L-R: Franklin Ozekhome, Global Strategy Consultant & Pop Culture Expert; Temilade Agunbiade, chief executive officer of TCROWN Foods; Ifeoluwa Egunjobi, programme coordinator, BJuMP 3.0; Esther Nkechi Udotong, Winner, BJuMP 3.0; Bolaji Junaid, lead mentor, BJuMP; and Immanuel Imogie, founder/Venture Innovation at TCCo during the final hurdle pitch event held in Lagos.
The Bolaji Junaid Mentorship Programme (The BJuMP) has announced plans to transition from a seasonal initiative into a fully institutionalised platform, known as BJuMP Met Stars Academy.
The initiative is to scale up opportunities for marketing talents across Africa.
According to the organisation, the new phase of the programme has a mission to groom Africa’s next generation of Marketing, Entertainment, and Technology (MET) trailblazers.
So far, BJuMP has successfully run three cohorts, nurturing a thriving community of over 150 active members, supported by a robust network of more than 40 mentors and 22 mentees.
The programme has engaged 13 sponsors, partnered with eight organisations, facilitated four brand tasks, and collaborated with two companies, laying a strong foundation for this exciting new chapter.
Speaking at the during the just-concluded Final Hurdle Pitch Day held at the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Bolaji Junaid, lead mentor said the next phase of programme will be housed under the newly established BJuMP MET STARS ACADEMY, a structured and continuous mentorship model designed to deepen impact and scale opportunities across Africa.
“From an idea to a movement, and now an institution, BJuMP is ready to go big,”. “We’re not just mentoring anymore, we are building a legacy platform with sub-brands and focus areas that will deliver tailored experiences across Marketing, Entertainment, and Tech,” Junaid said.
The Academy will operate with distinct sub-brands under its umbrella, allowing for specialised tracks, curated learning journeys, and more targeted mentorship experiences. Whether it’s brand building, creative innovation, digital transformation, or business leadership, the Academy is structured to nurture excellence and real-world relevance.
He said that applications for BJuMP 4.0 will open with a refreshed focus on impact, sustainability, innovation, and collaborative growth.
The revamped programme will feature deeper access to industry mentors, hands-on brand challenges, leadership training, and immersive community experiences.
He called on stakeholders, sponsors, and partners to come on board as BJuMP MET STARS ACADEMY solidifies its place as one of Africa’s premier mentorship experiences.
Meanwhile, Esther Nkechi Udotong has emerged as the BJuMPer of the year after ten weeks of rigorous mentorship, brand tasks, hands-on training, and working visits.
After careful deliberation, Esther was announced as the BJuMPER of the Year 2025, impressing the judges with her overall performance, leadership, and consistent high scores accumulated from the inception of the programme.
Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “One of the things I learnt from BJuMP is the value of relationships and creating time to add value to people.” Her words mirrored the very essence of what the programme seeks to instil, people-first leadership and impact-driven growth.
Anita Okafor emerged as the Final Pitch Winner and was named the First Runner-Up, while Caleb Adekunle was awarded Second Runner-Up, rounding out the top three. Esther received the grand prize worth $1,000 presented in front of an audience of mentors, peers, and industry stakeholders.
Additional recognitions were also awarded during the event. Kazeem Azeez Oluwatosin was honoured with the Most Consistent and Punctual Award for her unwavering dedication and steady performance throughout the programme. The Best Dressed Award went to Afolabi Bisola, whose unique style added extra flair during the programme.
