Zuriel Oduwole, Sterling One Foundation Push for Gender Equality, Youth Empowerment
LAGOS/Nigeria: Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zuriel Oduwole and the Sterling One Foundation have reiterated the need for gender equality and youth empowerment, emphasizing the importance of creating sustained opportunities for young leaders. Their advocacy took center stage during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor’s Office, where discussions focused on expanding social impact initiatives for women and youth.
At just 22 years old, Oduwole has made history as the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and the first in the category. Her global work in education advocacy, gender equality, and youth inclusion has influenced policies and engaged key decision-makers across multiple countries.
The Sterling One Foundation, known for its investment in social impact initiatives, has mainstreamed gender equality and women’s empowerment across its programs, ensuring that young women and girls have access to the resources, platforms, and opportunities needed to thrive. The foundation’s CEO, Olapeju Ibekwe, highlighted the importance of amplifying African stories and fostering inclusion through intentional programming.
“At Sterling One Foundation, we are deliberate about telling African stories that reflect the strength and potential of our people. Gender equality and women’s empowerment remain at the core of our interventions. This aligns with the call to ‘Accelerate Action’ for this year’s International Women’s Day, reinforcing the urgency of breaking barriers for women and girls,” Ibekwe said.
She commended Oduwole for her global advocacy and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting young changemakers.
During the visit, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Oduwole’s contributions and historic Nobel Peace Prize nomination, describing it as a remarkable achievement for Nigeria and Africa.
“This achievement reflects the resilience and determination of our people. Over the past five years, we have faced 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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Oduwole, in her remarks, emphasized the transformative 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,” she said.
Her remarks underscored the critical role of storytelling in shaping narratives that influence policies and societal attitudes. As platforms for youth engagement and gender inclusion continue to expand, the need for sustained investment in these initiatives remains crucial.
The Sterling One Foundation reaffirmed its dedication to driving lasting impact through strategic interventions in gender equality, youth empowerment, and social development.
