Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria has announced the Top 30 Nominees for the 2025 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria (TOYP) Program, an annual initiative hosted by JCI Nigeria to celebrate young people (between the ages of 18 and 40) who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and significant contributions in their respective fields and communities.
The 30 Nominees were shortlisted by KPMG Nigeria, the official audit partner for the 2025 JCI TOYP Program, from the Top 50 Nominees earlier evaluated by an independent panel of Judges between March and April 2025. These Top 50 Nominees had been selected by the jury from a total of 638 entries received nationwide during the nomination period, which ran between January and February 2025.
According to Yetunde Oyeyipo, Chairperson of the 2025 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria (TOYP) Committee, the public voting phase plays a critical role in determining the final Top 10 Honorees as 40% will be allocated to the general public votes and 60% will be allocated to the Judges’ total rating. Voting will commence at 6.30 PM WAT on Monday, July 28, 2025 and close at 11.59 PM WAT on August 6, 2025. The Chairperson further explained that the Ten Outstanding Young Persons for the 41st edition of this program will be formally unveiled during a recognition ceremony on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at EKO Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, in commemoration of the United Nations International Youth Day.
Speaking on the significance of this program at the unveiling ceremony, Oluwatoyin Atanda, the 2025 President of JCI Nigeria stated that: “These exceptional individuals are pioneering change, pushing boundaries, and championing innovation across various sectors in Nigeria. They truly embody leadership, service, and commitment to national development. This year’s Nominees are not just dreamers, they are doers making tangible impact.” She also expressed confidence that some of this year’s Top 10 Honorees will go on to be nominated for global recognition through the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Program, as the 10 Honorees of the global program will be unveiled at the 2025 JCI World Congress – scheduled to hold in the beautiful city of Tunis in November.
Since inception, 7 notable Nigerians have been privileged to be honoured at the global stage – namely Ray Ekpu (1988), Dr. Modupe Osho (1996), Dr. Ola Orekunrin (2013), Imrana Buba (2017), Adepeju Opeyemi Jaiyeoba (2017), Jacinta Uramah (2018), and Temie Giwa-Tubosun (2021) – all honored before the age of 40.
Indeed, these nominees have indeed demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to positive change. Their recognition is a testament to the depth of talent, resilience, and impact emerging from Nigeria’s youth, and a powerful reminder of the global possibilities that lie ahead for every individual that dares to dream and take action.
The 2025 Top 30 Nominees are: Aramide Kayode, Motunrayo Sanyaolu, Chuks Ekwueme, Ifedayo Durosimi-Etti, Phoebe Dami-Asolo, Tosin Olaseinde, Prada Uzodinma, Aisha Abdullahi Adamu, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Morenike Olusanya, Emmanuel Oyeleke, Tolani Ali, Tobilola Ajayi, David Obianyor, Emokiniovo Dave-Akpedeye and Praise Akobo. Others are Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, Bukola Bolarinwa, Jumoke Dada, Toyeeb Ajayi, Adaeze Akpagbula, David Onilude, Elizabeth Oshoba, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, Oyinkansola Fawehinmi, Joseph Onele, Tomilola Majekodunmi, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chinwe Okoli and Fisayo Fosudo.
These 30 Nominees are in 10 categories, namely: Academic Leadership and/or Accomplishment; Business, Economic and/or Entrepreneurship Accomplishment; Contribution to Children, World Peace and/or Human Rights; Cultural Achievements; Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership; Medical Innovation; Moral and/or Environmental Leadership; Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment; Political, Legal and/or Government Affairs; and Scientific and/or Technological Development. Hence, 1 Nominee will emerge as the most outstanding person in each of these categories.
