Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria has recognised ten exceptional young persons for their remarkable contributions to society across various fields, as part of activities to commemorate the International Youth Day 2025.
The announcement was made at a prestigious ceremony held in Lagos, to celebrate the achievements of these young leaders and innovators across the nation.
The 2025 Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) honorees represent excellence across diverse fields and embody the power of youth leadership and innovation.
The honorees recognised for their significant contributions across various fields include 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.
Others 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.
Andy Yih-Ping Liu, representative and chief of the Taiwan Mission in Nigeria, delivering his keynote address, underscored the pivotal role of young people in global development, when he said, “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.
The representative reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting platforms that recognise 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.
Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, the special adviser on Sustainable Development Goals to the Lagos State governor, delivering the keynote address on the theme ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond’, emphasised 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 such as TOYP, we see how local action fuels global change,” she said.
She 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.
Yetunde Oyeyipo, chairperson of the 2025 JCI Nigeria TOYP programme in her welcome remarks, 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.
Oluwatoyin Atanda, the 2025 president of JCI Nigeria, 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.
A highlight of the ceremony was the formal announcement of the global voting phase, as JCI Nigeria announced that two exceptional honorees have been nominated on the global stage for the 2025 JCI Ten TOYP recognition, Aramide Kayode (nee Akintimehin) and Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti.
These global nominees embody resilience, innovation, and impact, as their work represents Nigeria’s finest contribution to a future shaped by bold, youth-driven leadership.
