Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu Named 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year
Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria was awarded the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for his innovative work with LightEd, which provides clean energy solutions to over 10,000 refugees. In addition to his main award, he received the top regional prize for Africa. The event celebrated the contributions of young leaders across the Commonwealth, emphasizing the significance of youth in advancing sustainability and development goals.
On March 12, 2025, Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria was awarded the title of 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year at the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work, held in London. The event gathered government ministers, youth leaders, and other stakeholders to honor exceptional contributions made by young individuals throughout the Commonwealth.
As the founder and CEO of LightEd, Stanley has made significant strides in sustainability by converting waste into solar innovations that deliver clean energy to over 10,000 refugees in Africa. His initiative reflects his personal experiences with energy poverty, demonstrating his commitment to fostering sustainability and climate resilience, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stanley, who hails from Anambra State in Nigeria, received his award from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC. Secretary-General Scotland commended Stanley’s impactful solutions and noted, “Not only are you bringing hope and light to vulnerable communities… but you are also ridding communities of harmful waste and pollution… This is a testament to the creativity of the Commonwealth’s youth.”
In addition to the main title, Stanley also secured the top regional award for Africa, enhancing his prize to £5,000. He expressed gratitude at the ceremony, stating, “It is an incredible honour… I cannot wait to continue this journey with the support of the Commonwealth and its remarkable network of partners.” The awards celebrate young innovators aged 15-29 who advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their innovative initiatives.
Four other regional winners were recognized alongside Stanley, each receiving a £3,000 award. The winners included 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).
Additionally, the Khalili Foundation presented PEACE Awards to five exceptional young individuals for their contributions towards peace and equity. They included Abongdoh Maluyane Titus (Cameroon), Daphine Namagembe (Uganda), Emmanuel Cosmas Msoka (United Republic of Tanzania), Fakhar Jabran (Pakistan), and Hafsah Muheed (Sri Lanka), each receiving £2,000.
Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, lauded the award recipients for their vital roles in promoting dialogue, stating, “Youth-led initiatives rooted in understanding… are key to building a more harmonious Commonwealth.” The Commonwealth Foundation supported the awards with £30,000, highlighting the transformative potential of youth leadership.
A total of 20 finalists were selected from over 800 applications, with each finalist receiving a trophy, a certificate, and £1,000 to support their ongoing work. The Commonwealth Youth Awards, part of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, signifies over 50 years of commitment to youth development and took place alongside Commonwealth Day celebrations in London.
In summary, Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu’s recognition as the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year reflects his remarkable contributions to sustainable energy solutions for vulnerable communities. His innovative work through LightEd has had a profound impact on thousands of lives across Africa. The Commonwealth Youth Awards not only celebrate his achievements but also highlight the importance of youth leadership in tackling global challenges and fostering sustainable development.
Original Source: thecommonwealth.org
