In a world where young people are often told to wait their turn, Zuriel Oduwole is a shining example of how age is just a number when it comes to making a difference. At just 22 years old, Zuriel has already accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime. From advocating for girls’ education to being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, her story is one of passion, determination, and the power of youth to change the world. Let’s dive into the life of this extraordinary young woman and explore how her journey can inspire us all to live with purpose and impact.
Who is Zuriel Oduwole?
Zuriel Oduwole is a Nigerian-American education advocate, filmmaker, and public speaker who has been making waves on the global stage since she was just 10 years old. Born in Los Angeles to Nigerian and Mauritian parents, Zuriel’s multicultural background has shaped her worldview and fuelled her passion for addressing global issues, particularly in Africa. Her journey began when she entered a school competition to create a documentary, which led her to explore the challenges faced by children in developing countries, especially girls.
A Voice for Girls’ Education
Zuriel’s advocacy for girls’ education started with her first documentary, “The Ghana Revolution”, which she created at the age of 10. The film highlighted the importance of education and the barriers many girls face in accessing it. Since then, she has travelled to over 20 countries, meeting with world leaders, speaking at international forums, and working tirelessly to promote education for girls. Her efforts have directly impacted thousands of young girls, inspiring them to stay in school and pursue their dreams.
What sets Zuriel apart is her ability to connect with people on a personal level. She doesn’t just talk about change, she creates it. Through her “Dream Up, Speak Up, Stand Up” program, she empowers young girls to believe in themselves and take action in their communities. Her message is simple yet powerful: education is the key to unlocking a brighter future.
Breaking Barriers as a Young Filmmaker
In addition to her advocacy work, Zuriel is also an accomplished filmmaker. She has interviewed over 30 world leaders, including former U.S. President, Barack Obama and former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari. Her documentaries focus on social issues, education, and the untold stories of African nations. By using film as a medium, Zuriel has found a unique way to amplify her message and reach a global audience.
Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Forbes’ “Most Powerful Women in Africa” and the youngest person to be featured in New African Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential Africans. But perhaps her most significant achievement to date is her nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, making her one of the youngest individuals ever to be considered for this prestigious honour.
Zuriel Oduwole’s story is a reminder that one person no matter their age, can make a difference. Her dedication to girls’ education, her ground breaking work as a filmmaker, and her unwavering belief in the power of youth are qualities we can all aspire to. As we go about our daily lives, let’s take a page from Zuriel’s book and strive to live with purpose, passion, and a commitment to making the world a better place.
