BJuMP Mentors Meet Mentees Mixer inspires growth, collaboration
By Abimbola Mohammed
The Bolaji Junaid Mentorship Programme (BJuMP) marked a historic milestone at its third edition with the unveiling of 15 new mentees, significantly expanding the program compared to previous years. This year’s edition introduced a groundbreaking level of innovation. For the first time, BJuMP has adopted a mini reality show-inspired format, blending elements from Big Brother Naija and The Apprentice Africa to enhance engagement and mentorship impact.
This year, from a pool of over 98 successful applications from 6 different states in Nigeria, 10 physical mentees and 5 virtual mentees were selected, reflecting BJuMP’s growing influence in empowering young professionals. The newly unveiled BJuMP Trail Blazers were chosen for their exceptional potential and passion for driving change in their industries.
The Mentors Meet Mentees Mixer held at Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on the 5th of February 2025, was an evening full of inspiration, strategic networking, and knowledge-sharing. One of the key moments was the symbolic unveiling of the new cohort of BJuMP Trail Blazers. These 15 mentees were selected for their potential and passion to shape the future of the industry. At the end of the program, on April 9, 2025, they will compete in a final pitch competition, where the winner will receive prizes worth $1,000.
The major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the newly established BB Apprenticeship Award, named in honor of Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, a true pioneer in mentorship and leadership. Dr. Shobanjo, an industry veteran, engaged in a profound fireside chat with Bolaji Junaid during the event, offering valuable insights into the mentor-mentee relationship. His reflections emphasized the importance of guidance and experience in shaping the careers of young professionals. He highlighted the evolving nature of the industry, stating, “The future of the industry (marketing and advertising) will constantly be in the hands of young people.”
The BB Apprenticeship Award was presented to Dr. Biodun Shobanjo and Jimi Awosika, making them the first recipients of this prestigious recognition. This award is designed to honor outstanding mentor-mentee relationships in corporate Africa, celebrating leaders who have significantly influenced the professional growth of emerging talents.
Project Manager for BJuMP 3.0, Ifeoluwa Egunjobi, highlighted the transformative role mentorship plays in the professional growth of young talents, reinforcing that the success of BJuMP is a direct result of the commitment and collaboration between mentors and mentees. “BJuMP is all about learning, mentorship, and opportunities and today marks the start of an incredible journey. Our mentees have been selected for their potential, and our mentors are here to help guide them towards success.” she remarked.
In addition to the unveiling of the new mentees, the evening included a special behind-the-scenes video showcasing the entire BJuMP journey, its evolution over the years and this year’s selection process. A key highlight of the night was the heartfelt testimonials from past mentees, such as Ibukun Joyce Aiyemo, Mary Fadeyi, and Ola Ogunyemi, who shared their personal experiences of growth within the program. Present at the event include veterans of the Marketing Communications, Entertainment and Technology ecosystem. Notably, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General, ARCON ably represented by Mrs. Winifred Akpa, Head, Corporate Communications, ARCON, Mrs Iquo Ukoh of Entod Marketing, Mrs. Maureen Ifada, Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr. Kayode Adigun, Board Member, WhyFinite Martech, Mr. Femi Orimolade, Head, Integrated Marketing, Aava Brands Ltd. and many others.
Another key highlight was the presentation of an exclusive award for the best performing BJuMP 3.0 applicant, with Udotong Esther Nkechi being honored as the top applicant. She received an autographed copy of The Will to Win by Dr. Biodun Shobanjo.
The event also included the unveiling of Tripreneur, a new book by Bolaji Junaid that chronicles his personal journey through the interconnected phases of entrepreneurship, sociopreneurship, and intrapreneurship.
The evening concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Immanuel Imogie, co-mentor at BJuMP followed by a networking session where mentors and mentees connected, exchanged ideas, and laid the foundation for future collaborations.
BJuMP 3.0 received strong support from leading brands, with Peak Milk, Diva Cakes, Lucozade, Jeremiah Ohimai, WhyFinite, Mouka Foam, CAFFA, T-Crown, and Poshclick playing a pivotal role in fueling the program’s expansion and impact.
The program also benefited from strategic partnerships with Noah’s Ark, The Hook, NIMN, BrandEye, Strategy trybe, UTIVA, Chocolate City, AT3 Resources, Red media, Open Square, and Expose, further strengthening its mission to empower young professionals.
Additionally, media partners such as Brand Communicator, Business Day, Brila FM, and Naijapreneur also present, amplifying the reach of BJuMP 3.0, ensuring that the mentorship program continues to inspire and impact the next generation of leaders.
Speaking after the event, Bolaji Junaid expressed his gratitude to the mentors, mentees, and partners who made the mixer a success. “BJuMP is more than a mentorship program; it’s a movement that nurtures talent, builds confidence, and equips young professionals with the right mindset for success. Tonight, we saw the impact of mentorship in action, and I am confident that this is just the beginning.”
As the program continues to grow, the BJuMP network is set to make an even greater impact, with the unveiling of 15 promising new mentees marking a major achievement in the program’s ongoing mission to empower young leaders.
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