First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has joined efforts to prepare young Nigerians for the transition from national service to employment, entrepreneurship and leadership through the 2026 Peak Performer Emerging Leaders’ Summit.
The summit, held on August 19, 2026, at Solution Arena in Lagos, brought together about 1,000 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for practical lessons on building careers, managing money, developing digital skills and creating businesses.
The programme was convened by Dr Abiola Salami, founder of The Peak Performer Africa, and focused on helping young people turn their abilities into measurable results.
Themed “I Move with G.R.I.T. – From Potential to Performance,” the event addressed some of the major challenges graduates face when moving from school and national service into the wider economy.
Participants were taken through five major pathways: Get Hired, Get Digital, Get Financially Strong, Build Something and Create Impact.
The sessions covered workplace expectations, artificial intelligence, digital skills, personal finance, entrepreneurship, responsible leadership and community development.
Dr Salami said having potential was only the beginning and that young people needed the discipline and practical skills to turn their abilities into real achievements.
According to him, the success of the programme would ultimately be measured by what participants did after leaving the summit and whether they were able to put the lessons into action.
FCMB contributed to the financial education aspect of the programme. Olajire Awofisibe, the bank’s Group Head of Retail Asset Products, participated in discussions on how young graduates can successfully enter the workplace, stand out and build sustainable careers.
He also joined the faculty for the Get Financially Strong laboratory, where participants learned about budgeting, saving, responsible borrowing, credit and planning around their first income.
Awofisibe explained that earning a salary does not automatically guarantee financial stability. He stressed the importance of developing good money habits early, particularly when it comes to spending, saving and borrowing.
He also warned that while responsible borrowing can support important personal or business goals, taking credit without a realistic repayment plan can eventually become a financial burden.
Beyond classroom-style learning, the summit featured panel discussions, entertainment and interactive activities. Nigerian Idol winner Victory Gbakara and first runner-up Precious Mac also spoke about the preparation, discipline and courage required to transform talent into success.
The programme did not end at the summit. Participants moved into a 30-Day MOVE Challenge, where they formed groups, developed projects around the five pathways, identified potential beneficiaries and set measurable milestones.
Each participant was also expected to complete and document at least one specific action within 30 days.
For FCMB, the initiative forms part of its broader support for youth development, financial literacy and employability. The 2026 edition builds on the 2025 summit, which attracted more than 500 participants.
With thousands of young Nigerians entering the labour market every year, programmes that combine financial knowledge, digital skills, career preparation and entrepreneurship could play an important role in helping graduates become more prepared for the realities of the economy.
