Zuriel Oduwole’s Nobel Peace Prize Nomination a Testament to Nigerian Resilience – Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated 22-year-old Zuriel Oduwole on her nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize by three distinguished institutions.
In a statement, Dabiri-Erewa expressed her delight at the recognition, describing the nomination as well-deserved given Zuriel’s unwavering advocacy for girls’ education across Africa and the Caribbean over the past 12 years. She also praised her mediation efforts in conflict resolution between nations in South America and the Middle East.
According to the NIDCOM boss, Zuriel’s relentless commitment to global development makes her a strong contender for the prestigious award. She expressed optimism about her chances of winning, citing her determination, zeal, and passion for making a difference.
Dabiri-Erewa further urged Nigerian youths to draw inspiration from Zuriel’s achievements, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive image for Nigeria on the global stage. She encouraged them to embrace impactful initiatives rather than engaging in activities that tarnish the country’s reputation.
Zuriel’s nomination was put forward by a Professor of Clinical Education Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC), an Emeritus Professor of Social Science at the University of Missouri, and a Nigerian senator.
Her global recognition is a culmination of years of dedication to creating measurable change. Over the course of her 12-year journey, Zuriel has received several prestigious accolades, including the Forbes Leadership Award, CARE Global Impact Award, and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon Award.
She has also held one-on-one meetings with 36 world leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, to discuss and develop solutions to pressing global socio-economic challenges.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted that Zuriel’s nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize reinforces the resilience and excellence embedded in Nigerian DNA. She described the young activist’s success as yet another example of Nigerians’ ability to thrive, lead, and dominate wherever they find themselves.
Zuriel’s family history reflects a deep connection to education and global mobility. Her grandfather, Dr. Michael Oduwole, left Nigeria for Scotland in 1954 to study medicine, leading to the birth of her father, Ademola Oduwole, in the UK. In 1991, the family relocated to Los Angeles, California, where Zuriel was born in 2002.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated that Zuriel’s achievements symbolize the hardworking and resilient spirit of Nigerians worldwide, further positioning the country as a hub of excellence in global leadership and advocacy.