Teenage pregnancies, school dropouts and a general sense of despair were common in Alimosho, a Lagos neighborhood where Jemimah Oluwapelumi was born and raised. Amid the absence of positive role models, Jemimah felt a spark—a desire to be different.
Though she faced the same societal pressures as other young people in her community, a strong sense of destiny guided her. “I was that young girl with big dreams,” Jemimah recalls. “I didn’t know how or when, but I always wanted to do big things.” She began entering public competitions at just nine years old. Even when she didn’t win, her participation in contests by brands like Blue Band and Indomie fueled her drive for greatness.
Later, Jemimah moved to Kogi State for university, a pivotal transition in her journey. “I got the exposure I had always wanted,” she reflects. Despite studying a science course, her passion for storytelling thrived. She became an integral part of her university’s editorial crew, driving narratives that resonated with her and her peers. It was during this time that Jemimah discovered her calling: to be a voice for the voiceless and a beacon of hope for those who felt lost.
Her desire for change led her to become a teenage life coach. Seeing teenagers engaged in meaningful activities sparked an idea. “Since I didn’t have many role models growing up, I decided to be that role model for teenagers in my community.” And so, the Winning Faculty was born.
Empowering Teens Through the Winning Faculty
The Winning Faculty aims to empower teenagers from underserved communities, offering mentorship, guidance, and resources to help them reach their potential. Jemimah and her team collaborated with organisations to provide scholarships and training in skills like coding and personal development. One standout initiative was a coding boot camp that trained over 100 teenagers from Alimosho, some of whom secured internships at tech companies. “Seeing a young girl publish her own book at just 12 was a huge victory for me,” Jemimah says proudly.
Beyond skills training, the Winning Faculty fosters a nurturing environment where teens can express themselves freely. Monthly mentoring sessions address personal challenges, sexual health, finance, and aspirations. “Teenage years are critical for self-discovery,” Jemimah asserts. “If you don’t get the right exposure, you might stop dreaming.”
Her work extended beyond mentorship, as she recognised the importance of selflessness in her mission. Guided by her faith, Jemimah launched initiatives that provided financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring education remained accessible. “There’s a place for living for more than myself,” she says, embodying a spirit of service.
Expanding Vision and Restructuring for Global Impact
As interest in the Winning Faculty grew, Jemimah’s vision expanded. By late 2022, with growing attention from within Nigeria and beyond, including countries like Kenya, Jemimah and her team decided to restructure the organisation. “We wanted to enlarge our reach and evolve with the changing world,” she explains. This restructuring aims to build a more robust platform to empower teenagers globally, giving them the tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Meanwhile, Jemimah continues to receive invitations to speak at schools, guiding teens through various social issues. “We’re hoping to relaunch fully next year,” she shares, her determination clear. For Jemimah, the Winning Faculty is more than just teaching skills—it’s about helping teenagers realise that their lives and voices matter, and that they have the power to rewrite their own stories.
Challenges and Triumphs
Working with teenagers isn’t without its challenges. Many face personal issues at home, which sometimes hinder their participation in programs. Additionally, some parents remain skeptical of the free services offered. These hurdles have been addressed through consistency, trust-building, and demonstrating the positive impact of the initiatives. The rewards of seeing young people discover their potential keep Jemimah pushing forward, despite the difficulties.
A Natural Progression into Filmmaking
Jemimah’s passion for storytelling naturally led her into filmmaking. Her films reflect the realities of young people in Nigeria—offering both entertainment and education. Her work caught the attention of a prominent film festival, where she now leads PR campaigns, using her platform to reach more young people.
From working with Laju Iren to writing nearly 40 scripts, Jemimah has established herself in the Nigerian film industry, with a focus on family, romantic comedies, and social impact stories. One of her proudest achievements is producing a film on child trafficking, funded by the Lagos Legos Alumni Film Fund and the Africa Film Academy.
Amplifying the Voices of Faith-Based Filmmakers
As a PR executive for the Kingdom Film Festival, Jemimah focuses on promoting faith-based films with strong moral messages. She believes that in today’s media landscape, it’s not just about the quality of the work, but the volume and persistence of the message. “It’s a battle of who has the loudest voice,” Jemimah explains. Her strategy is community-driven promotion—ensuring that her films, and those of like-minded filmmakers, reach the audiences they deserve.
Her efforts paid off during the Africa Creative Market, where faith-based filmmakers like Pastor Mike Bamiloye shared the stage with secular creatives for the first time. “Who says a faith-based film can’t be on Netflix or Amazon Prime?” Jemimah asks, pushing for a future where these films reach global platforms.
Commitment to Excellence
Jemimah insists that faith-based films must meet high production standards. “If the story is good, people will talk about it. If the film is excellent, people will watch it,” she asserts. Her work includes films like “Sapa,” “Black Orphans,” and “Danfo and the Rose,” showcasing her versatility and dedication to impactful storytelling.
As Jemimah builds her brand, she remains committed to her core values: faith, community, and quality. Her advice to young creatives is simple: “Your dreams are valid, no matter your background. Life might not be easy, but it doesn’t mean you won’t succeed. Trust God—without His help, everything else is in vain.”
Jemimah Oluwapelumi grew up in Alimosho, Lagos, amidst challenges such as teenage pregnancies and school dropouts but was driven by a strong desire to be different. She found her calling as a storyteller during her time at university and became a role model by founding the Winning Faculty, which empowers disadvantaged teenagers through mentorship and skills training, including a successful coding boot camp.
Her passion for storytelling extended to filmmaking, where she creates impactful narratives, especially on social issues. As a PR executive for the Kingdom Film Festival, she champions faith-based films, striving for high production standards and broader reach. Jemimah's work emphasizes community, faith, and quality, inspiring young creatives to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.
