In commemoration of the International Youth Day 2023, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria has emphasised the need to equip the youth with knowledge and abilities to address pressing environmental challenges.

It also stressed the need to hone skills that not only align with the needs of the present but also pave the way for a sustainable future.

The organisation stated this at this year’s JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) award and International Youth Day (IYD) celebration, tagged: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” held in Lagos.

JCI Nigeria President, Abdullahi Attairu, said by fostering skills that are attuned to green technologies, renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable practices, a generation of leaders who are poised to drive positive change are being shaped.

According to him, the IYD theme resonates deeply with the organisation’s commitment to shaping a future where the vitality of the planet is safeguarded through the empowerment of the youth.

Attairu said the process of selecting the TOYP recipients was a formidable challenge, as the pool of talent and dedication displayed by the young participants were exceptional.

He said the diverse categories, which ranges from Scientific and/or Technological Development, Political, Legal, and/or Government Affairs, Academic Leadership and/or Accomplishment, Cultural Achievement, and others, reflect the multifaceted nature of the challenges faced in today’s world.

He said: “As we come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our recipients, we are reminded of the indomitable spirit that resides within the heart of every young person. JCI provides a platform that nurtures this spirit, enabling young individuals to harness their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

“Looking back at our past editions, we are inspired by the impactful journey that the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award has undertaken. Through previous editions, we have witnessed the emergence of remarkable entrepreneurs who have embraced innovation and embraced the spirit of enterprise. These trailblazers have not only transformed industries but have also demonstrated a keen understanding of the interconnectedness between business success and environmental stewardship.

Attairu urged the youth to embrace skills engagement and development as their guiding principles.

“I urge all of us to harness the potential within us to become catalysts of change. Let us draw inspiration from the successes of our past, as we journey towards a future where the skills we cultivate today will shape a world of enduring prosperity and environmental harmony.

Chairman, 2023 TOYP/ IYD, Ayodeji Akinwande stated that the path to a sustainable world requires continuous effort, commitment, and collective action of all.

“As we gather here today, let us remember that change starts within us. We must channel our energy and enthusiasm towards actions that contribute to a better world. Our remarkable honorees for the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria Awards serve as beacons of hope, illuminating paths that inspire us to go above and beyond. Let their stories remind us that no goal is unattainable and no dream is too big.”

The TOYP awards and awardees include: Academic Leadership and/or Accomplishment category, Alamu Azeez; Business, Economic and/or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment category, Ayo-Bankole Akintujoye; Contribution To Children, World Peace and/or Human Rights category, Blessing Okojie Eze; Cultural Achievement category, Bakare Mubarak and Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership category, Taiwo Afolayan.

Others are: Medical Innovation category, Idris Ola; Moral and/or Environmental Leadership category, Ridwan Abdulganiyu; Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment category, Abdulhaleem Ishaq Ringim; Political, Legal and/or Governmental Affairs category, Hadji Kwame Ahmed and Scientific and/or Technological Development category, Bisola Alabi.