10/04/2026
*HAPPY 105 YEARS OF GLOBAL IMPACT THROUGH THE BBWEEK EXERCISE WORLD WIDE* .
*Origin of the Boys' Brigade Week Exercise:*
BB Week originated in 1920–1921 as a financial lifeline for the Boys' Brigade after World War I, transforming into an annual, nationwide, and later global, fundraising and promotional event.
It officially launched in 1921 with the "prayers and energies" of members to support the organization's Christian youth work.
Following the war, the Boys' Brigade faced financial struggles. Despite initial reluctance, the Southern Committee in the UK tested the scheme in November 1920, resulting in a positive response from family and friends.
Following the successful trial, the entire country took part in the first official BB Week in 1921, adopting it as a National event .
*Purpose:*
The BB week is designated to raise funds for the Brigade and raise awareness of its mission to advance Christ's kingdom among boys and promote habits of obedience, reverence, and discipline.
*Evolution :*
Over the decades, it became a cornerstone activity for the organization, including special commemorations in 1954 (centenary of founder Sir William A. Smith's birth) and throughout the organization's history.
*Global Impact:*
While starting in the UK, the concept of a dedicated BB Week/focus has been adopted by various national branches worldwide. In 2026 we are celebrating 105 years anniversary of the Boys' Brigade in the global space across 56 different countries of the world.
*BB Week In Nigeria:*
The Boys’ Brigade Week is observed between the last Saturday of the month of April and the first week of May of every year or as may be directed by the National Executive Committee and enshrined in the Constitution of the Boys' Brigade Nigeria.
The programme involve activities as may be determined by each State Council and shall be rounded off with a church service on the Sunday marking the end of the activities. During the exercise there shall be public collections of money annually during the Boys’ Brigade Week Activities, here-in-after referred to as “BB Week”.
The materials for the BB Week, including the collection cards and forms for financial returns shall be distributed by the National Secretariat at least one month to the commencement of BB Week activities.
The proceeds of the BB Week shall be shared in accordance with the following formula;
i. Company 25%.
ii. Group/Battalion Council 5%.
iii. State Council 35%.
iv. National Council 35% or as may be decided by the National Council.
The 2026 BB Week is around the corner and we encourage all members across all levels to be part of this great exercise.
*BB Week National Awards:*
Each year the National Council celebrated the BB Week service awards according to the performance of the member State Councils. In 2025, the National BB week exercise recorded a great performance from member State Councils and awards were given based on two categories.
*Category A:* Early Bird remittance
1st position - Adamawa State Council N2,500,000.
2nd position - Plateau State Council N2,000,00
3rd position - 1,005,000.
*Category B:* General Remittance
1st Position - FCT District - N4,241,000
2nd position - Nasarawa State Council - N3,500,000
3rd position - Adamawa State Council - N2,500,000.
Unfortunately Imo State Council has not made either of the categories for 9 years now due to our poor performance in the Annual BB Week Exercise.
*Imo State Council Vision:*
The Imo State Council has set up an effective team for the BB Week exercise. They shall develop strategies and modalities for distribution and collection of cards alongside remittance of funds which shall effectively be redistributed as approved by the Constitution of the Boys' Brigade Nigeria.
*Theme:*
For the year we are considering the theme, " *THE BOY AND HIS ENVIRONMENT"*
We believe the theme is timely and will have positive impact on the life of the Boy, for if we teach the Boy, we Save his environment.
*Targeted Activities:*
- Environmental Clean-Up Drive
- Tree Planting
- Community Service
- Eco-Quiz: Organize quizzes on environmental topics.
- Leadership Training Focus on environmental responsibility.
*GREEN BADGES/AWARD:*
This is an Eco-award that will be given to Boys, Officers, Patrons Companies and Battalion Councils being effective in this exercise. This award shall also be given to States men as State Awards in appreciation to their various contributions to the Imo State and it's environment across different fields of life.
These activities promote learning, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
*The BB Week Team :*
The Committee is lead by Proff. Michael Nwachukwu, a Professor of Environmental Management and Sustainability, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria (retired).
He is the founder and Director of GEOPROBE Regional Center for Sustainability Studies, Owerri.
He's also an outstanding Patron of FUTO CADET Company and St James Ang Church Ochii Ogwa, Mbaitolu.
*BB Week Workshop:*
2026 BB Week Workshop shall hold on Saturday 18th April, 2026 at Uratta Battalion Council.
The National date for the BB Week Exercise across all Companies is Sunday 26th April to Sunday 10th May, 2026.
*What should I do:*
As you recieve this message, take time and share it with a member (Boy, Officer, Chaplain or Patron). As him and yourself these penitent questions:
1. What can I do as a person to improve my BB performance?
2. What can we do as a Company, Council or Committee to improve our BB performance?
3. How can we help our State Council to improve our BB Week performance.
4.
Send your sincere opinions to the State Secretary Organizer through 08034445827.
Prepare your mind to be part of this years success stories.
Thanks and God Bless.
Ord. Uwakwe Chimazu JUDE'
*SSO, BBN IMSC* .