Nicholas Kee of Jamaica Celebrated as Caribbean Champion at Commonwealth Youth Awards

Nicholas Kee from Jamaica was awarded the Caribbean regional Champion at the 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards on March 12, 2025. The event highlighted significant contributions to development work, with Stanley Anigbogu from Nigeria being named the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year for his solar energy initiative. Five young individuals also received PEACE Awards for their contributions to youth-led initiatives.

The 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work recognized Nicholas Kee from Jamaica as the Caribbean regional Champion during a ceremony held in London on March 12, 2025. This accolade was part of an event honoring five regional winners for their outstanding contributions to development work. Each winner, including Kee, received a £3,000 prize.

In addition to Nicholas Kee, the other regional winners included Murad Ansary from Bangladesh (Asia), Zubair Junjunia from the United Kingdom (Europe and Canada), and Bethalyn Kelly from Solomon Islands (Pacific). The title of Commonwealth Young Person of the Year was awarded to Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria, who also claimed the regional prize for Africa.

Stanley Anigbogu, CEO of LightEd, was honored for his innovative work transforming waste into solar solutions, thereby providing sustainable energy access to over 10,000 African migrants. Anigbogu received a total award of £5,000 for his achievements in both categories.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland commended Anigbogu for his efforts to uplift vulnerable communities and combat environmental pollution. She emphasized the importance of youth in leading initiatives that offer hope and impactful change.

Upon receiving the award, Anigbogu expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted his commitment to continue developing transformative solutions with the support of the Commonwealth.

The Khalili Foundation awarded PEACE Awards to five remarkable young individuals from Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, as noted by Executive Director Waqas Ahmed and Professor Sir Nasser David Khalili, who emphasized the significance of youth-led initiatives in promoting peace and unity across the Commonwealth.

Shem Ochola, Deputy Director General at the Commonwealth Foundation, praised Anigbogu’s talent and innovation, underscoring the event’s celebration of the transformative potential of youth leadership. The selection process for the awards included reviewing over 800 submissions, ultimately recognizing 20 finalists, each awarded a trophy, certificate, and £1,000 to aid their initiatives.

The 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards showcased the exceptional contributions of young individuals in development work, with Nicholas Kee from Jamaica receiving recognition as the Caribbean regional Champion. Stanley Anigbogu of Nigeria stood out as the overall Young Person of the Year, honored for his innovative approach to sustainable energy. The event celebrated not only individual achievements but also the collective impact of youth in driving positive change globally.

Original Source: nycaribnews.com