IKEJA, Nigeria -- The competition is a global program of JCI (Junior Chamber International), a global network of young active citizens with over 200,000 members in more than 100 national organizations of JCI.
"The TOYP program serves to recognize those individuals in our country who excel in their chosen fields, endeavours and commitment to their communities. We also hope that by recognizing these honourees we will provide fitting role models for the young leaders of tomorrow" explained Olusola Adewumi, 2013 JCI Nigeria TOYP Chairman.
In the 30years history, Nigeria has only won twice, with Ray Ekpu (1988) and Dr. Modupe Osho (1996). The 17 year wait for another international honoree seem to be over with 3 nominees in the final 20, with 10 to join the prestigious list of past honorees like JF Kennedy, Elvis Presley, Henry Ford (USA), Jackie Chan (Hong Kong), Rotimi Amechi, Kanu Nwankwo(Nigeria) etc.
They are Dr. Ola Orekunrin of Flying Doctors, Adeyemi Adesokan of Pathogenica and Tolulope Sangosanya of LOTS charity foundation.
The 20 TOYP finalists will be trimmed to a final 10 JCI TOYP by not only a select judging panel, but also the public! Everyone has the opportunity to voice their opinions on the most outstanding young leaders in our world today. The public has the opportunity to encourage family, friends, co-workers and everyone to vote at www.jci.cc/toypvote. Voting closes on August 19.
JCI Nigeria implores Nigerians (JCI and Non JCI members alike) especially online users to visit (here), read the biographies of ALL 3 Nigerians and click the LIKE button to vote.
About the Nigerian Nominees
Adeyemi Adesokan (Scientific and/or technological development
)
Born in Nigeria, Adeyemi Adesokan obtained degrees in chemistry, philosophy from various universities before he received his postdoctoral fellow in genetics from Harvard Medical School. Adesokan’s medical work and studies focus on DNA sequencing and disease generating innovations in medicine to create a better world. Pathogenica uses next-generation genome sequencing to provide better diagnosis and detection of disease. It also matches patients with treatments tailored to their medical history and needs. Pathogenica’s cloud based technology tracks disease outbreaks in real time by uploading the results of patients’ tests. His technology has helped save lives around the world with earlier and more accurate detection of infections and pathogens to control the spread of disease.
Dr. Ola Orekunrin (Medical Innovation)
A doctor’s ability to get their patient to the proper facility in the right amount of time can be the difference of life or death. To close this gap of service and combat challenges regarding medical care, Dr. Orekunrin founded Flying Doctors Nigeria to provide air ambulance services, training and consultancy to state governments and private organizations across Africa. It is the first and only Air Ambulance Company in West Africa and transports from three major Nigerian cities. Typically, patients in the air ambulances are in critical condition, yet Flying Doctors Nigeria has a 100% safety record, the best in the industry.
Tolulope Sangosanya (Contribution to children, world peace, and/or human rights
)
Tolulope acts on her personal belief that no child will listen in class if he or she is hungry, and no sick child can properly benefit from classroom education. Working with LOTS charity foundation for the past five years, Sangosanya cares for children living in a Dustbin Estate, Ajegunle in Lagos. LOTS provides services to children to keep them in school and off the streets. Their goal is to create an environment conducive to learning, health and happiness for the children and their families. Sangosanya works with other volunteers to provide one meal per day and teach classes focused on literacy, financial management, reproductive health and computer usage to the citizens of the slum. She gives her time, money and care to the people in this impoverished region selflessly, gaining only appreciation and the lasting positive feeling of serving others.
