Nicholas Kee of Jamaica was awarded Caribbean regional Champion at the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards. Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria won the overall title, praised for transforming waste into solar energy solutions. The Khalili Foundation also recognized young leaders with PEACE Awards. The event highlighted the potential of youth in promoting development and unity across the Commonwealth.
On March 12, 2025, Nicholas Kee of Jamaica was celebrated as the Caribbean regional Champion at the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work held in London. He was among five regional winners acknowledged for their significant contributions to development work, each receiving a £3,000 reward.
Other distinguished winners included Murad Ansary from Bangladesh (Asia), Zubair Junjunia from the United Kingdom (Europe/Canada), and Bethalyn Kelly from the Solomon Islands (Pacific). Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria was honored with the overall title of 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year and won the leading regional accolade for Africa.
Anigbogu, who is the creator and CEO of LightEd, was recognized for his innovative work converting waste into solar energy solutions, benefiting over 10,000 African migrants. His achievements earned him a total of £5,000 in prizes for both of his victories.
Upon accepting the award, Anigbogu expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition alongside an inspiring group of 20 young changemakers… I cannot wait to continue this journey with the support of the Commonwealth and its remarkable network of partners.” Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland commended his efforts and vision, emphasizing the significant impact on vulnerable communities and the environment.
Additionally, the Khalili Foundation presented PEACE Awards to acknowledge five exceptional youths. Executive Director Waqas Ahmed congratulated the awardees from Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, praised youth-led initiatives as essential for promoting peace and unity within the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Foundation funded the event, contributing £30,000, and Deputy Director General Shem Ochola highlighted the significance of youth leadership in fostering transformative change. This year’s awards narrowed the choice from over 800 submissions to five regional winners, and all finalists were awarded trophies, certificates, and £1,000 to support their initiatives.
The ceremony, a key event during the two-week Commonwealth Youth Leadership Summit in London, followed Commonwealth Day celebrations and marked a pivotal moment in recognizing youth contributions to development.
In conclusion, the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards highlighted the remarkable achievements of young leaders like Nicholas Kee and Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu, whose innovative approaches address pressing global challenges. The recognition offered to finalists and awardees serves as an inspiration for future youth initiatives that foster development and promote peace across the Commonwealth. Such efforts underline the critical role of youth in creating sustainable and inclusive solutions worldwide.
Original Source: nycaribnews.com
