Nigerian Student Wins $10,000 AFS Award

A Nigerian student studying in the United States, Ifeanyi Noel Alumona, has won the 2022 AFS Award for Young Global Citizens becoming the First African to win the prize since its inception in 1914.  

Ifeanyi, who is studying a graduate degree in Special Education at the Vanderbilt University was recognized for his campaign to end violence against women and girls through proper orientation of boys on responsible behaviour. This effort of his won him the award which came with a cash prize of $10,000. 

According to Ifeanyi, his inspiration for creating 'Boys Champions' came to him in the year 2018 after his meeting with President Barack Obama in South Africa as an Obama Foundation Fellow. This connection transformed his worldview and ignited in him the zeal to make a positive impact in his community.

On 1 October 2018, he formed the 'Boys Champions' as a youth focused group committed to providing safe space for young boys and training them to become part of the solution to ending societal violence and prejudice against women and girls in Nigerian communities. 

The AFS Award for Young Global Citizens recognizes the work of young people around the world for their commitment in improving the global community and contribute to a more just, peaceful, and tolerant world. 

Ifeanyi, a proud indigene of Enugu State, went through a very thorough and strenuous selection process beating about 500 contestants to win the award. 

The award was presented during the International Youth Day organized by the United Nations Global Communications Department, the AFS Intercultural Programs and The Youth Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Ifeanyi is a recipient of the Nigerian Goodwill Ambassador Award, Volunteer of the Year Award by Appreciate Africa Network, Beijin China and the African Youth Award. 

Ifeanyi is also a delegate of the United Nations Youth Assembly, an Obama Foundation Fellow and United States Institute of Peace Fellow. 

Muyiwa Oki Elected First Black President, Royal Institute of British Architects

Muyiwa Oki has been elected as the Youngest and First Black President of the Royal Institute of British Architects for a two year tenure commencing from the 1st of September 2023. 

In the first round of voting, Muyiwa secured 2,456 votes representing 40% of the total votes while in the second round, he pulled a winning vote of 2,967 representing 49% as against the 2,733 votes of his closest rival, Bacon.

An elated Muyiwa Oki expressed his gratitude and satisfaction in the electoral process: "I am grateful to the grassroots movement whose support and passion offered a platform to represent architectural workers. Most of all a special thanks to those members and nominators, that responded to this movement, tuned in, and voted - especially those that did so for the first time. 

"We can be proud of an election where people of color, at different stages of their careers, of all identities, can be heard and seen bidding to represent the profession. I hope this is the start of many great things to come for those who feel disenfranchised and under-represented. 

"I am proud of my campaign, the discourse has been positive, energetic, and inspirational. It has been a privilege to run alongside Jo and Sumita and as RIBA council and Board members, I am looking forward to working with you both to deliver equity, transparency, and innovation in architecture."

Muyiwa Oki is an architect at Mace Group, a construction consultancy.  He is also a mentor and an external speaker for aspiring architects in programs that encourage greater social mobility within the industry. Throughout his career as an architect, he worked on large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the North London heat and power project and the HS2 Euston.

31 Year Old Muyiwa is the founder of the Multi-Ethnic Group and Allies network created with a focus to drive cultural change in the architectural profession.

Stephanie Onusiriuka And Others Shine In South Africa

It was a medal rush for team Nigeria at the 2022 African Gymnastics Club Championship in South Africa.

Despite arriving late, due to delay in visa approval and flight schedule and despite missing one event which knocked out the only boy in the group of ten gymnast, Nigeria still forged ahead winning many medals. 

The very talented Stephanie Onusiriuka, who won five medals and became overall best gymnast last year in Nigeria at the age of 10 clinged Gold in South Africa alongside other young talents.

Stephanie who is now 11 years of age is still proving that she is the best African gymnast. Her ambition is to become the world's best gymnast.

Her recent performance in South Africa further qualifies her for the Olympics but her age is still an impediment as she can only participate until she becomes 15 years of age.

Anambra State Born Stephanie, started her professional career with TIG Gymnastics at the National Stadium Abuja in the year 2018 and participated at the 8th Edition of the  TIG International Level System Gymnastics Championship Competition.

At the 2019 National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State, she won silver and bronze medals and became Nigeria’s youngest medallist in gymnastics.

For the 2022, African Gymnastics Club Championship in South Africa, team Nigeria, presented by Tony International Gymnastics Club, participated in vaults, floors, bar and beam events. 

A list of other gymnasts who won medals for Nigeria at this Championship event are;

Adeela Adedeji (8yrs) Silver, Age group level 4

Chinwendu Okpanku (8yrs) Gold, Age group level 5 

Esther Awah (10yrs) Silver, Age group level 4 

Francisca Okpanku (10yrs) Gold, Age group level 4 

Gbemisola Adebayo (12yrs) Gold, Age group level 5

Harriet (11 yrs) Gold, Age group level 4 

Sofia Awah (6yrs) Gold, Age group level 4

Nigeria undoubtedly is blessed with an endless pool of talents ready to take on the world.