JCI Nigeria unveils ‘ELV8 projects’ to empower young leaders in 2025

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria has unveiled eight flagship projects aimed at driving national growth and empowering young leaders across the country.

Oluwatoyin Atanda, president of JCI Nigeria, introduced these projects during the organisation’s inaugural press conference in Lagos on Saturday.

She said the projects align with JCI Nigeria’s theme for 2025 — ‘ELV8’ — which signifies engagement, leadership, and value.

Atanda added that the projects reflect JCI Nigeria’s leadership philosophy, which is based on tri-sector collaboration between the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

“At JCI Nigeria, our vision is bold and impactful. We are elevating Nigeria by engaging with all sectors, developing leaders through mentorship, and creating value that transforms communities,” Atanda said.

“Our flagship projects are designed to make tangible, lasting changes, fostering innovation, inclusiveness, and community-driven development.”

The projects include a mentorship and internship program aimed at addressing youth unemployment, the Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) of Nigeria award, and the Creative Young Entrepreneurs Programme, which is designed to empower young entrepreneurs with funding opportunities.

Other initiatives include the JCI Club 100 Programme, which offers networking opportunities for JCI-led businesses, and the JCI Training Institute, which provides career development programmes for members and external organisations.

Atanda also revealed plans to host multiple conferences across Nigeria to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among young people.

She added that partnerships, memberships, and brand communications are also central parts of the project.

Atanda discussed plans to complete the permanent JCI Nigeria national secretariat, describing it as one of the organisation’s most ambitious goals.

“The secretariat located in Ogun state will serve as a hub for JCI Nigeria activities, offering training opportunities and a base for collaboration with partners,” she added.

“We hope to complete it by the end of 2025. We believe in creating a lasting legacy for JCI Nigeria, and our permanent secretariat will serve as a central place for leadership development and community impact.”

Atanda also highlighted the alignment of JCI Nigeria initiatives with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The ELV8 vision and its projects were strategically designed to contribute to the SDGs, particularly through fostering sustainable business practices, promoting social entrepreneurship, and empowering young people to take responsibility for societal change,” she said.

“We are committed to aligning all our projects with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and we are already in discussions with the Lagos State Government to promote sustainable practices among businesses, especially small enterprises.”

Atanda added that JCI Nigeria would also facilitate Economic, Social, and Governance (ESG) programmes for businesses and assist small enterprises in adopting sustainable practices.

“We will engage with both local and global stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives,” she added.

Yetunde Oyeyipo, chairperson for the 2025 TOYP, urged Nigerians to nominate young leaders who exemplify excellence in various fields. 

She announced that nominations for the award opened in December 2024 and will close in February 2025, with winners having the opportunity to compete on the global stage.

“JCI TOYP (Ten Outstanding Young Persons) was introduced by JCI in 1983 to formally recognise 10 active citizens between the ages of 18 and 40 every year,” she said.

“These individuals’ exemplary achievements inspire innovation, leadership, and social impact across various fields.”

Oyeyipo added that the nominations would be reviewed by a panel of judges to select the top 30 nominees, with final confirmation by audit partners by March 2025.

She said the nomination categories include Business, Economic and/or Entrepreneur 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; and Medical Innovation.

She also noted that seven Nigerians have received the award on the global stage including Ray Ekpu (1988), Modupe Osho (1996), Ola Orekunrin (2013), Imrana Buba (2017), Adepeju Opeyemi Jaiyeoba (2017), Jacinta Uramah (2018), and Temie Giwa-Tubosun (2021).