Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria won the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Award for his work in sustainable energy through LightEd. The awards ceremony recognized youth leaders and provided funding to enhance their projects. Other regional winners and PEACE Award recipients were also celebrated, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven initiatives in global development.
Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria has been awarded the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year at the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work, held in London on March 12, 2025. The ceremony highlighted the accomplishments of young leaders globally, attracting government officials, youth leaders, and stakeholders who gathered to celebrate these achievements.
As the founder and CEO of LightEd, Stanley has developed innovative solutions by transforming waste into solar energy, benefiting over 10,000 refugees across Africa. His childhood experiences with energy poverty spurred his commitment to sustainability, which led him to establish LightEd during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he has already trained 6,000 students and recycled over 20,000 kilograms of waste.
Receiving the award from Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, Stanley’s work embodies creativity and impactful problem-solving. Scotland praised his efforts to bring clean energy and waste reduction to vulnerable communities, emphasizing his role in addressing climate change and preparing youth for employment in this critical sector.
In addition to the main award, Stanley also earned the top regional prize for Africa, bringing his total to £5,000. He expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment, sharing that it was a privilege to be celebrated among other young change-makers working on innovative solutions. The awards aim to empower youth aged 15–29, scaling local innovation to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Other regional winners included: Murad Ansary from Bangladesh (Asia), Nicholas Kee from Jamaica (Caribbean), Zubair Junjunia from the UK (Europe and Canada), and Bethalyn Kelly from the Solomon Islands (Pacific). Each received £3,000 to support their initiatives.
The Khalili Foundation recognized five additional youths with PEACE Awards for their efforts toward peace and equity, providing each recipient with £2,000. These awardees included individuals from Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The Commonwealth Foundation supported the event with £30,000, showcasing the significance of youth leadership in promoting community development. From over 800 submissions, finalists were selected by a pan-Commonwealth panel, with each finalist receiving a trophy, certificate, and £1,000 to aid their projects.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards, part of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, celebrate youth empowerment and development initiatives, continuing a legacy of support for young leaders in member countries for over half a century. The ceremony coincided with Commonwealth Day and marked a key moment during a two-week Commonwealth Youth Leadership Summit in London.
Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu’s recognition as the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year highlights the impactful innovations by youth in addressing global challenges. His work with LightEd exemplifies a sustainable approach to energy and waste management, benefiting thousands in vulnerable communities. The awards celebrate not only individual achievements but also empower youth across the Commonwealth to drive social and environmental change.
Original Source: thecommonwealth.org
