Baobab Nigeria recently organized a one-day internship program for members of the National Youth Service Corps and students as part of its 2024 Customer Service Week celebrations. This event marked an effort by the microfinance bank to offer practical learning experiences to young individuals in Nigeria while promoting the capabilities of its digital savings platform, Jollof+. The initiative was designed to enhance participants’ understanding of the finance sector and provide them with insights from various departments including finance, marketing, creative design, and cybersecurity. The internship not only aimed to build skills but also to foster a relationship between Baobab and young customers who are keen on developing their career trajectories.
The internship included a comprehensive itinerary that provided participants with several valuable opportunities. It featured a career seminar designed to equip attendees with relevant knowledge about the job market and essential career skills. Furthermore, participants were given a tour of the Baobab headquarters in Lagos, which allowed them to see the company’s operations up close and gain insight into the organizational culture. Networking sessions with senior executives were also incorporated to enhance professional connections and mentorship opportunities, proving that Baobab is committed to fostering a cooperative learning environment for the youth.
In a statement about the event, Eric Ntumba, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Baobab Microfinance Bank, emphasized the bank’s dedication to empowering young Nigerians. He highlighted that the initiative is not exclusively focused on the bank’s financial products, such as the Jollof+ platform, but extends to providing significant real-world experience. Ntumba reiterated that the internship reflects Baobab’s broader goal of equipping the youth with vital professional skills and assisting them in achieving their financial objectives. By actively engaging with young individuals, Baobab hopes to inspire a generation that is well-versed in financial literacy and responsible savings habits.
Feedback from the participants echoed the sentiment of appreciation for the well-organized internship. Zachariah Michael, one of the interns, described how the program enriched his understanding of digital marketing, particularly in areas like content creation and social media strategy. His experience illustrates the effective knowledge transfer that took place during the internship, showcasing the opportunities that such engagements can provide to young Nigerians looking to enter the competitive job market. Similarly, Opeyemi Oluwadare, a student from Obafemi Awolowo University, expressed her enthusiasm for the Jollof+ app’s unique features, demonstrating how the internship linked theoretical financial knowledge with practical application.
The emphasis on practical financial literacy was a central theme during the internship, as Baobab aimed to reinforce the importance of savings management among the youth. The Jollof+ platform includes features such as controlled withdrawal capabilities that encourage responsible financial behavior, catering specifically to the habits and needs of young customers. By highlighting such features, the internship served not only as a career development opportunity but also as a means to educate participants about smart financial choices and effective savings strategies.
Overall, the internship organized by Baobab Nigeria signifies a commitment to youth empowerment and skill development through meaningful engagement. By connecting participants with industry experts and providing firsthand experience in various fields, Baobab seeks to cement its role as not just a financial institution, but as a supportive partner in the career journeys of young Nigerians. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to create lasting value for customers through education and practical experience, underscoring the potential of the Jollof+ app to influence positive economic behaviors while promoting financial independence among the youth.
