An educationist and development specialist, Odunayo Aliu, has been identified as one of the 10 ‘outstanding young persons of Nigerians’.
Ms Aliu, who is also the founder of Bramble Network, a nonprofit educational institute in the suburb of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, won the prestigious award at the 2024 Junior Chamber International Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Nigeria (JCI TOYP).
Awarded for her contribution to Children, World Peace and Human Rights, Aliu was enlisted with the likes of Gabriel Afolayan, a Nollywood actor, who was awarded for his Cultural Achievement; Nonso Egemba, a medical doctor, who advocates healthy living, and was awarded for medical innovation, and seven other young Nigerians, who were also identified for their varying influences and contributions to the nation’s development.
The event, which held recently in Benin, Edo State capital, was tagged: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Developments”, where the recipients of the award expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising their contributions to the society.
In her words, Aliu said: “I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be recognised alongside such distinguished individuals. It is inspiring to see the diverse achievements and contributions of my fellow awardees. Being part of this esteemed group motivates me to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact in my community and beyond. The work we do at Bramble Network, empowering young people through education and technology, is a testament to the power of collective effort and innovation.”
She, therefore, expressed gratitude to JCI for the recognition and for also providing opportunities for young leaders in the country.
“I am deeply grateful to JCI for this recognition. JCI’s commitment to empowering young leaders and fostering positive change is truly commendable. This award not only acknowledges our efforts but also encourages us to keep pushing boundaries and creating meaningful change. Thank you, JCI, for believing in the potential of young people and providing us with a platform to shine. The recognition from JCI will undoubtedly help Bramble Network expand its reach and impact even more lives,” she added.
While disclosing that the top 10 winners were selected from a pool of over 200 nominees, the organisers of the JCI TOYP award stated: “The selection process for the JCI TOYP award is rigorous and thorough. We evaluate nominees based on their achievements, impact on their communities, and alignment with JCI’s mission of creating positive change. Our goal is to recognise individuals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to making a difference.
“This year’s finalists have demonstrated exceptional qualities and have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Odunayo Aliu’s work with Bramble Network is a prime example of the impactful initiatives we aim to celebrate.”
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