Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), in partnership with Cummins, has equipped 360 girls from 11 states and the FCT with leadership, AI , and future-ready skills at the 2026 edition of its flagship LEAD Camp.
Themed ‘Her Voice. Her Vision. Her Future,’ the two-day camp trained participants on leadership, personal branding, health and wellbeing, vision planning, and AI through sessions led by accomplished women across technology, business, and development.
The program underscores growing investment in preparing the next generation of female leaders for a digital economy.
The organisers said the camp was designed to build confidence and competencies that will enable the girls to thrive academically, professionally, and as change agents in their communities.
Speaking on the impact of LEAD Camp, Tobiloba Olaosun, head of marketing and communications, JAN, said his organisation for over 20 years have empowered young Nigerian girls through interactive bootcamps that help them envision and pursue a future of possibility
‘This year’s LEAD Camp, made possible with the support of Cummins, continues that legacy,’ Olaosun said.
A significant highlight was featuring LEAD Camp alumna Laure Tijani, who shared her remarkable journey of overcoming barriers to education to earn life-changing academic opportunities.
Encouraging participants to believe in themselves regardless of their circumstances, Laure reminded the girls that resilience, determination, and a willingness to seize opportunities can transform lives.
Her return as a speaker reflects LEAD Camp’s lasting impact, demonstrating how yesterday’s participant can become today’s mentor and role model.
Reflecting on her experience at LEAD Camp 2026, Owolafe Esther, a participant from Ondo State, said: ‘I’ve learnt that I need to start building the skills I want to have now, not later. LEAD Camp made me believe that whatever I set my mind to do, I can achieve it.’
Similarly, Mabel Danjuma, a participant from Kaduna State, said the LEAD training reminded her that her voice and future matters.
‘After the vision board session, I left with a clearer picture of the future I want and the confidence to make it a reality.’
Another highlight of the camp was the inauguration of participants into 10 Million African Girls (10MAG), an initiative by Junior Achievement Africa that connects the girls to a wider network of counterparts across Africa and ensures that their leadership journey continues beyond the camp through mentorship, collaboration, and available opportunities.
Speaking on her experience coordinating the program, Mariam Suleiman said executing LEAD Camp for the first time was both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
‘It showed me that the real work of transforming lives happens long before the program begins, through planning, collaboration, and a shared
commitment to creating meaningful experiences for every girl.’
‘More importantly, it reinforced the very message we hope every participant leaves with: that they are capable of achieving anything they set their hearts and minds to.’
Oladipupo Olabode, customer support manager, Cummins, said the organisation is committed to building stronger communities by expanding access to education, skills development, and opportunities that help individuals thrive.
He stated that through Cummins corporate responsibility programs, the organisation has invested in initiatives that equip young people with the confidence, capabilities, and support they need to reach their full potential.
‘We are proud to support initiatives like LEAD Camp that unlock potential, inspire future leaders, and empower young women to create positive change in their communities.’
‘From alumnae like Orode Uduaghan, senior special assistant to the Delta State Governor on SME Development; Nkechi Eze, founder of Aso Ebi Bella, and Laure Tijani, an ALU scholarship recipient, to the girls shaping their own journeys today,we are proud to see the emergence of more confident and capable leading ladies.’
He added that the expectation is to create a ripple efect beyond the 360 girls participating in the program.
LEAD Camp is one of Junior Achievement Nigeria’s flagship leadership development programs for girls, designed to inspire confidence, strengthen leadership capacity, and equip participants with the knowledge, networks, and skills needed to become changemakers.