Industry leaders, professionals, creatives and regulators have lauded the effort of BJUMP Africa in its drive to build a sustainable talent pipeline, through mentorship and skills development.
In their goodwill messages at the BJUMP Africa Mentors Meet Mentees Mixer event in Lagos with the theme “Unveiling the Game Changers Wey Sabi,” they said the programme now serve as platforms to empower talents, enlighten their paths, and equip them with the right skills to grow.
Olalekan Fadolapo, director-general, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), said that there are now new set of skills within the experiential marketing sector which many didn’t have the opportunity of having someone to mentor them.
Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, president, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), said that Nigerians keep complaining that there’s a knowledge gap in the industry but not too many people are willing to teach the younger ones.
Bayo-Ajayi urged the mentees not to take lightly the opportunity they have being presented with through this platform, adding that whatever knowledge they learn should be passed down to the generations coming after them.
Tolulope Medebem, president, Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), said she is delighted that a major talent issue that the industry is facing is been address by the programme.
Delivering the keynote address, titled ‘Mentorship: Hidden Pathway to Africa’s Economic Prosperity’ Adeola Azeez, co-founder, WIMBIZ. emphasised the importance of guided exposure.
According to her, Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with 60 per cent of its population as youth. The continent is not lacking in creativity, talent, or hustle.
“What we are often lacking is guided exposure and access to experience. Many young Africans are navigating complex systems without a map. Mentorship shortens the distance between potential and productivity,” she said.
Aishah N. Ahmad, Global Financial and Policy Adviser and former Deputy Governor, CBN, said: “At BJUMP, we believe strongly that talent is Africa’s greatest export, and mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for unlocking that talent. What you see in this room today is a living example of that belief, young people who are ready to learn, professionals who are willing to guide, and a community committed to growth.”
On his part, Bolaji Junaid, founder of BJUMP encouraged participants to maximise learning opportunities, stating: “All you need is to learn from those who have gone ahead and accelerate your career. The barrier for entry is very low and we need to change the narrative.”
The exclusive, invitation-only event brought together stakeholders and emerging talents for an evening of meaningful conversations, mentorship, and strategic networking aimed at shaping the next generation of African leaders.
One of the major highlights of the evening was the formal introduction of 14 newly selected mentees into the BJUMP Met Stars Academy, a flagship development programme designed to equip young professionals with practical skills, industry exposure, and access to experienced mentors. The unveiling marked the beginning of an intensive growth journey for the new cohort, positioning them for leadership and career excellence.
The event also featured an engaging fireside chat that offered practical insights into mentorship and career development. Iquo Ukoh noted: “There has to be value between the mentor and mentee. There are many things you can’t Google. When you’re talking about human relations, AI can’t help you. If you’re looking for a mentor, be ready to submit to their mentorship.”
Victor Gbenga Afolabi added: “You need to be totally open for your mentor to actually be able to shape you into who you want to be. When the student is ready, the teacher emerges.”
In recognition of outstanding commitment to mentorship and professional development, the BB Apprenticeship Award, which celebrates exemplary mentor–mentee relationships, was presented to Mrs Iquo Ukoh and her mentee, Dr Victor Gbenga Afolabi, for demonstrating the impact of purposeful and effective mentorship.
The evening concluded with networking sessions that fostered new partnerships, collaborations, and lasting professional relationships among participants.
With strong institutional and media support, the 2026 Mentors–Mentees Mixer reinforced BJUMP Africa’s role as a catalyst for talent development and leadership growth across industries.
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