Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria has unveiled the Top 30 Nominees for the 2025 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria (TOYP) Program. This annual event celebrates young Nigerians who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made meaningful contributions to their communities and sectors. The program, now in its 41st edition, aims to recognize individuals aged 18 to 40 whose innovative efforts and impactful work inspire positive change across the nation.
KPMG Nigeria selected the shortlist of 30 Nominees, the official audit partner for this year’s event, from an initial pool of 50 finalists. These 50 were themselves chosen from 638 entries received nationwide during the nomination period from January to February 2025. An independent panel of judges reviewed all entries between March and April, narrowing the field to the top 50 and ultimately the top 30.
According to Yetunde Oyeyipo, Chairperson of the 2025 JCI TOYP Committee, the public voting phase is a vital part of determining the final 10 Honorees. Voters will allocate 40% of the final score, with judges contributing the remaining 60%. Voting opens at 6:30 PM WAT on Monday, July 28, 2025, and closes at 11:59 PM WAT on August 6, 2025. The 10 Honorees will be announced during a ceremony scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, at EKO Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, coinciding with the United Nations International Youth Day.
JCI Nigeria President Oluwatoyin Atanda highlighted the significance of the program, stating, “These outstanding individuals are leading change, pushing boundaries, and driving innovation across Nigeria. They exemplify leadership, service, and dedication to national development. We believe some of this year’s nominees will be recognized globally through the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Program, with the international honorees announced at the JCI World Congress in Tunis this November.”
Since its inception, Nigeria has produced seven global honorees, including notable figures such as Ray Ekpu (1988), Dr. Modupe Osho (1996), and Temie Giwa-Tubosun (2021), all recognized before turning 40. These individuals exemplify Nigeria’s emerging talent and leadership, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a commitment to positive change. Their achievements continue to inspire young Nigerians and showcase the country’s vast potential on the world stage.
The current Top 30 Nominees are diverse and represent ten categories: Academic Leadership, Business and Entrepreneurship, Contributions to Children, Peace and Human Rights, Cultural Achievements, Humanitarian Leadership, Medical Innovation, Environmental and Moral Leadership, Personal Development, Political and Legal Affairs, and Scientific and Technological Advancement. One nominee from each category will be selected as the Most Outstanding in their respective fields.
Among the nominees are Aramide Kayode, Motunrayo Sanyaolu, Chuks Ekwueme, Ifedayo Durosimi-Etti, Phoebe Dami-Asolo, and many others. These young Nigerians are making waves across sectors, from education and business to health, environment, and governance, embodying the spirit of innovation and service that the TOYP program seeks to promote.
As the countdown to the final announcement begins, the public’s participation through voting underscores the program’s commitment to recognizing grassroots leadership and fostering a culture of excellence among Nigeria’s youth. The selected Honorees will be celebrated for their remarkable achievements and their role as catalysts for Nigeria’s continued growth and development.
