FCMB backs leadership summit for 1,000 NYSC members

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has supported a leadership summit that brought together 1,000 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for training on employment, entrepreneurship, financial management and leadership.

The Peak Performer Emerging Leaders’ Summit 2026, organised by The Peak Performer Africa and convened by Dr Abiola Salami, was held on August 19 at Solution Arena in Lagos.

Themed “I Move with G.R.I.T. – From Potential to Performance,” the summit focused on helping young graduates develop workplace skills, financial discipline, adaptability and the ability to turn their knowledge into career and business opportunities.

Participants were trained in five areas: Get Hired, Get Digital, Get Financially Strong, Build Something and Create Impact. The sessions covered workplace expectations, artificial intelligence and digital skills, personal finance, entrepreneurship, leadership and community problem-solving.

Salami, Founder of The Peak Performer Africa, said the programme was designed to help young Nigerians turn their potential into measurable results.

“Potential is a starting point, not an outcome. Young people need the mindset, capability, and discipline to take deliberate action and produce evidence of progress. The real measure of this summit will be what participants execute after leaving the venue,” he said.

Representing FCMB, Olajire Awofisibe, Group Head of Retail Asset Products, joined other professionals and business leaders in discussions on what young people need to secure jobs, stand out at work and advance their careers.

Awofisibe also facilitated the Get Financially Strong session, where participants learned about budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, credit and managing their first salaries.

He said young people moving from national service into employment or business must develop good money habits early.

“The transition from national service to employment or entrepreneurship comes with important financial decisions. Income alone does not create financial security. What matters is how consistently people budget, save, use credit and plan for the future,” Awofisibe said.

He added that borrowing could be useful when properly planned but could become a burden when used for unnecessary consumption.

The summit also featured panel discussions, practical sessions, music, comedy and audience activities. Nigerian Idol winner Victory Gbakara and first runner-up Precious Mac shared their experiences on the preparation, discipline and courage required to turn talent into success.

After the summit, participants began a 30-Day MOVE Challenge, through which they are expected to apply what they learned by developing projects under the five pathways. They are also required to identify beneficiaries, set milestones and document a specific action completed within 30 days.

FCMB said its support for the programme was part of its efforts to equip young Nigerians with financial knowledge and workplace skills.

The 2026 summit followed the 2025 edition, which attracted more than 500 NYSC members.