In a dynamic showcase of creativity and entrepreneurial drive, FirstBank, in collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), successfully wrapped up the 2024 National Company of the Year (NCOY) competition, unveiling a new generation of young entrepreneurs.
The event took place in Lagos over the weekend, featuring 12 schools from various regions of Nigeria vying for prestigious accolades in this esteemed business competition.
This year's event commemorates the 25th anniversary of the partnership between FirstBank and JAN, which is dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship among secondary school students.
Since its launch in 1999, the initiative has evolved through multiple phases, positively influencing over 1.5 million student entrepreneurs, a significant achievement highlighted by FirstBank's Managing Director, Olusegun Alebiosu, during the ceremony.
Represented by General Counsel Raymond Mgbeokwere, Alebiosu stated, “This milestone underscores our dedication to equipping young Nigerians with the necessary skills to thrive in the business landscape. The NCOY competition plays a crucial role in this mission, connecting academic knowledge with practical business experience.”
Alebiosu also emphasized that the competition is in line with FirstBank’s FutureFirst Initiative, a program focused on financial literacy and career guidance aimed at enhancing financial inclusion for the youth. “Over the past decade, our collaboration with JAN has effectively promoted sustainable practices through innovative initiatives like the NCOY competition. We are devoted to fostering the next wave of business leaders,” he concluded.