In a ceremony marked by academic excellence and forward-looking discourse, winners of the “Star Girls” competition were awarded a total prize pool of N250,000—structured not merely as a cash reward, but as a seed investment designed to cultivate financial literacy and wealth creation from an early age.
The investment fund, managed by Cordros Asset Management Limited, is intended to guide the students in building long-term financial discipline and preparing for future academic or entrepreneurial pursuits.
This year’s edition of the competition focused on the theme: “AI and Robotics: The Positive and Negative Effects on the Job Sector in Nigeria.” Participants displayed remarkable depth, examining how automation could reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape—balancing concerns about job displacement with opportunities for technological advancement and innovation.
Representing the Managing Director of Cordros Asset Management Limited, Gbolahan Aina, the firm’s Vice-President, Adenike Ogunyale, stressed that the company’s involvement goes beyond corporate social responsibility.
“Cordros is deeply passionate about education and financial literacy for children and young adults. We want to revive the saving culture in them,” Ogunyale said. “Imagine if they have this information now; when they face future challenges regarding fund management, income, and expenses, they will be naturally grounded.
This is why we don’t play with the LCCI competition. We provide this seed fund to start their investment journey, managing it for them until they are ready to use it for a Master’s degree or to launch their own businesses.”
Also speaking, Adedoyin Ekundayo, representing the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), highlighted the organisation’s 137-year legacy and the competition’s origin during the 30th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair a decade ago.
“We wanted to add something meaningful to the trade fair that allowed young people to discuss topical economic issues,” Ekundayo explained. “As an NGO, we provide the platform, but the sustainability of this initiative relies on partners. For four years now, Cordros Asset Management has been the backbone of this laudable project.”
Emerging as the first-place winner was Aluko Rhoda of Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu. An aspiring lawyer, she attributed her success to her school’s strong culture of debate and academic excellence.
Second place went to Olalekan Muyibat of Eric Moore Senior High School, Lagos, who aspires to become a public administrator. She praised her school’s commitment to nurturing high-achieving students.
The third position was clinched by Isabella Oyeleye of Caleb British International School, Lekki, a future software engineer. She credited her consistent performance in national competitions to the modern tools and resources provided by her school.
The competition once again underscored the importance of empowering young girls with intellectual, technological and financial tools necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.