First Bank of Nigeria Limited has felicitated Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) on its nomination for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.
The financial institution, which has been a promoter of youth development and career building in the country, has been partnering with JAN to implement FutureFirst programme which is built around career counselling, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
In the last 11 years, the bank, through its partnership with JAN, has hosted its annual flagship event, the National Company of the Year Competition (NCOY), which convenes winners of the JA company regional competitions across Nigeria to compete for the National Company of the Year Award.
Excited about the nomination, FirstBank’s group head, marketing and corporate communication, Folake Ani-Mumuney said, “We are proud to be associated with Junior Achievement on the nomination of 2022 Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination is certainly well deserved given the depth and reach of the organisation’s impact on the society based on its programmes worldwide. As an institution that remains woven into the fabric of the society, we are truly delighted for this recognition and it would further reinforce our commitment to drive youth development and empowerment in partnership with JAN.”
The nomination is in recognition of the efforts by Junior Achievement Worldwide – the parent body of JAN and other Junior Achievement across 119 countries – in equipping young people to solve societal issues, while building an entrepreneurship mindset.
Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide, shared his perspective in response to the nomination. He said, “Peace is only possible when youth in all countries and regions have economic empowerment. JA Worldwide is honored to receive this nomination and will continue our work to enable all young people to have the skills and mindset to build thriving communities. Our primary hope for solving the world’s most complex problems rests in the young people of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow.”
In response to the news, executive director of JA Nigeria, Foluso Gbadamosi, commented: “It’s an honour to be part of the JA Network and we join our colleagues across the world in celebrating this recognition of our efforts to educate and empower young people across the world. Through our unique blend of entrepreneurship, digital literacy, financial literacy, and work readiness programs, we, at JA Nigeria, aim to ensure that Nigerian youth, regardless of socioeconomic status, maximise their potential and take ownership of their economic future as they become leaders of tomorrow.”
