Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria was awarded the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for his innovative work in solar energy solutions for refugees. The ceremony also honored additional regional winners and presented PEACE Awards to young changemakers, emphasizing youth engagement and sustainability across the Commonwealth.
Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu, a young innovator from Nigeria, has earned the distinction of the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year at the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work, celebrated in London on March 12, 2025. The event gathered government ministers, officials, youth leaders, and stakeholders to honor the accomplishments of youth throughout the Commonwealth.
As the founder and CEO of LightEd, Mr. Anigbogu has made significant contributions by transforming waste into solar energy solutions, positively impacting over 10,000 African refugees. His motivation stems from personal experiences with energy poverty, leading him to establish LightEd in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with his team, he has successfully trained 6,000 students and recycled over 20,000 kilograms of waste.
Originally from Anambra State, Nigeria, Stanley was awarded by Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, during a vibrant ceremony at Marlborough House. Secretary-General Scotland commended Mr. Anigbogu for his sustainable and creative solutions aimed at addressing various challenges faced by communities.
In her remarks, Secretary-General Scotland stated that Stanley’s efforts to provide hope, skills, and cleaner environments contribute vital aspects to the energy transition necessary for climate change mitigation. Acknowledging his visionary work, she expressed her pleasure in bestowing upon him the title of Commonwealth Young Person of the Year.
Stellar recognition continued for Stanley Anigbogu, who not only received the top honor but also secured the regional award for Africa, culminating in a total prize of £5,000. Reflecting on his achievement, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with a network of young changemakers aimed at fostering innovative solutions. The awards celebrate young leaders between the ages of 15–29, aimed at advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through various initiatives.
Four additional regional winners were acknowledged, each receiving £3,000 for their remarkable achievements: Murad Ansary from Bangladesh (Asia), Nicholas Kee from Jamaica (Caribbean), Zubair Junjunia from the United Kingdom (Europe and Canada), and Bethalyn Kelly from the Solomon Islands (Pacific).
The Khalili Foundation also presented PEACE Awards to five exceptional youths for their dedication towards creating a more peaceful world. Awardees include Abongdoh Maluyane Titus from Cameroon, Daphine Namagembe from Uganda, Emmanuel Cosmas Msoka from Tanzania, Fakhar Jabran from Pakistan, and Hafsah Muheed from Sri Lanka, each receiving £2,000.
Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, emphasized the significance of youth-led initiatives in fostering harmony within the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Foundation supported the awards with funding of £30,000, underscoring their commitment to promoting youth engagement in development initiatives.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards continue to play a crucial role in advancing youth leadership across the Commonwealth, a reflection of over 50 years of efforts by the Commonwealth Youth Programme. The ceremony followed Commonwealth Day celebrations and served as a significant event within the two-week Commonwealth Youth Leadership Summit in London.
In conclusion, Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu’s recognition as the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year underscores the power of youth innovation in addressing critical issues such as energy poverty and environmental sustainability. His pioneering work through LightEd exemplifies the capacity of young leaders to effect change. The awards also highlight the ongoing commitment to nurturing youth leadership and the importance of collaboration in achieving Sustainable Development Goals across the Commonwealth.
Original Source: thecommonwealth.org
