JCI Nigeria Honours Ten Outstanding Young Persons
Junior Chamber International, Nigeria (JCI Nigeria) has announced Saturday September 26, 2015 as the date for the Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Awards where the 10 recipients of the 2015 edition of the award will be honoured in Lagos.
The TOYP, a global initiative of the Junior Chamber International which is being replicated in Nigeria, concentrates on formally recognizing young people who are making giant strides in their chosen fields and creating positive impact on other people, their community and the society at large.
These recognitions are basically to motivate other young people and encourage them in their bid to be socially responsible leaders in the Nigerian society.
Adetola Juyitan, Chairperson of the JCI TOYP Programme in Nigeria, made this announcement in a release. She said that “This year’s TOYP is coming with an unprecedented class which is reflected through the quality of shortlisted nominees, the quality of the judges, the globally reputed audit partners, the organization of the grand finale of the event, amongst other things.”
According to her, “Junior Chamber International Nigeria has been participating at the international level over the years, and beyond hosting the Nigerian edition, we will be taking advantage of the platform
of this year’s programme to re-reinforce the presence of the JCI in Nigeria.”
Since 1983, JCI has honoured over 300 individuals across 57 nations in the past. Some former recipients of international awards include well-known personalities as John F. Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Elvis Presley, Jackie Chan, Wayne Gretzky and many more, all named before the age of 40 and before they had achieved national prominence. Honorees selected in past years have represented the heights of progress in numerous human endeavors. All have continued to serve humanity in a great variety of
ways.
Nigerians who have been recipients of the awards at the International level in the past include Mr. Ray Ekpu in 1988 (Moral and/or Environmental Leadership category), Ms. Sidi Modupe Osho in 1996 (Scientific and/or Technological Development category) and Dr. Ola Orekunrin in 2003 (Medical
Innovation category).
Eligibility for recognition is pinned at Nigerians that are above 18 years of age but less than 40 years who can be said to have excelled in their chosen fields and have created, or are continuously creating positive
change.
Over 100 nominations were entered this year, out of which 20 nominees were further selected after a screening process by a panel of distinguished judges.
The 2015 National President of JCI Nigeria, Mr. ‘Seun Osikalu, on his part said that, “this year, up to 10 honorees will be selected by an international panel of distinguished judges from all nominations received,
regardless of category entered including :-
- Business, economic, and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment
- Political, legal, and/or governmental affairs
- Academic leadership and/or accomplishment
- Cultural achievement
- Moral and/or environmental leadership
- Contribution to children, world peace, and/or human rights
- Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership
- Scientific and/or technological development
- Personal improvement and/or accomplishment
- Medical innovation
The president further said that the grand finale and awards ceremony of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons is a great event to look forward to.
Referring to the honorees, he said “With their achievements, they will motivate their peers to seek excellence in their chosen career path and also demonstrate the will to selflessly serve others. Their stories of innovation, determination and ingenuity will definitely motivate young people to be better leaders while working tirelessly towards creating a better society”.
