The honourees for the 2025 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) of Nigeria have been announced by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria.
TOYP is a platform used to celebrate the achievements of young leaders and innovators across the nation.
At the unveiling of the nominees at a ceremony in Lagos held in commemoration of International Youth Day, the Representative and Chief of the Taiwan Mission in Nigeria, Mr Andy Yih-Ping Liu, underscored the pivotal role of young people in global development.
According to him, “Youth are not just the future, but are the driving force of innovation, creativity, and resilience needed to shape stronger societies.”
Drawing parallels from Taiwan’s development, he highlighted how investments in education, technology, and youth empowerment have been central to national growth and transformation.
He urged Nigerian youths to embrace leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic responsibility, stressing that their energy and ideas are indispensable in addressing today’s challenges and advancing sustainable development.
Mr Liu reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting platforms that recognize and celebrate youth changemakers, such as the JCI TOYP initiative, describing it as a vital tool for nurturing leaders who will drive progress not only for Nigeria but for the world.
The 2025 TOYP honourees represent excellence across diverse fields and embody the power of youth leadership and innovation.
These individuals are recognized for their significant contributions across various fields: Aramide Kayode [Academic Leadership and Accomplishment]; Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti [Business, Economic and/or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment]; Prada Uzodinma [Contribution to Children, World Peace and Human Rights]; Morenike Olusanya [Cultural Achievement]; Praise Akobo [Medical Innovation]; and Jumoke Dada [Moral and Environment Leadership]. Other awardees are Tobiloba Ajayi [Humanitarian and Voluntary Leadership]; Elizabeth Oshoba [Personal Improvement and Accomplishment]; Chinwe Okoli [Political, Legal and Governmental Affairs]; and Fisayo Fosudo [Scientific and Technological Development].
Delivering the keynote address on the theme Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Ms Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, emphasized the critical role of young leaders and changemakers in advancing sustainable development.
“The SDGs are not abstract concepts. They are concrete challenges and opportunities visible in our neighbourhoods, cities, and states. The role of changemakers within JCI underscores the profound impact that dedicated individuals can have at the local level. Through initiatives like TOYP, we see how local action fuels global change,” she said.
The aide to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged JCI members and young people across Nigeria to align their projects within specific SDGs and leverage partnerships with local governments, civil societies, and the private sector to strengthen impact and build stronger communities.
In her welcome remarks, the chairperson of the 2025 JCI Nigeria TOYP Program, Ms Yetunde Oyeyipo, described the ceremony as a platform to celebrate giants and inspire the next generation of leaders.
“Today, we have gathered here because of giants who came before us – dreamers, doers, and daring trailblazers who believed in the power of youth to shape nations and transform futures.
“Hence, it is our responsibility to serve as giants to other young persons and help them see further than their circumstance, environment, and resources would ever permit. Each of our nominees is proof that local action can fuel global change. They are living examples of transformational leaders who are not waiting for permission to act,” she said.
The 2025 President of JCI Nigeria, Ms Oluwatoyin Atanda, also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to empowering young people as the driving force of positive change.
“The TOYP platform is an opportunity to honour exceptional young Nigerians who exemplify excellence, courage, and innovation. Their legacy inspires us to continue to encourage, empower, and celebrate the transformational role of youth in shaping a brighter tomorrow,” she said.
The event also featured a panel session themed Global Youth Alliances – Breaking Barriers, Building Sustainable Bridges, where speakers shared insights on strengthening youth-led collaboration for long-term social impact.
One of the highlights of the event was the formal announcement of the global voting phase, as JCI Nigeria announced that the duo of Aramide Kayode (nee Akintimehin) and Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti have been nominated on the global stage for the 2025 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) recognition.