A Nigerian innovator, Stanley Anigbogu, has clinched the overall title of 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year at the annual Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work, in London.
Anigbogu, who is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LightEd, was recognised for transforming waste into solar innovations that provide clean energy to over 10,000 refugees in Africa.
His work draws from his childhood experiences with energy poverty, according to a statement from the Commonwealth Secretariat on Wednesday.
“Determined to create change and promote sustainability as well as climate resilience, he founded LightEd in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a small team of like-minded young people, he has trained 6,000 students and recycled over 20,000 kilograms of waste.
“Originally from Anambra State in south-east Nigeria, Stanley received the award from the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, during a vibrant ceremony at Marlborough House,” the statement partly read.
Government ministers, senior government officials, youth leaders, and other stakeholders attended the event to celebrate the achievements of young people across the Commonwealth.
Scotland, being a committed advocate for a sustainable energy transition, thanked Stanley for his creative and impactful solution to multiple challenges.
She congratulated him, saying, “Not only are you bringing hope and light to vulnerable communities and refugees who face many hardships and disadvantages, but you are also ridding communities of harmful waste and pollution, leaving environments safer and cleaner for other young people. This is a testament to the creativity of the Commonwealth’s youth.
“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.”
It was a double victory for Anigbogu, who also received the top regional award for Africa, earning him a total prize of £5,000.
Anigbogu said, “It is an incredible honour to receive this recognition alongside an inspiring group of 20 young changemakers, all dedicated to launching innovative solutions that drive transformative change for millions of young people around the world. I cannot wait to continue this journey with the support of the Commonwealth and its remarkable network of partners.”
The awards empower young changemakers aged 15–29 by scaling local innovations to global impact, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and inclusivity.
It was also a significant victory for four other regional winners, each of them will receive a total of £3,000. They are Murad Ansary, Nicholas Kee, Zubair Junjunia, and Bethalyn Kelly.
The Khalili Foundation, a long-time partner of the Commonwealth, also gave the PEACE Awards to five exceptional young people in recognition of their substantial contributions to fostering a more peaceful and equitable world.
The Executive Director of the Khalili Foundation, Waqas Ahmed congratulated the PEACE award winners, namely Abongdoh Titus, Daphine Namagembe, Emmanuel Msoka, Fakhar Jabran, and Hafsah Muheed.
They each received £2,000 from the Khalili Foundation.
Chairman of the Khalili Foundation, Prof. Nasser Khalili praised the PEACE awardees for their efforts.
He said, “Youth-led initiatives rooted in understanding and dialogue are key to building a more harmonious Commonwealth. I am delighted to recognise these young stars whose examples will inspire people across the Commonwealth and beyond to act in service of peace, unity, and harmony.”
The Commonwealth Foundation also supported the awards, providing £30,000 in funding toward the staging.
The Deputy Director General at the Commonwealth Foundation, Shem Ochola added, “The Commonwealth Foundation proudly congratulates Stanley Anigbogu. His innovation, brilliance, and passion stand as a testament to the transformative power of youth leadership.
Indeed, his work, alongside other participants in this initiative, showcases the immense potential of youth-focused, asset-based development. Today, we celebrate not just an achievement but a legacy in the making”.
From over 800 submissions, the 20 finalists were narrowed to five regional winners by a pan-Commonwealth adjudication panel. Each of the 20 finalists will receive a trophy, a certificate and £1,000 to support their work. Building youth leadership across the Commonwealth.
