FirstBank, JAN Celebrate Emerging Student Entrepreneurs

Nume Ekeghe

In a vibrant display of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, FirstBank, in partnership with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), concluded the 2024 National Company of the Year (NCOY) competition, producing a new cohort of young entrepreneurs.

Held in Lagos over the weekend, the event featured 12 schools from across Nigeria competing for top honors in the prestigious business contest.

This year’s competition marks the 25th anniversary of the partnership between FirstBank and JAN, a collaboration aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among secondary school students.

Since its inception in 1999, the program has undergone various phases, impacting over 1.5 million student entrepreneurs, a milestone proudly announced by FirstBank Managing Director, Olusegun Alebiosu, during the event.

Represented by General Counsel, First Bank, Raymond Mgbeokwere, he said:  “This achievement reflects our commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the skills to navigate the world of business. The NCOY competition has become a vital part of that effort, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world business operations.”

Alebiosu further highlighted that the competition aligns with FirstBank’s FutureFirst Initiative, a financial literacy and career counseling program established to promote financial inclusion among the youth. “Over the last decade, our partnership with JAN has strategically driven sustainability practices through innovative programs like the NCOY competition. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of business leaders,” he added.