Empowering Youths and Enriching Communities: The JCI Solution
By Temidayo Anthony
Junior Chambers International (JCI) Festac Town has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development, and community impact as part of its 2026 vision, with renewed focus on grooming young people to become active and responsible citizens.
Speaking on Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1fm on the theme “Empowering Youths and Enriching Communities The JCI Solution,” the 2026 President of JCI Festac Town, JCI Ambassador Richard Igwe, described JCI as a global leadership organization dedicated to developing young people between the ages of 18 and 40.
“JCI is all about leadership development, active citizenship, and community impact,” Igwe said. “If you are a young person who wants to make a difference in your community and grow in leadership, JCI Festac Town is the right place for you.”
He explained that JCI operates across different levels globally as Junior Chambers International, nationally as JCI Nigeria, and locally as JCI Festac Town with extensions into tertiary institutions through collegiate chapters. According to him, the organization has also introduced JCI Junior Club for secondary school students in Festac Town, aimed at catching young leaders early and instilling values of leadership and civic responsibility from a tender age.
Also speaking, JCI Ambassador Princewill Okonkwo, the 2026 Vice President of JCI Festac Town during the interview highlighted that the requirements for joining JCI are simple. “Beyond being within the eligible age bracket, you must have the willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn,” he said. “That openness is critical because JCI exposes members to new ways of thinking and doing things.”
Okonkwo noted that JCI provides members with opportunities not only for leadership growth but also for financial empowerment through skills development, networking, and entrepreneurship-focused initiatives.
He further explained that JCI members are encouraged to be active, innovative, and collaborative. “You are always showing up, networking with like minds, and stimulating your thinking. This is how growth happens,” he added.
The organization also offers a long-term growth pathway through its Life Membership, popularly known as JCI Senators experienced past members who serve as mentors and guides. Through structured mentor-mentee programs, young members benefit from the wealth of experience and professional insight of seasoned leaders.
Over the years, JCI Festac Town has grown in both size and influence. According to the leadership, the organization now boasts over 40 active members, including entrepreneurs, professionals, and individuals contributing meaningfully to government and society at large.
“Our mission is to raise active young citizens who become good leaders not just within JCI, but in the wider world,” President Igwe stated. “We are committed to making change one person at a time.”
Outlining his 2026 agenda, Igwe introduced the BOLD vision for the year. He explained that BOLD stands for Building Opportunities, Owning Impact, Leadership Development, and Data-driven, Sustainable Structures. The vision, he said, is aimed at strengthening members, creating measurable community impact, and building structures that will sustain the organization for decades to come.
As part of this vision, JCI Festac Town has lined up several flagship projects, including a Career Weekend designed to guide young people on career choices and pathways, and the Evangel Entrepreneurship Summit (EES 8.0) an annual entrepreneurship platform now in its eighth year, catering to business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and even nine-to-five professionals.
With its expanding programs and renewed leadership drive, JCI Festac Town continues to position itself as a hub for youth empowerment and community transformation, reinforcing its belief that sustainable societal change begins with empowered young leaders.
