Four Nigerians were among the 60 recipients of the 2015 edition of the Queen’s Young Leader awards which took place at the Buckingham Palace in Britain on Monday, June 22, 2015.
The awardees were from 35 countries across the globe and the Nigerians on the list include: Isaiah Owolabi, Kelvin Ogholi, Nkechikwu Azinge and Oladipupo Ajiroba.
According to a statement issued by the QYL organizers on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 members of the British royal family and a host of high profile individuals attended the event, which recognised exceptional young people between the ages of 18 and 29 who are making lasting change in their communities and across the Commonwealth.
Winners of this prestigious award received a unique package of training, mentoring and networking including a one-week residential programme in the UK.
With this support, award winners are expected to be encouraged to continue with the amazing work they are already doing in their communities.
Isaiah Owolabi co-founded HACEY Health Initiative, which helps disadvantaged women and children to lead healthy lives.
In 2012, HACEY launched Hands Up For Her, which promotes the rights of African girls.
Kelvin Ogholi co-founded UNFIRE, a social enterprise which produces poultry feeds from organic waste such as mango seeds, seaweeds etc. It costs half the price of normal feed, and so far it has helped more than 70 farmers.
Nkechikwu Azinge grew up with close family members who have the hereditary blood disorder, Sickle Cell Anaemia and had set up The Sickle Cell Aid Foundation after witnessing the physical, mental and emotional challenges it can lead to.
The organisation encourages people to get tested to know their haemoglobin genotype and has set up sickle cell clubs in schools to inform and educate young people about the condition.
Oladipupo Ajiroba who grew up with bronchitis has been quite conscious of pollution and set up The Environmental Advocacy and Management Initiative, which has engaged more than 10,000 volunteers in campaigns and workshops.
