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How NGO is empowering, build sustainable future for corps members

Non-profit organisation, Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), in its quest to equip more young people with skills that will enable them build thriving communities and proffer sustainable solutions to contemporary problems, has empowered 100 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members through its annual Venture in Management Programme (ViMP).

The 22nd edition of the one-week programme was recently held in Lagos Business School (LBS) and led by faculty from the institution. This was the second time the programme was implemented in a hybrid mode, giving more opportunity to reach more graduates than the previous years.

This year’s ViMP was sponsored by Parthian Partners, GB Foods, and MasterCard, and implemented with the support of Verraki Partners and Channels Television. According to the organisers, due to the support of various sponsors and partners, the programme has continued to remain free to all participants.

The Executive Director of JAN, Foluso Gbadamosi, noted that one of the major highlights of ViMP is career fair, through which they connect the participants with top organisations.

She stressed that youth unemployment and the need for young people to be self-sustaining and prepared for the world of work are some of the most urgent challenges facing the society.

Gbadamosi added that it is imperative to expose young people to what they require to succeed, reduce the rate of unemployment, and build sustainable future.

“We have recorded outstanding success stories through this career fair,” she said. “I, therefore, use this opportunity to call for more support as we continue to prepare more young people to succeed in a global economy.”

In the course of the programme, the corps members were exposed to different facets of managing a business, making crucial business decisions, and developing skills for management.

Some of the sessions were: Analysis of Business Problems by Dr Yetunde Anibaba; Negotiation Skills by Dr Uche Attoh; Principles of Business Ethics by Dr Margaret Isebor; Case Discussion on Motivation by Dr Eugene Ohu; Entrepreneurship Essentials by Dr Henrientta Onwuegbuzie; Presentation and Interpersonal Skills by Lucille Ossai; Future of Work by Dr Akin Oparison; Branding and Digital Marketing in the Social Media Age by Oluwafemi Adeniba; and Experience Sharing Session by Rotimi Olawale; etc.

The curriculum also included stimulating classroom sessions, case studies, panel discussions, networking, study groups, etc., during which the participants presented solutions to real-world problems.

Some industry leaders also share practical experiences to prepare the corps members for the responsibilities, opportunities, and demands of tomorrow’s business world.

One of the ViMP alumni and Country Manager of GB Foods, Mr Vincent Egbe, shared practical business insight and advised the participants.

The participants also pitched business ideas to a panel of judges, led by the LBS faculty. This formed the climax of the classroom activities.

At the end of the programme, there was presentation of awards to the most outstanding participants and issuance of certificates to participants.

Temilade Adelakun, the most outstanding female participant, was grateful to Junior Achievement Nigeria, Lagos Business School, Parthian Partners, GB Foods, and MasterCard for giving her the opportunity to learn and to experience new things in the business and management sector.

Adelakun stated that the progamme was experiential and transformational, and that she has always wanted to have a taste of what an MBA looks and feels like.

She said they analysed and brainstormed on case studies that relate to the local problems experienced in Nigeria, and were taught relevant business and career topics.

“The alumni mixer was also another highlight for me,” she said. “I got to interact with ViMP alumni who are senior managers in various industries.”

Christian Agu, the most outstanding male participant, stated that the programme was transforming and life-changing, adding that he had a mind shift and the best time of his life.

Agu said the people, the group task, the case studies, the facilitators, the food, the accommodation, and the event impacted his career. He further said the ViMP is the best graduate programme in Nigeria and recommended it to every young graduate.

“I sat under the same roof with scholars and brightest minds in the world that are creating solutions to Africa’s problems,” he said. “After ViMP, my life and approach to work changed. I now see my job as a way to make people’s lives better.”

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