Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Leaders: Junior Achievement Nigeria, Union Bank Host 22nd LEAD Camp

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), in partnership with Union Bank, recently concluded the 22nd edition of the LEAD (Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement, and Development) Camp for girls.

The program which ran from the 24th of July through the 26th, was tailored towards inspiring and empowering young girls with relevant leadership, entrepreneurial and career development skills they need to be high-achieving leaders.

This year’s LEAD camp brought together participants from the leadership arm of the JA Company program and 400 high-achieving senior secondary students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds from 16 schools nationwide which include Seed of Life College, Oyo; Topfield College, Lagos; Redeemer’s International Secondary School, Lagos; Queens School, Enugu; Kano Capital Girls School; Hope High Academy Zawan, Plateau; Rosa Mystical High School Agulu, Anambra; Faith Baptist College, Rivers; Bedrock International School, Mararaba; Community Secondary School Asokoro, FCT; Taidob College, Ogun, Baptist Girls College, Ogun; Merit International School, Ondo; Faith Academy, Kaduna; Christian Secondary Commercial School, Akwa-Ibom and AdiahaobongSecondary Commercial School, Akwa-Ibom.

The three-day camp featured interactive workshops, panel sessions, and skill-building activities to equip the participants with valuable leadership skills. Notable speakers included Simi Nwogugu, Morenike Molehin, Solape Akinpelu, Vivian Imoh-Ita, Vanessa Ojekwe, Olande Adekunle, Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri, Jennifer Ikechiuku, Koromone, and many others.

Throughout the camp, the girls were coached by experienced mentors who led them through developing their presentations to enhance their leadership skills further. A panel of judges evaluated their presentations on the final day, and the winners won differentprizes. This year’s LEAD Camp occurred in Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, and the FCT.

Speaking about this year’s edition, Foluso Gbadamosi, the Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, said:

“The 2023 LEAD Camp proved to be another transformative experience for over 400 young minds nationwide. We firmly believe that leadership knows no gender boundaries, and we are dedicated to breaking the barriers that have held girls back for far too long. Over three days, we nurtured the courage of these young girls, instilled essential leadership skills, expanded their networks, and, most importantly, showed them that no career path is gender-specific or irrelevant.

We are confident that the positive impact of the LEAD Camp program will resonate for years to come, producing change-makers ready to shape the future of Nigeria and the world. Our commitment to expanding and strengthening the JA Nigeria LEAD Camp program across the country remains unwavering as we aim to impact even more young girls. We express our deep gratitude to Union Bank for their consistent support, which has made the LEAD Camp vision a reality. Together, we empower the next generation of leaders to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

Also commenting on the successful 2023 edition and the Bank’s continued partnership with JAN, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, said: “This year marks our ninth year of partnership with JAN on LEAD Camp, and we have impacted thousands of girls in these nine years. Through LEAD Camp, Union Bank continues toempower young women to be high-achieving leaders well-prepared for the future of work and entrepreneurship. Glass ceilings are easier to shatter when we know people are supporting us, and the girls who participate in the LEAD Camp program benefit from exposure to phenomenal Nigerian women. This partnership aligns with our commitment to enabling success for women and girls, as is our contribution to supporting Nigeria to achieve SDG 5 – Gender Equality.”

Chiamaka Moses from Topfield Secondary Schools commented on her experience at the camp, stating that it was an unforgettable experience.

“I learned about emotional intelligence and self-awareness,working with others, managing my temper, and what triggers my emotions. I was also made aware that etiquette is a soft skill rather than a personality trait and that there is a need to improve soft skills. They are required to position me for employment opportunities successfully. I am grateful to Junior Achievement Nigeria for this opportunity, which I intend to utilise.”

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

Oluwatobi Ogunlesi

Marketing & Communications, Junior Achievement Nigeria

[email protected]

About Junior Achievement Nigeria:

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JA Nigeria) is a leading non-profit organisation that empowers young people to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Through innovative, hands-on programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness, JA Nigeria equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st-century economy.

For more information, visit www.ja-nigeria.org

About Union Bank

Union Bank of Nigeria is a respected and long-standing financial institution that has been serving customers since 1917. With over 300 branches across Nigeria, the bank is well-established and trusted by individuals and businesses. Union Bank offers a wide range of banking services, including current and savings accounts, funds transfer, foreign currency services, loans, and digital banking solutions. The bank is committed to delivering quality financial services and contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.

For further information about Union Bank’s extensive range of services and its role as a leading financial institution, please visit its official website: www.unionbankng.com