Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu has been awarded the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for his innovations in solar energy that aid refugees. The event, attended by various dignitaries, celebrated youth achievements across the Commonwealth. Anigbogu also earned the African regional award, totaling £5,000. Other regional winners and PEACE awardees were also recognized for their impactful contributions, demonstrating the potential of youth leadership in fostering positive change.
Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu of Nigeria has been honored with the title of 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year at the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work. The ceremony took place in London on March 12, 2025, and was attended by government ministers, senior officials, youth leaders, and various stakeholders who celebrated the achievements of youth across the Commonwealth.
As the founder and CEO of LightEd, Stanley has garnered recognition for his innovative approach to transforming waste into solar energy solutions that benefit over 10,000 refugees in Africa. His initiative arose from personal experiences with energy poverty, motivating him to promote sustainability and climate resilience by establishing LightEd during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, his team has trained 6,000 students and recycled over 20,000 kilograms of waste.
Stanley received the award from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, at Marlborough House. Secretary-General Scotland commended Stanley for his impactful solutions to pressing challenges, emphasizing the importance of his contributions to vulnerable communities and the environment.
In her remarks, Secretary-General Scotland noted, “Stanley is training other young people and providing skills for employment in a field that will contribute to the energy transition we need to mitigate against climate change. You are a true revolutionary – a visionary – and I am pleased to award you the title of Commonwealth Young Person of the Year.”
In addition to his overall title, Stanley also secured the regional award for Africa, leading to a total prize of £5,000. During his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude for being recognized alongside other inspiring young change-makers, stating, “It is an incredible honour to receive this recognition alongside an inspiring group of 20 young change makers.”
Other regional winners were also recognized, each receiving £3,000. They include Murad Ansary from Bangladesh, Nicholas Kee from Jamaica, Zubair Junjunia from the United Kingdom, and Bethalyn Kelly from the Solomon Islands. These awards are aimed at empowering youth to create impactful local innovations that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Khalili Foundation presented PEACE Awards to five outstanding individuals for their contributions toward a more equitable world. Awardees included Abongdoh Maluyane Titus from Cameroon, Daphine Namagembe from Uganda, Emmanuel Cosmas Msoka from Tanzania, Fakhar Jabran from Pakistan, and Hafsah Muheed from Sri Lanka, who each received £2,000.
In support of the awards, the Commonwealth Foundation provided £30,000 in funding. Deputy Director General Shem Ochola highlighted Stanley’s accomplishments as emblematic of the transformative power of youth leadership. The Commonwealth Youth Awards serve to bolster youth development within member countries, following over 50 years of dedicated work in this area.
Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu’s recognition as the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year underscores the significant role young innovators play in addressing global challenges. His achievements with LightEd showcase a commitment to sustainability and community empowerment, inspiring both local and international youth. Furthermore, the recognition provided to regional winners highlights the diverse contributions of young individuals throughout the Commonwealth.
Original Source: thecommonwealth.org
