Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zuriel Oduwole and
Sterling One Foundation have emphasized the need for gender equality and youth
empowerment during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office, where
discussions focused on sustained action in creating opportunities for young
leaders.
At just 22 years old, Oduwole is the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and the first to be recognized in this category. Her global advocacy in education, gender equality, and youth inclusion has influenced policies and engaged key decision-makers across multiple countries.
Sterling One Foundation, through its investment in social
impact across critical sectors, has mainstreamed gender equality and women’s
empowerment across all its initiatives, ensuring that young women and girls
have access to the resources, platforms, and opportunities needed to thrive.
Speaking on the Foundation’s commitment to gender equality and
women empowerment, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, highlighted
the importance of telling African stories and driving impact through
intentional programming, while also reflecting on this year’s International
Women’s Day theme, Accelerate Action.
"At Sterling One Foundation, we are intentional about
telling African stories that reflect the strength and potential of our people.
This is evident in our focus areas and programming, where we have deliberately
mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment.
This aligns with the call to 'Accelerate Action' this
International Women’s Day, reinforcing the urgency of breaking barriers for
women and girls.
We are proud of Zuriel Oduwole for amplifying these values on
the global stage, and we remain committed to creating an environment where
young changemakers, especially women and girls, have the support and
opportunities they need to lead and succeed."
During the visit, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognized
Oduwole’s contributions and her historic Nobel Peace Prize nomination,
describing it as a milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.
"This achievement reflects the resilience and
determination of our people. In the past five years, we have faced COVID-19,
economic challenges, and instability, yet we have continued to create
opportunities for young Nigerians in technology, finance, and entertainment.
The THEMES Plus agenda reinforces our commitment to inclusion
and youth empowerment. Lagos is proud to support Zuriel’s journey and work with
the Sterling One Foundation to expand opportunities for the next
generation."
Oduwole also emphasized the power of storytelling in driving
social change:
"I have seen the power of storytelling in changing
perceptions and opening doors for young people. When we share our stories, we
inspire action. I am grateful to our partners for amplifying young voices and
creating opportunities that make a real difference."
Her remarks highlight the role of storytelling in influencing
narratives that drive meaningful change. By amplifying diverse voices and
ensuring that young people, especially women and girls, have platforms to be
heard, storytelling becomes a powerful tool for influencing policies, shifting
mindsets, and creating lasting impact in communities. The need for sustained
efforts to support and invest in these platforms has never been more critical.
The Sterling One Foundation remains committed to driving sustainable
change through strategic interventions that create lasting impact in gender
equality, youth empowerment, and social development
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| L-R: Moyo Akinyosoye, Business Executive, Institutional Banking, Sterling Bank; Zuriel Oduwole, Youth Envoy/Nobel Peace Prize Nominee; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor, Lagos State; Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation; and Ifeoluwa Elegbede, Communication Lead, Sterling One Foundation, during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office to discuss youth empowerment, gender equality, and the need for sustained action in creating opportunities for young leaders. |
About Sterling One Foundation
Sterling One Foundation (SOF) is a registered non-profit
focused on tackling the root causes of poverty in Nigeria, and Africa through
interventions and social impact programmes across five critical sectors namely:
climate action, health, education and youth development, gender equality and
empowerment, and food security. The Foundation’s programmes adopt a central
theme of prioritizing partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). For more information visit onefoundation.ng
Ifeoluwa Elegbede
Public Relations, Sterling One Foundation
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