Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has celebrated its 25th anniversary dinner in Lagos.\u00a0 The event gathered the organisation\u2019s board members, corporate partners, government officials, educational stakeholders, alumni, volunteers, staff, and supporters. The dinner was a celebration of Junior Achievement Nigeria\u2019s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through its core pillars of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital literacy, and work readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019s Venture in Management Program (ViMP) in 2000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Her keynote, titled \u201cFinancing the Future: How FinTech Can Drive Innovation in Entrepreneurship Education and Empower Nigeria\u2019s Youth\u201d, explored the transformative role that financial technology can play in advancing entrepreneurship education. 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Executive Director JAN, Ugonna Achebe expressed pride in the organization\u2019s journey and the impact it has had on youths nationwide. He remarked, \u201cCelebrating 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\u2019s ever-evolving world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019s legacy of empowering young Nigerians. Mr Niyi Yusuf, the Chairman, Board of Directors, expressed deep appreciation for the staff\u2019s dedication and tireless efforts. He highlighted that Junior Achievement Nigeria\u2019s success is deeply rooted in the commitment of its workforce, noting, \u201cOur 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cJAN\u2019s 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\u2019s mission, enabling the organization to reach more youth across Nigeria.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) has celebrated its 25th anniversary dinner in Lagos.\u00a0 The event gathered the organisation\u2019s board members, corporate partners, government officials, educational stakeholders, alumni, volunteers, staff, and supporters. The dinner was a celebration of Junior Achievement Nigeria\u2019s commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through its core pillars of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital literacy, and …<\/p>\n