Nigeria’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize nominee and youth advocate, Zuriel Oduwole has tasked change agents in the country to embrace bold action and pursue their ambitions with determination.
22-year-old Zuriel Oduwole made the call at the Sterling Leadership Series organised by Sterling Bank, held Sunday March 16, 2025 at the Alliance Française de Lagos – Mike Adenuga Centre, Lagos State.
Globally celebrated for interviewing over 36 world leaders, Zuriel passionately spoke about critical issues such as education, gender equality, and youth empowerment, motivating the audience to act decisively and confidently.
During an engaging session, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director, Abubakar Suleiman, asked Zuriel about that one aspect of her story that can connect with the private sector and compel it to take action.
Zuriel emphasized the power of collaboration, recalling successful initiatives where private sector partnerships directly supported her youth education and filmmaking projects, significantly enhancing their reach and impact. “Meaningful impact happens when the private sector actively engages and genuinely invests in education and youth empowerment. True change is always built on strong partnerships,” she explained.
Moderated by Sheila Ojei, the session resonated deeply with attendees, including distinguished guests such as Tonye Cole, co-founder of Sahara Group, who discussed Zuriel’s future aspirations.
Zuriel reaffirmed her unwavering commitment, saying; “My mission remains constant – to ensure every child, especially every girl, receives quality education, wherever life takes me.”
Maurice Igugu, Chief Marketing Officer at Sterling Bank, commended Zuriel’s achievements, stating, “Zuriel’s journey shows us that age should never limit ambition.
Her example encourages everyone to step forward boldly and create change.”
Zuriel expressed gratitude for her family’s continuous support, recalling transformative advice from former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.”
Wrapping up the session, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director, Abubakar Suleiman, expressed appreciation to Zuriel and the audience, highlighting the deeper significance of her story: “Zuriel’s courage reminds us that it’s never too late or too early to make an impact. The real value of this session is that it compels us all – not just to listen, but to act. Her visit today challenges us to move from inspiration to action.”
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