, Michael Ijiko was recognized with the Long-Standing Employee Award. These awards, amongst others, highlighted the dedication, innovation, and excellence that continue to shape JAN’s legacy of empowering young Nigerians.

    Mr Niyi Yusuf, the Chairman, Board of Directors, expressed deep appreciation for the staff’s dedication and tireless efforts. He highlighted that Junior Achievement Nigeria’s success is deeply rooted in the commitment of its workforce, noting, “Our staff have been instrumental in driving the impact of our programs. Their work ensures that each young person who passes through Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) receives the tools necessary to lead and innovate responsibly.”

    Looking ahead in the next 25 years, Ugonna Achebe, Executive Director, unveiled a new digital platform, the JAN App, highlighting its potential to transform young Nigerians’ engagement with entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital education.

    According to him, the innovative tool aims to impact by enhancing resource accessibility, promoting inclusivity, and providing opportunities for youths from all backgrounds and revolutionizing program access.

    “JAN’s success today, have been made possible through the unwavering support of its corporate partners, who play a pivotal role in scaling social impact. Companies like Google, Meta, Citi Bank, ExxonMobil, Union Bank, Verraki Africa, TotalEnergies, Boeing, PMIEF, GB Foods, First Bank, Delta Air Lines, and many others have aligned their CSR goals with Junior Achievement Nigeria’s mission, enabling the organization to reach more youth across Nigeria.”

  • Prudence Foundation, JA Nigeria rewards winners of ‘Money Bee Competition’

    Prudence Foundation, JA Nigeria rewards winners of ‘Money Bee Competition’

    Prudence Foundation, in collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria, have rewarded winners of the Money Bee Competition for elementary schools.

    This competition was the culmination of the Cha-Ching Programme, an annual financial literacy initiative sponsored by Prudence Foundation, the Community Investment Arm of Prudential.

    The programme concluded with a closing ceremony at JA Nigeria HQ in Lagos, marking the end of a journey that spanned 13 states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Rivers, Enugu, Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    To qualify, teachers evaluated and tested their pupils through a challenge. Outstanding contestants then participated in a quiz designed to test their financial knowledge. From over 10,000 pupils, 20 emerged to compete in the final stage of the Money Bee competition.

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    Judges Eniola Thomas, Corporate Social Responsibility at Prudential Zenith Life Insurance, and Bob Ononuju, Head of Public Relations at Prudential Zenith Life Insurance, ensured fairness throughout the competition.

    The following students emerged winners; First Position: God’swill Boma Allaputa from Ineben International School in Rivers State; Second Position: Onubi Prasie Eleojo from Heirsville International School, Lagos and Third Position: Oniya Ayanfeoluwa from God Mercy Nursery and Primary School, Ondo State.

    They were rewarded with cash prizes of 100,000, 50,000, and 20,000 naira.

    Olaolu Akogun, the Acting Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, expressed delight in contributing to a program that empowers Nigeria’s youth financially. 

    He emphasized the importance of early exposure to financial literacy in improving the country’s education system and preparing young people for financial stability.

    The Prudence Foundation also shared their perspective, stating that changing the world starts with providing young people with a solid foundation in financial matters.

    Through programmes like Cha-Ching, they aim to teach young people how to earn, save, spend, and donate money, believing in the importance of financial inclusion in every individual’s life cycle and helping build more resilient communities.

  • JAN empowers students with entrepreneurial skills in managing businesses

    JAN empowers students with entrepreneurial skills in managing businesses

    Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has embarked on the implementation of its 2024 flagship program – the JA company programme, aimed at instilling entrepreneurial skills in senior secondary school students across twelve (12) states in Nigeria.

    According to the organisation, this year-long initiative will empower young minds to kick-start and manage their businesses effectively.

    In a statement, it said: “The JA Company Program goes beyond traditional classroom teachings, providing students with practical insights into a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship.

    “Participants collaborate to establish a company, elect officers, and navigate the exciting and daunting experience of running a business under the supervision of dedicated volunteers.

    “Throughout the program, students engage in entrepreneurial activities, including market research, business development, capital fundraising through stock sales, production, marketing/sales, financial record-keeping, dividend distribution, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

    “This hands-on approach ensures that students experience the practical challenges and triumphs of real-world business operations.

    “At the program conclusion, successful participants who submit annual reports to JA Nigeria become eligible for regional competitions.

    “The best student companies from each region then vie for the National Company of the Year (NCOY) title in Lagos. The winning school from the 2024 NCOY competition will represent Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Company of the Year (ACOY) competition in Mauritius.”

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    The Acting Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akogun, in his remarks, said: “The JA Company Program offers students a transformative experience, providing them with practical skills and the right mindset to excel in the business realm.

    “With “Greenovation” as this year’s theme, we anticipate the innovative ideas that hundreds of student companies across Nigeria will present to address challenges within their communities, and ultimately yielding profits.

    “We extend our gratitude to our sponsors, the Project Management Institute and Boeing, for their steadfast support in bringing this initiative to reality.”

  • JAN, PMIEF to empower students on project management skills

    JAN, PMIEF to empower students on project management skills

    Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) is set to collaborate with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) to implement the project management initiative under the theme “Elevating Project Management in Youth Ecosystems.”

    A statement released noted that the progamme is scheduled from January 15th to June 2024. It will focus on teaching young people in Senior Secondary Schools, project management skills that empower them to proficiently track, monitor, and assess projects in readiness for the entrepreneurial world. 

    It said: “The program will foster student development by integrating project management principles, and offering guidance to participants as they embark on launching business ventures to enrich their learning experiences. 

    “Additionally, the program will empower Junior Achievement (JA) staff with the essential skills required for effective monitoring and evaluation of prospective business initiatives.”

    In her remarks, Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Foluso Gbadamosi said: “The objectives of the PMIEF project align seamlessly with our commitment to investing in young people, equipping them with relevant skills, and instilling a project management mindset within them. 

    “Reaching students on a national scale and partnering with PMIEF is a welcome development for us at JA Nigeria. Leveraging their expertise, resources, and network will ensure the delivery of high-quality training and support to students. 

    “Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to the development of thriving communities and a skilled workforce capable of driving success across various industries. 

    “We extend our gratitude to the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) for collaborating with us in this venture, enabling us to empower more young individuals.”

    The Executive Director, Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) Dr. Ashley Forsyth said: “JA Africa is an exceptional partner and we’re proud of the collective work we’ve accomplished. 

    “In the past two years, we equipped over 30,000 emerging African leaders with project management skills. 

    “The extensive work across Africa demonstrates our shared vision and commitment to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. We’re grateful to partner with such an exemplary organization.”