When Stanley Anigbogu heard his name announced as the 2025 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year in London earlier in March, he was filled with disbelief and overwhelming joy. As he stood on the stage, surrounded by a pool of brilliant nominees from across the globe, he couldn’t help but feel humbled and grateful for the recognition of his hard work and dedication.
At just 25 years old, Stanley has already made a significant impact in the field of renewable energy. Hailing from Nigeria, a country that faces numerous challenges in terms of energy access and sustainability, Stanley was determined to find a solution. He saw the potential in waste, and through his innovative thinking and hard work, he has transformed it into a source of clean and renewable energy.
His journey began when he was studying engineering at university. He was struck by the amount of waste generated on campus and the lack of proper waste management systems in place. This led him to conduct extensive research on waste-to-energy technologies and their potential in solving Nigeria’s energy crisis.
After months of hard work and experimentation, Stanley developed a unique process that converts organic waste into biogas, which is then used to generate electricity. This not only provides a sustainable source of energy but also helps in reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental degradation.
But Stanley didn’t stop there. He saw the potential for even greater impact and expanded his innovation to include the use of solar energy. He developed a system that combines the biogas with solar power, creating a hybrid system that provides a continuous and reliable source of electricity. This has been a game-changer for rural communities in Nigeria, where access to electricity is limited.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, Stanley was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence in Science and Innovation. This recognition gave him the platform to showcase his innovation and inspire other young people to take action towards a more sustainable future.
And now, just two years later, he has been named the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year. This award, given to individuals under the age of 30 who have made a significant impact in their communities, is a testament to Stanley’s dedication and passion for creating a better world.
But for Stanley, this award is not just a personal achievement. It is a recognition of the potential of young people to drive change and make a positive impact in their communities. He hopes that this award will inspire other young people to use their skills and talents to find innovative solutions to the challenges we face today.
In his acceptance speech, Stanley expressed his gratitude to the Commonwealth for the recognition and pledged to continue his work towards a more sustainable future. He also urged governments and organizations to invest in young people and their ideas, as they hold the key to solving some of the world’s most pressing issues.
As we celebrate Stanley’s achievement, let us also remember the countless other young people who are working tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. They may not have received a prestigious award, but their efforts are just as valuable and deserving of recognition.
Stanley Anigbogu’s story is a reminder that age is not a barrier to making a difference. With determination, hard work, and innovative thinking, young people can create a better world for themselves and future generations. Let us all be inspired by his example and work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
