First City Monument Bank has thrown its weight behind an employment and entrepreneurship push for corps members, as 1,000 NYSC members gathered in Lagos for the 2026 edition of The Peak Performer Emerging Leaders’ Summit.
Held on August 19 at Solution Arena, the summit was convened by Dr Abiola Salami and organised by The Peak Performer Africa. According to FCMB, the programme was designed to move young graduates beyond certificates into actual work and wealth creation.
The theme, “I Move with G.R.I.T. – From Potential to Performance,” centred on turning academic training into jobs, businesses and income.
Participants worked through five tracks: Get Hired, Get Digital, Get Financially Strong, Build Something and Create Impact. The sessions addressed CV readiness, AI and digital tools, money management, starting small businesses and leading community projects.
The lead convener stressed execution over theory.
“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, Group Head of Retail Asset Products, Olajire Awofisibe, joined a panel on career entry and financial planning. He told corps members that landing a job or starting a business comes with money decisions that determine long-term stability.
“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 also warned against poor borrowing habits.
“Responsible borrowing can help people pursue useful goals, but credit becomes a burden when it finances consumption without a clear repayment plan. Developing sound money habits from the first income provides a stronger foundation for the future.”
FCMB said its involvement aligns with efforts to equip Nigerian youths with skills and financial tools to secure employment, launch ventures and build sustainable careers after service year.
