On Friday, May 30, 2025, the Joan Agha Foundation (JAF) marked a remarkable milestone with the 10th edition of its Annual Entrepreneurship Lecture for Women and Youths. Held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel in Lagos, the event was a vibrant celebration of a decade of impact, growth, and unwavering commitment to empowering the lives of women and youth across Nigeria.
What began humbly in 2015 as a modest platform to support aspiring entrepreneurs has, by the grace of God, evolved into one of Nigeria’s most influential gatherings for social and economic empowerment. Over the years, the Foundation has grown in scope and reach, becoming widely recognized as a foundation helping youth and women in Nigeria, building a generation of self-reliant individuals equipped to lead, innovate, and contribute to nation-building.
This year’s theme, “Entrepreneurship in the Face of Artificial Intelligence”, was not only timely but also forward-thinking. It underscored the increasing relevance of technology in business and life, and challenged participants to reimagine how they position themselves in a world being reshaped by AI.
The sessions encouraged young entrepreneurs and women-led startups to embrace innovation, automation, and digital tools as opportunities—not threats—to creativity, productivity, and business growth. Participants were urged to equip themselves with modern-day skills to remain competitive in an ever-changing economy.
The event featured a rich lineup of inspiring speakers, industry leaders, and visionary panelists, who brought real-life experience, business insights, and practical advice to the fore. Among the highlights of the day were:
With a total of 136 participants in attendance, the energy in the room was electric—filled with enthusiasm, curiosity, and purpose. It was more than just a lecture; it was a movement of transformation.
In a heartwarming finale, 12 women and youth entrepreneurs were awarded business grants to support their ventures. These grants—made possible through generous donations from the Foundation’s partners—serve not only as financial aid but also as a validation of the recipients’ ideas, resilience, and passion.
This moment reflected the core mission of Joan Agha Foundation as a foundation supporting youth in Nigeria, a foundation giving scholarships to youth in Nigeria, and a foundation empowering women in Nigeria. These grants have continued to plant the seeds of financial independence, business sustainability, and generational wealth.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, sponsors, and volunteers, fondly known as the Ambassadors of Hope. Your commitment to giving, mentoring, and walking this journey with us has enabled the Foundation to scale new heights.
From financial contributions to technical support, your impact cannot be overstated. You are the lifeblood of this mission, and we remain eternally grateful.
As we reflect on 10 years of purpose-driven impact, we also look forward with great expectation. Joan Agha Foundation will continue to deepen its reach, diversify its empowerment programs, and create more opportunities for the youth and women of Nigeria to thrive.
Whether through entrepreneurship training, educational scholarships, or counseling support, we reaffirm our identity as:
By the grace of God and with the help of our community, the next 10 years will be filled with even more testimonies, more transformations, and greater impact.
Are you passionate about empowering lives? Would you like to support or partner with Joan Agha Foundation? Visit our website at www.joanaghafoundation.org to learn more, donate, or become a member.
Together, we can shape the future of Nigeria—one woman, one youth, and one life at a time.