Nicholas Kee from Jamaica was honored as the Caribbean regional Champion at the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards. Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu won the overall Young Person of the Year for his solar solutions project benefiting African migrants. The awards recognized exceptional young leaders across regions, emphasizing the importance of youth initiatives in promoting development and peace.
The 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognized Nicholas Kee from Jamaica as the Caribbean regional Champion during an event in London on March 12, 2025. Kee was honored among five exceptional winners for their significant contributions to development initiatives, each receiving a reward of £3,000.
The other regional winners included Murad Ansary from Bangladesh (Asia), Zubair Junjunia from the United Kingdom (Europe and Canada), and Bethalyn Kelly from the Solomon Islands (Pacific). Furthermore, Nigerian Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu was awarded the overall 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year title and the top prize for Africa.
Anigbogu, the creator and CEO of LightEd, was celebrated for his innovative work converting waste into solar solutions, benefiting over 10,000 African migrants with access to sustainable energy. His achievements earned him a total prize of £5,000 for both wins.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland commended Anigbogu’s efforts, emphasizing the impact of his initiatives on vulnerable communities as well as reducing waste and pollution. She remarked that his work represents the creativity inherent in the youth of the Commonwealth, highlighting the importance of skills training in energy transition to combat climate change.
Upon receiving the accolade, Anigbogu expressed his gratitude, stating it was an honor to be acknowledged alongside fellow young changemakers. He emphasized the importance of their collective efforts in driving transformative solutions for youth worldwide.
The Khalili Foundation also awarded five exceptional young individuals with the PEACE Awards, recognizing winners from Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Executive Director Waqas Ahmed emphasized the significance of youth-led initiatives in fostering understanding and dialogue.
Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili praised the awardees as sources of inspiration, reinforcing the vital role of youth in promoting peace and unity across the Commonwealth. Shem Ochola from the Commonwealth Foundation also congratulated Anigbogu, highlighting the transformative potential of youthful leadership and innovative solutions.
The awards ceremony followed Commonwealth Day celebrations, marking a significant event during the two-week Commonwealth Youth Leadership Summit in London. The selection process for the 20 finalists was competitive, with over 800 submissions evaluated by a pan-Commonwealth adjudication panel. Each finalist received a trophy, a certificate, and £1,000 to support their developmental work.
The 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards celebrated young leaders like Nicholas Kee and Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu for their outstanding contributions to development and sustainability. Their recognition highlights the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives across the Commonwealth, with a focus on innovation and community impact. The ceremony served as a platform to honor youth changemakers, reinforcing the significance of their roles in shaping a brighter future.
Original Source: nycaribnews.com
