ABUJA, Nigeria (BG) — At just 22 years old, Zuriel Oduwole has made history with her nomination for the prestigious 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
A dedicated advocate for girls’ education and global development, her nomination places her alongside previous honorees such as Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Malala Yousafzai, and Kofi Annan.
The Nobel Peace Prize is among the world’s most revered awards, recognizing individuals and organizations significantly contributing to peace and humanitarian efforts.
Taking to LinkedIn on Friday, Oduwole shared her reaction to the news, writing:
“Now to the nomination itself. So, I didn’t plan or ask for this nomination, but I am so deeply grateful. To be nominated in the Nobel Prize’s ‘Peace’ category, that has seen Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama and Kofi Annan also get nominated in the past – I can just ride into the sunset today and simply be happy, smiling.”
Her words reflect humility and joy, acknowledging that her decade-long advocacy for girls’ rights has not gone unnoticed.
A Legacy of Leadership
Born in the United States to parents of Nigerian and Mauritian origin, Oduwole’s rise to global recognition began early.
At 10, she was featured in Forbes, and by 2015, ELLE Magazine named her among 33 women who had changed the world.
She has spoken to over 51,930 youths across 19 countries and held private discussions with more than 30 world leaders on education and gender equality.
In 2018, she met with Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi to address child marriage.
A year later, with her advocacy playing a crucial role, Mozambique formally outlawed child marriage in July 2019.
Beyond education, Oduwole has ventured into diplomatic mediation. At 13, she engaged with Guyanese President David Granger amid tensions with Venezuela.
Later, she met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi during the Arab blockade of Qatar, an issue that saw peaceful resolution in 2021.
Inspiring the Next Generation
“It’s important to understand that each of us has a voice. What we choose to do with that voice is our gift to the world.” She said during her visit to Seychelles this week, where she met President Wavel Ramkalawan, encouraging young people to embrace bold ambitions.
“It is important to dream—dream big dreams, dream scary dreams that impact not only your life or your family but also your community and the entire world.”
Speaking to the press about her Nobel Peace Prize nomination, she described it as an unexpected honor for herself and her family.
A Fresh Perspective on Youth Leadership
Oduwole’s Nobel Peace Prize nomination highlights the growing influence of young leaders in global affairs.
As challenges like climate change and gender inequality shape the world, she proves that youth activism is essential.
Currently pursuing graduate studies in global risk and international affairs at UCLA, she balances academic rigor with advocacy, advising world leaders and inspiring a new generation of changemakers.
The Road Ahead
With her name forever linked to the Nobel Peace Prize, Oduwole’s impact is undeniable.
Regardless of whether she wins, her nomination is seen as a significant shift acknowledging the influence of young voices in shaping the future.
As she continues her mission, her journey is a beacon of hope for millions of girls worldwide, proving that change is possible—at any age.
