Junior Chamber International, JCI Ibadan Elite has concluded a programme tagged Elite Social Innovation Accelerator (ESIA) 2026, designed to identify, equip, mentor, and accelerate young innovators and social entrepreneurs committed to developing sustainable solutions to pressing societal challenges.
Newsarena.ng reports that 50 outstanding applicants were selected to participate at the event sponsored by the Bank of Industry (BOI) and held in Ibadan.
The participants embarked on an intensive and transformative learning journey, where they were challenged to develop their ideas, strengthen their business models, deepen their understanding of social impact, and improve their capacity to build sustainable and scalable enterprises.
Following an inspiring and highly competitive pitching session, Josephine Adesina, Founder of Awari Olounje Omode, emerged as the 1st Prize Winner, receiving the ₦1,000,000 Grand Prize to support the growth and development of her social enterprise.
Oluwatofunmi Esther Alabi emerged as the 1st Runner-Up, following an outstanding demonstration of innovation, enterprise potential, and commitment to creating meaningful social impact.
Oluwamayowa Joseph emerged as the 2nd Runner-Up, in recognition of an impressive pitch and the potential of the proposed solution to create sustainable impact.
Beyond the top three winners, other outstanding participants were also recognised and awarded valuable gifts in appreciation of their commitment, growth, and participation throughout the accelerator.
Throughout the accelerator, participants were coached by distinguished leaders and professionals, including JCI Senator Kola Osinowo, JCI Senator Ibrahim Tiamiyu, and Ambassador Akeem Akiode.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the programme, the President, Junior Chamber International, JCI Ibadan Elite, JCI Ambassordor Ibukunoluwa Otesile said the participants benefited valuable mentorship provided by JCI Senator (Dr.) Adetola Akinola, Founder/CEO of The Glitz Group and 2019 President of JCI Nigeria; JCI Senator Ayoade Abolusodun.
JCI Ambassordor Otesile said the 2010 National President of JCI Nigeria; Mr. Olanrewaju Popoola, Executive Director, Allet Feed Mill Limited; and Dr. Adebayo Jimoh, former Group Managing Director (GMD), Odu’a Investment Company Limited also shared their valuable experience to beneficiaries which she believed was impactful and worthwhile.
She said “Through their wealth of experience and insights, the coaches and mentors guided participants in refining their ideas, strengthening their enterprises, and preparing to create solutions with measurable and lasting impact.
“The programme maintained a strong culture of excellence, discipline, and accountability. Participants were assessed based on their commitment, attendance, participation, and assignments throughout the accelerator.
“This rigorous process enabled outstanding participants to emerge and progress through the different stages of the programme, eventually producing the Top 10 finalists who proceeded to the physical bootcamp and the highly anticipated ESIA Grand Pitch.
JCI Ambassordor Otesile recalled that the Top ten participants had on August 28, 2026 came together for a rigorous physical training and preparation session designed to further strengthen their ideas, sharpen their pitches, and prepare them for the Grand Pitch.
She said the session provided an opportunity for deeper learning, practical engagement, and final refinement of their social enterprise solutions.
The event had in attendance, the Special Guest of Honour, Honourable Adebowale Falana, Chairman, Oyo State Agency for Youth Development while the Grand Pitch was also graced by the presence of the 2026 National President of JCI Nigeria, JCIN Ambassador Akinbode Abitogun, who joined other stakeholders in celebrating the achievements and potential of the young innovators.
