Junior Chamber International (JCI) Festac Branch has reiterated its commitment to youth leadership development and positive social impact with the installation of Amb. Richard Igwu as its new President during the organization’s 19th Convention and 20th Installation Ceremony.
The event, which brought together members, past leaders, and invited guests, highlighted the group’s vision of empowering young people to become active change-makers in their communities and beyond. The convention also served as a platform to reinforce the message that youths remain central to Nigeria’s future leadership and development.
Speaking shortly after his installation, Amb. Igwu described his emergence as President as more than a routine leadership transition, but the beginning of a new phase anchored on bold ideas and purposeful action.
“I fully accept this responsibility with an unwavering commitment to serve. This marks more than a transition; it is a new beginning into a bold vision,” he said. “I am grateful to our past leaders who have strengthened this organisation and laid a solid foundation for us to build on.”
He emphasised that leadership, in his view, goes beyond titles and positions. “Leadership is service, vision and influence. My tenure will focus on building leadership and development opportunities, documenting our impact, leading with courage and delivering sustainable results,” Igwu stated.
The JCI Festac President further noted that he does not see himself as having all the answers but believes strongly in the power of collective effort. He pledged to lead with transparency, openness and excellence while encouraging unity among members to build a future that reflects the values and vision of the organisation.
The convention also featured a keynote address under the theme, “Soaring Beyond Limits: Rising for Impact,” delivered by Adenrele Onikosi, Chief Executive Officer of Conegelics Consulting International Limited. In his address, Onikosi drew attention to the critical role of young people in Nigeria’s development, citing data that estimates the country’s youth population at about 70 million.
“That number represents the workforce of the future and the powerhouse for national development,” he said. “But first, young people must believe in themselves.”
Onikosi challenged Nigerian youths to shift from constant complaints about the country’s challenges to actively seeking solutions. According to him, problems often present the greatest opportunities for innovation and impact.
“There is no nation without challenges. The difference is how people respond to them,” he said. “Instead of focusing on what is wrong, youths should look inward and ask themselves what problems they can solve.”
He also stressed the growing importance of practical skills in today’s world, noting that while certificates are valuable, skills and problem-solving abilities matter even more. “Skills will always trump certificates. Nigeria has problems across different sectors. The real question is, which problem do you want to solve?” he asked.
The installation ceremony marked a renewed call for action among JCI Festac members, reinforcing the organisation’s mission to groom responsible leaders who can drive positive change within Festac Town, Amuwo-Odofin, and Nigeria at large.