JCI Nigeria In Search Of Outstanding Young Persons
By: Kamal Tayo Oropo
Again, the Junior Chamber International Nigeria (JCI Nigeria), a non-governmental organisation committed to preparation of young people for the challenges of tomorrow with membership spanning the academic and social institutions, is in search of Outstanding Young Persons in Nigeria. This edition will be making the ninth TOYP (The Outstanding Young Persons) programme.
The JCI Nigeria is an affiliate of Junior Chamber International - a worldwide leadership development organisation of young professional and entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 40. It provides the opportunity for young persons to develop the leadership skills, social responsibility, enterpreneurship and fellowship necessary to create positive change.
The Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) programme which debuted in Nigeria in 1996 is an idea officially adopted by Junior Chamber International in 1981 to recognise ten outstanding individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 after an originally conceived idea in 1930 by Durwood Howes, The President of the U.S. Jaycees.
TOYP programme in Nigeria has kicked off with the mailing of 1000 nomination forms to Local Organisation of Members (LOM), Universities, high ranking members of government, civil and business organisations, individuals and media houses. On return, the nomination forms are judged by a panel and screened by Accenture, a consultancy firm, auditors to the programme since inception. Judgment is based on nominees' achievement or contribution in the specialised area. Categories for nomination are business, economic and/or entrepreneurial accomplishment, political, legal or government affairs, academic leadership, contribution to children, world peace and human rights, medication innovation, personal improvement and accomplishment, scientific or technological development, humanitarian or voluntuary leadership.
The presentation of TOYP award will be at the National Convention of JCI Nigeria scheduled for October in Asaba.
According to the chairperson of this year's TOYP by JCI Nigeria, Janice Ifan, "The TOYP programme is designed to emphasise the importance of the role of youths in national development by recognising those who have achieved, excelled or displayed exceptional commitment in their chosen fields.
She stressed further the JCI Nigeria is using TOYP as a platform for young people to strive for achievement and success thereby moulding them to great leaders for the ultimate benefit of the Nigerian people.
Past winners of the award include Ray Ekpu and Sidi Osho, both of whom went on to win the Outstanding Young Person in the World in 1988 and 1996, respectively. Others are Rueben Abati, Kanu Nwankwo, MEE Mofe Damijo, Frank Nneji, Mike Ozekhome, Femi Kuti, Mrs. Dele George, Richardson Ajayi, Tunde Imolehin, Chukwuemeka Chikelu, Nduka Obaigbena, Amaka Igwe, Bimbo Odukoya and Daddy Showkey.
