Zuriel Oduwole, a 22-year-old advocate for peace, education, and gender equality, has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
Oduwole, known for her extensive diplomatic efforts, has worked to expand education access, empower marginalized communities, and promote global peace. Her nomination highlights both her dedication and Nigeria’s growing influence in global humanitarian efforts.
Born in Los Angeles to Nigerian grandparents, Oduwole has met with over 35 world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, to discuss policy reforms. At just 13, she mediated a territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, urging peaceful dialogue during a meeting with then-President David Granger at the United Nations. In 2020, she consulted with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on peace strategies during the Arab blockade of Qatar, which ended in 2021.
Her passion for education began at the age of nine when she saw young girls in Accra working instead of attending school. This led her to use documentary filmmaking as an advocacy tool. In 2013, she launched “Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up” (DUSUSU), a youth-driven initiative aimed at promoting education and leadership opportunities, particularly for girls.
At 14, she met with then-U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to advocate for reward-based education programs to improve school retention in developing nations. Her influence was also key in ending child marriage in Mozambique in 2019 after discussions with President Filipe Nyusi.
In recognition of her decade-long efforts, she received the 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Leadership Award in 2022.
Reacting to her Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Oduwole expressed humility and gratitude. “I have never sought recognition, only to speak up where it’s needed,” she said. “This honor reflects the urgent need to invest in young voices as agents of change.”
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious honors, awarded to individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to peace and human rights. Past laureates include Nelson Mandela, former U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai, and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee will announce the 2025 laureate later this year. Regardless of the outcome, Oduwole’s nomination reinforces the growing role of youth advocacy in shaping global policies and fostering sustainable peace.
