Junior Chamber International Renews Commitment to Youth Leadership Development

Amid evolving socio-economic challenges, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria has restated its commitment to the development of youth leadership in Nigeria. The organisation reaffirmed this mandate at the launch of its 2026 National Agenda, christened AMPLIFY-From Vision to Legacy, during which it outlined a bold roadmap with which it seeks to transform youth leadership development and institutional sustainability across the country.

Speaking via its National President, JCIN, AMB Akinbode Abitogun, at a media parley in Lagos, JCI harped on one of its cardinal roles which places emphasis on equipping young Nigerians with skills for effective governance and community impact.

According to Abitogun, the 2026 theme represents a shift from aspiration to execution, emphasising that the focus is based on the need to convert ideas into systems, leadership into legacy and impact into sustainable structures.

“The agenda is anchored on seven strategic pillars, including advancing leadership development, membership growth and engagement, partnerships, leadership continuity, innovation, financial sustainability and relevance to the next generation of young leaders," he said.

Abitogun noted further that JCI’s leadership development pillar will transform how leaders are developed, retained and empowered within the organisation in Nigeria, pointing out that innovation will modernise processes and deepen digital transformation to keep the organisation relevant.

Meanwhile, the organisation also announced its forthcoming Ten Outstanding Young Persons, TOYP, Program, a global initiative aimed at celebrating exceptional Nigerians between ages 18 and 40, who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, innovations and quality service in their fields. 

Chairman TOYP/IYD, JCI Nigeria, Chika Umeohana, explained that the programme is designed to spotlight positive role models and inspire national development, adding that TOYP aligns with the organisation’s mandate to promote merit, integrity and impact-driven leadership.