On October 2nd, the United Nations Commission of Human Rights, in collaboration with the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), celebrated the accomplishments of Emmanuel Nwobodo, a rising Nigerian leader and youth advocate. Nwobodo was recognized under the Activism and Humanitarian Category, joining an esteemed group of global change-makers, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Costa Rica’s first black female Vice President and President Designate of the UN Afrodescendants Forum, HE Epsy Cambell-Barr, and Bidco Africa Chairman Vimal Shah.

MIPAD’s annual Global 100 list highlights exceptional individuals of African heritage who excel in both public and private sectors worldwide. These honorees represent a network of influential actors dedicated to promoting justice, recognition, and development for Africa and its diaspora during the International Decade for People of African Descent, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/237 from 2015 to 2024.

Emmanuel Ezechukwu Nwobodo, a former President of the Law Students Association of Nigeria and the Pioneer President and Founder of the Federation of African Law Students (FALAS), has distinguished himself through several international engagements in 2022 alone. Advocating for Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a Dubai summit and promoting collaboration between the United States National Bar Association and FALAS are just a few of his notable achievements this year.

As the youngest guest speaker of African descent at the 97th Annual Convention of the National Bar Association, Nwobodo passionately championed partnerships and interventions that would benefit Africa’s legal professionals and law students. With a history of spearheading pan-African humanitarian efforts, empowering young leaders, promoting gender equality, and championing human rights, he continues to make a lasting impact. Upon receiving the MIPAD recognition, Nwobodo expressed gratitude to his family and God and reaffirmed his dedication to advancing the Pan-African vision, an aspiration that seeks to uplift Nigeria and the entire African continent on the global stage.