Nigerian innovator wins 2025 Commonwealth youth award in London

Nigerian entrepreneur Stanley Anigbogu has been named the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year at the annual Commonwealth Youth Awards in London.

Anigbogu, founder and CEO of LightEd, was recognized for converting waste into solar innovations that provide clean energy to over 10,000 refugees in Africa. Inspired by his own experiences with energy poverty, he launched LightEd in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic, training 6,000 students and recycling 20,000 kilograms of waste.

Originally from Anambra State, Anigbogu received the award from Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland KC at Marlborough House. Scotland praised his innovative approach, stating, “Not only are you bringing hope and light to vulnerable communities, but you are also reducing waste and pollution. This is a testament to the creativity of Commonwealth youth.”

Anigbogu also won the Africa regional award, earning a total prize of £5,000.

The Commonwealth Youth Awards recognize young changemakers aged 15–29, supporting local innovations that advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Four other regional winners received £3,000 each: Murad Ansary, Nicholas Kee, Zubair Junjunia, and Bethalyn Kelly.

The Khalili Foundation honored five young leaders with its PEACE Awards, granting each recipient £2,000 for contributions to global peace and unity. The Commonwealth Foundation also contributed £30,000 to support the awards.

From over 800 submissions, 20 finalists were selected, each receiving a trophy, certificate, and £1,000 to support their work.