22-Year-Old Nigerian Zuriel Oduwole Nominated for 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

Zuriel Oduwole, a 22-year-old advocate for peace, education, and gender equality, has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her global diplomatic efforts, youth empowerment initiatives, and commitment to expanding education access for marginalized communities.

Zuriel Oduwole, a passionate advocate for peace, education, and gender equality, has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her global diplomatic efforts and commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized communities.

Born in Los Angeles to Nigerian grandparents, Oduwole has engaged with world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, to influence discussions on education, peace, and development policies. Her mission has been to expand education access and promote systemic change for underserved populations.

At just 13 years old, she played a key role in mediating a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, meeting with then-President David Granger at the United Nations to advocate for peaceful dialogue. In 2020, she consulted with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on global peace strategies amid the Arab blockade of Qatar, which ended peacefully in 2021.

Oduwole’s passion for education began at nine years old, after witnessing young girls in Accra, Ghana, selling goods instead of attending school. This experience inspired her to use documentary filmmaking to highlight educational barriers and advocate for systemic reform.

As the founder of ‘Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand,’ she empowers young people, especially girls, to advocate for their rights and future opportunities. Through storytelling and diplomacy, she has influenced policies and helped create a more inclusive and equitable world.

Upon learning of her Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Oduwole emphasized the need for greater investment in young changemakers. She stated, “I have never sought recognition, only to speak up where it’s needed. This honor reflects the urgent need to invest in young voices as agents of change.”

The Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce the 2025 laureate later this year. Regardless of the outcome, Oduwole’s nomination highlights Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage and reinforces the role of youth advocacy in shaping global policy and peace efforts.

The Nobel Peace Prize, one of the world’s most prestigious honors, recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to peace and human rights.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH