Zuriel Oduwole, an advocate for peace, education, and gender equality, has been nominated for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize award for 2025.
According to a press release, 22-year-old Oduwole has actively engaged with several world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, on policy and development issues, improving education access for marginalized communities, and promoting systemic change. Her nomination seeks to recognise her efforts and reflects Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.
Born in July 2002 in Los Angeles, United States, to Nigerian-American parents, she has met over 31 presidents and prime ministers in line with her education advocacy and various development work.
At 13, Oduwole mediated a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, meeting with then-President David Granger at the United Nations to emphasize the importance of peaceful dialogue. In 2020, she consulted with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on global peace strategies during the Arab blockade of Qatar, which concluded peacefully in 2021,” the statement stated.
“Her advocacy for education, which she views as fundamental to both development and stability, has been central to her mission from an early age. “Oduwole’s commitment to education began at nine when she observed young girls in Accra selling goods instead of attending school. This experience inspired her to use documentary filmmaking to raise awareness about educational barriers,” it added.
Reacting to her Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Oduwole, who is also a filmmaker, sought more investments in young girls, saying, “I have never sought recognition, only to speak up where it’s needed. This honor reflects the urgent need to invest in young voices as agents of change.”
As the founder of ‘Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand,’ she is empowering young people, particularly girls, to advocate for their rights and future opportunities. Through storytelling and diplomacy, Oduwole has inspired change, influencing policies and creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
“Regardless of the outcome, Oduwole’s nomination underscores the growing impact of youth advocacy in global policy and sustainable peace efforts,” the statement added.
At her young age, Oduwole is a recipient of various awards and accolades. In 2014, her self-produced documentary film titled ‘A Promising Africa’ screened in five countries, making her the world’s youngest filmmaker at age 12. The City of Beverly Hills selected her as one of the 28 Americans to feature each day of February 2021 for the annual US Black History Month.
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to peace and human rights. The Norwegian Nobel Committee is expected to announce the 2025 laureate later this year.
If Zuriel wins, she will become Nigeria’s first female winner and one of the youngest nominees to win the prize. She will also join the likes of Malala Yousafzai, who became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2014 at age 17.
ALSO READ: #DayOfTheGirl: Meet 10 Girls Whose Works Have Put Nigeria As A World Champion