In a remarkable achievement for Kano State, Darum Noor by Intercontinental Schools has clinched the prestigious title of National Company of the Year (NCOY) competition, an initiative sponsored by FirstBank. This annual event, organized by Junior Achievement Nigeria, saw the school excel among 11 other educational institutions from across Nigeria, earning the opportunity to represent the nation at the African Company of the Year competition in Mauritius. The theme for this year’s competition, ‘Greenoovation, Promoting Innovative Entrepreneurship among Nigerian Youths,’ underscores a concerted effort to foster creativity and sustainability among the younger generation in Nigeria.
FirstBank’s commitment to youth empowerment was highlighted at the event by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olusegun Alebiosu, represented by General Counsel Raymond Mgbeokwere. Alebiosu noted that the bank’s FutureFirst initiative has positively impacted over 1.5 million young Nigerians across more than 2,500 schools, by providing essential skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career counselling. His remarks emphasized the importance of such initiatives in nurturing innovative entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth in Nigeria, and he expressed optimism about the future, citing the impressive projects presented by participant schools.
At the heart of Darum Noor’s winning strategy was their innovative project called Smart Sprinkler, designed to enhance irrigation systems for farmers. This smart plan not only addresses the pressing agricultural challenges in Nigeria but also showcases the students’ ability to merge technology and sustainability for real-world applications. The competition featured notable entries from other schools, including the first runner-up, Innovative Heritage School from Nasarawa, which presented De-Amazons, a venture focused on creating organic marker ink. The second runner-up, Ibesikpo Secondary Commercial School from Akwa Ibom, showcased Green Cycle, a company specializing in fashionable bags made from recycled materials.
Senior Programmes Manager of Junior Achievement Nigeria, Olaolu Akogun, elaborated on the rigorous evaluation process for the student enterprises, which included assessing their innovative ideas, financial reports, presentations, and exhibition performances. Akogun reiterated the significance of these entrepreneurial programs in equipping students with practical knowledge and skills required to launch and manage real businesses. The competition not only tests their creativity but also instills critical marketing strategies and operational knowledge, vital for their future careers.
Following the victory, Hadiza Baba, the proprietress of Darum Noor, expressed her joy and pride in the students’ achievements. She remarked on the extensive effort put into preparing for the competition and celebrated the success as a fruitful culmination of that hard work. Her sentiments reflect a broader acknowledgment of the dedication and passion exhibited by both the students and the school community in striving for excellence.
As this year marks the 25th edition of the National Company of the Year competition, the long-standing partnership between FirstBank and Junior Achievement Nigeria continues to be instrumental in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape for youths in Nigeria. With nearly a decade of sponsorship, the bank’s involvement not only highlights its commitment to corporate social responsibility but also its role in fostering a new generation of business leaders equipped to tackle the challenges facing Africa today. The success of Darum Noor serves as an inspiration to other schools and underscores the potential that lies within the youth to drive transformative change in their communities.
