Chiduem, Nigerian Energy Innovator, Named Commonwealth Young Person of the Year

Anigbogu received the honour on Wednesday for his work with LightED, an energy-innovation and transformation company he founded. His organisation has been converting waste into solar-powered innovations and providing clean energy to thousands of African refugees.

He was also awarded the top regional prize for Africa among a group of 20 young changemakers.

Patricia Scotland, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, praised Anigbogu for not only making the environment cleaner by repurposing waste but also bringing hope and light to vulnerable communities.

"Not only are you bringing hope and light to vulnerable communities and refugees who face many hardships and disadvantages, but you are also ridding communities of harmful waste and pollution, leaving environments safer and cleaner for other young people. This is a testament to the creativity of the Commonwealth's youth,ÔÇØ Scotland said.

Anigbogu founded LightED during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since trained over 6,000 students while recycling more than 20,000 kilogrammes of waste.

The young innovator runs LightED from Anambra State. His company has developed solar batteries, including solar-powered lockers designed specifically for students.