Mastercard, JAN others equip youths with managerial skills

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), on Wednesday, announced its partnership with Parthian Partners, GB Foods, and Mastercard to train youths with business management skills through its Venture in Management Programme (ViMP).

ViMP, a JAN flagship programme, hosted at Lagos Business School, is a five-day transformative programme, where selected corps members and new graduates are taught in a case study facilitated sessions by world-class educators and professors.

This year’s edition of the programme would run from September 11 through 15 to mark the 23rd year anniversary and partnership with Lagos Business School.

The event, according to JAN, would bring participants to discuss compelling case studies that mirror real-world challenges faced by businesses today.

The programme would also incorporate stimulating study groups, panel discussions and guest speakers, who would offer insights into various aspects of business and encourage critical thinking, leadership development and a deep understanding of the complexities of business ethics, marketing, finance and strategy.

Annually, about 100 graduates are taken through activities aimed at sharpening their entrepreneurial and work readiness skills.

The free programme would also feature special events such as Community Service Project; Alumni Mixer and Career Fair with leading professionals from the ViMP alumni community and other industry professionals.

Commenting on the event, the Executive Director, JAN, Foluso Gbadamosi, said: “In an ever-changing world, where change is the only constant, the demand for extraordinary leaders has never been stronger; hence, ViMP is one of JAN’s way of raising global leaders passionate about the well-being of nations, people and overall go into diverse sectors to change the world for good as well as contribute to the attainment of UN SDGs particularly Goals 1, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 13, 17.

“We are convinced that young people have the ability to transform their communities and create long-term solutions that will have an impact on the world around them. Our ultimate goal is to build, promote, and sustain a global leadership mindset among young people for the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds,” Gbadamosi added.

She, however, expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their continued support and commitment towards raising youth entrepreneurs with quality business management skills.

She added: “I want to express our sincere gratitude to our sponsors: Parthian Partners for sponsoring ViMP for the third time; GB Foods and Mastercard for the second time; and Lagos Business School for their continued support since the very beginning.”

Speaking on behalf of GB Foods, the General Manager, GB Foods Nigeria, Vincent Egbe said: “Young leaders have inspired major transformations in Nigeria from the founding fathers of Nigeria’s independence to global music icons. These young leaders have been shaping how we evolve.

“VIMP has played a critical role in Nation building of these new leaders for over two decades, evidenced by VIMP alumnus like Bosun Tijani, who are now serving ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leaders across many spheres and sectors. This is why we support VIMP programme

because it is building the leaders of tomorrow and today.”

Also, the Chief Executive Officer, Parthian Partners, Oluseye Olusoga, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Junior Achievement Nigeria for the third time to offer this unparalleled opportunity to Africa’s emerging leaders.

“With over 29.7 million youths comprising more than 20 percent of Nigeria’s population, investment in skill enhancement and leadership development for our youths is not merely essential but an absolute imperative,” Olusoga added.