This is what the future looks like and it's major for us all. A young Nigerian, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi was yesterday named the winner of the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2019.
The 28-year old is the founder of Stand To End Rape - S T E R Initiatives and was recognized at the event which went down at the Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat's London headquarters.
Osowobi, a survival of sexual violence, set up S T E R Initiatives to provide support to women, men and young people who have experienced any form of gender based abuse. The young lady shared her excitement about her win on her social media account. Sharing a tweet from Commonwealth Youth, she wrote.....
"Guys!!!! I am the 2019 Commonwealth Young Person Of The Year!!! I Cannot believe It!
See more after the jump!!!
Osowobi emerged the winner from a a group of 16 finalist and four regional winners, from the more than 500 people across the Commonwealth who were nominated. She is also the regional recipient for African And Europe For Excellence in Development award, and received a prize of 5,000 pounds which she intends to use towards expanding her activities in Nigeria.
After receiving her award from the Commonwealth Secretary general, Patricia Scotland, elated gave a speech about what wining the award means to her and her team. Here is what she said.....
"This award reminds me that when young people don’t look away in the face of injustice, and say ‘no’ to cultural biases, we have the capacity to create change because we are magic.Congratulations sweetie. keep our flag flying.......
Winning this award encourages me to keep working hard to build a safe community for women, girls and men in Nigeria and that my story is valid.
To my team and I, the award is a reminder that our work is seen, felt and should not stop now.
Our organization provides medical, legal, mental health and psycho-social support, and empowerment services – depending on the requirement. In certain instances, we provide shelter access and financial support to survivors.
Having experienced sexual violence myself, I understand the cultural barrier of speaking up, and the lapses or lack of services available.
This award is a reaffirmation that elimination of sexual violence in Nigeria and other Commonwealth Countries is important and a core agenda of the Commonwealth Secretariat as we work towards achieving a ‘Connected Commonwealth’.
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