(Commonwealth)_ Stanley Chidubem Anigbogu from Nigeria has been named the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year at the annual Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work. The prestigious ceremony took place on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, at Marlborough House in London, bringing together government ministers, senior officials, youth leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate the remarkable achievements of young people across the Commonwealth.
Stanley, the founder and CEO of LightEd, received the award for his innovative work in transforming waste into solar-powered solutions that provide clean energy to over 10,000 refugees across Africa. His journey is deeply rooted in his personal experiences with energy poverty during his childhood in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria. Determined to create a positive impact, Stanley established LightEd during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to address both environmental and energy challenges.
LightEd has not only supplied sustainable energy to vulnerable communities but has also played a crucial role in promoting climate resilience and sustainability. With the support of a dedicated team of young innovators, Stanley has trained 6,000 students and recycled more than 20,000 kilograms of waste. His initiative reflects the growing importance of youth-led solutions in tackling global challenges such as climate change, pollution, and access to clean energy.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, presented the award to Stanley during the vibrant ceremony. She praised his creativity and unwavering commitment to driving change, acknowledging the multiple challenges his work addresses.
“Not only are you bringing hope and light to vulnerable communities and refugees who face many hardships and disadvantages, but you are also ridding communities of harmful waste and pollution, leaving environments safer and cleaner for other young people. This initiative is a testament to the creativity of the Commonwealth’s youth,” said Secretary-General Scotland.
She further commended Stanley for his efforts in empowering others, highlighting his role in providing skills training and employment opportunities in the renewable energy sector. “Stanley is training other young people and providing skills for employment in a field that will contribute to the energy transition we need to mitigate against climate change. You are a true revolutionary a visionary and I am pleased to award you the title of Commonwealth Young Person of the Year.”
It was a moment of double triumph for Stanley, as he also received the top regional award for Africa, bringing his total prize money to £5,000. Grateful for the recognition, Stanley expressed his excitement and dedication to continue making a difference.
“It is an incredible honour to receive this recognition alongside an inspiring group of 20 young change makers, all dedicated to launching innovative solutions that drive transformative change for millions of young people around the world. I cannot wait to continue this journey with the support of the Commonwealth and its remarkable network of partners,” Stanley said.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards celebrate and empower young leaders aged 15–29 who are making significant contributions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By scaling local innovations to global impact, the awards highlight initiatives in education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Stanley’s success story is a powerful reminder of the vital role young people play in shaping a sustainable and equitable future. His work with LightEd not only addresses the immediate needs of energy-deprived communities but also fosters long-term solutions for environmental sustainability and youth empowerment.
As the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, Stanley stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging other young innovators to pursue their ideas and drive meaningful change. With the backing of the Commonwealth and its partners, his journey of transforming lives through clean energy and waste recycling is set to reach even greater heights.
