JCI Ibadan Elite concludes Social Innovation Accelerator

…. awards N1m grand prize to outstanding entrepreneur

The Junior Chambers Ibadan Elite (JCI Ibadan Elite) has concluded the 2026 edition of its Elite Social Innovation Accelerator (ESIA), with Josephine Adesina, founder of Awari Olounje Omode, emerging as the overall winner of the competition and receiving a N1 million grand prize.

The accelerator, sponsored by the Bank of Industry (BOI), was established to identify, equip, mentor and accelerate young innovators and social entrepreneurs developing sustainable solutions to societal challenges.

Adesina emerged winner after a competitive Grand Pitch involving the top 10 finalists selected from 50 participants who underwent an intensive programme of training, coaching, mentorship and enterprise development.

Oluwatofunmi Esther Alabi emerged first runner-up, while Oluwamayowa Joseph came third.

Speaking on the essence of the initiative, the ESIA organising team said the programme was designed to give young people more than just financial support.

“The Elite Social Innovation Accelerator is about transforming ideas into sustainable enterprises and empowering young people to create measurable and lasting social impact,” the team said.

According to the organisers, participants were exposed to intensive learning and mentorship designed to strengthen their business models, deepen their understanding of social impact and improve their capacity to build sustainable and scalable enterprises.

The 50 participants were selected after a rigorous screening exercise and were assessed throughout the accelerator based on commitment, attendance, participation and completion of assignments.

The process eventually produced 10 finalists who advanced to the physical bootcamp and grand pitch.

As part of activities preceding the final pitch, the top 10 finalists underwent a physical training session on August 28, 2026, where they further refined their ideas and sharpened their presentation skills.

A major highlight of the session was a one-on-one engagement between the finalists and Mr Sam Aiyesoro, who offered individual guidance, feedback and practical insights on their respective social enterprises.

The grand pitch provided the finalists with an opportunity to present their ideas before a jury comprising JCI Senator (Dr.) Adetola Akinola; JCI Senator Ayoade Abolusodun; Founder of MyEcurrency, Damilola Akinremi; Dr Emmanuel Ojowuro, representing BOI; and JCI Senator Goodness Morakinyo of Valencia Schools.

The jury brought expertise in entrepreneurship, finance, enterprise development, education and leadership to bear in evaluating the finalists.

The special guest of honour at the event was the chairman, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Honourable Adebowale Falana, while the 2026 national president of JCI Nigeria, JCIN Ambassador Akinbode Abitogun, was also in attendance.

The organisers said the participation of the two personalities underscored the growing importance of youth empowerment and innovation-driven solutions to societal problems.

“The success of ESIA 2026 demonstrates what is possible when young people are provided with the right knowledge, mentorship, networks and opportunities,” the organisers said.

In addition to the top three prizes, other participants were recognised with gifts for their commitment, growth and contributions throughout the accelerator.

Some participants were also linked with upcoming projects and engagements where they could deploy their skills, services and crafts, creating opportunities beyond the competition itself.

The organisers described this as part of ESIA’s broader objective of creating practical pathways to collaboration, employment, enterprise development and sustainable growth.

The programme featured coaching sessions by JCI Senator Kola Osinowo, JCI Senator Ibrahim Tiamiyu and Ambassador Akeem Akiode.

Mentorship was provided by JCI Senator (Dr.) Adetola Akinola, Founder/CEO of The Glitz Group and 2019 President of JCI Nigeria; JCI Senator Ayoade Abolusodun, 2010 National President of JCI Nigeria; Mr Olanrewaju Popoola, Executive Director, Allet Feed Mill Limited; and Dr Adebayo Jimoh, former Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited.

The organisers commended BOI for sponsoring the programme, saying the bank’s support contributed significantly to its successful implementation.

They described the Grand Pitch as “not merely a competition,” but the culmination of weeks of learning, discipline, collaboration, innovation and personal growth.

According to them, “the journey for the innovators is only just beginning,” as the beneficiaries are expected to build on the knowledge, networks and opportunities acquired during the programme.

The initiative, they added, reflects JCI Ibadan Elite’s commitment to providing development opportunities that enable young people to create positive change in their communities.

The Elite Social Innovation Accelerator is an initiative of JCI Ibadan Elite aimed at identifying, developing and accelerating innovative young people and social entrepreneurs committed to solving societal challenges through sustainable and scalable solutions.