The Nigerian flag was raised higher yesterday March 13th in far away England where humanitarian worker, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, was declared the winner of the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2019 award.
Oluwaseun, 28, is the founder of @StandtoEndRape, STER, a youth-led NGO advancing human rights, and campaigning for an end to Gender Based Violence through advocacy & support.
A survivor of sexual violence herself, Oluwaseun set up the service to offer support to women, men and young people who have experienced any form of gender-based abuse in Nigeria. STER trains healthcare workers how to deal with survivors and provides them with free health kits such as HIV tests.
Speaking at the awards, an elated Oluwaseun said:
“I dream of a future where this work is not required. I dream of the day when sexual violence is completely eradicated from this world.”
She also emerged the Regional winner for Africa & Europe for Excellence in Development Work.
Congratulations to her!
Watch video of the moment she was declared winner below:
Congratulations to @AyodejiOsowobi for being named the #Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2019!
Oluwaseun is from #Nigeria and is the founder of the @StandtoEndRape initiative.#CommonwealthYouth #CYA #CYA19 pic.twitter.com/JO5pKsEN3G
— Commonwealth Youth (@ComSecYouth) March 13, 2019