Global education advocate and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Zuriel Oduwole will be a featured speaker at the Sterling Leadership Series (SLS), an exclusive platform hosted by Sterling Bank that brings together some of the most influential minds in leadership, business, and social impact.
As the world marks International Women’s Day and reflects on the progress and challenges of gender equality and women empowerment, this edition of SLS, scheduled for March 14, is themed “The Audacity to Do”, reinforcing the Bank’s dedication to female leadership, education, and empowerment.
Over the years, the series has welcomed thought leaders, including Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka; former Nigerian footballer, Segun Odegbami; former Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson; renowned journalist, Howard French, and chess icon, Tunde Onakoya.
Through this series, Sterling Bank continues to cultivate important discussions that shape industries, policies, and communities.
Despite her young age, Oduwole has spent over a decade at the highest levels of diplomacy and advocacy, championing education access and policy reforms to protect young girls.
She has engaged with more than 36 Presidents and Prime Ministers, influencing key policy conversations on education and social development.
Her diplomatic work includes advising the Mozambican government on strategies to end child marriage, consulting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during the Arab blockade crisis, and mediating discussions in the Sahel region amid rising tensions
Commenting on Oduwole’s participation, Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director, Sterling Bank, highlighted the importance of platforms that inspire change.
“At Sterling Bank, we believe leadership is about vision and impact. The Sterling Leadership Series was created to bring together voices that challenge perspectives, inspire progress, and drive meaningful action,” said Suleiman. “Zuriel Oduwole embodies these values, and we are honored to welcome her to this critical conversation on advocacy, leadership, and youth empowerment. We are especially proud of her historic recognition as the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize at just 22 years old.”
Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO, Sterling One Foundation, underscored the importance of representation and tangible efforts in accelerating action, emphasizing the need for continuous commitment to gender inclusion and empowerment.
“This International Women’s Month, we are reminded that real change happens when we move beyond conversations to concrete action,” she said. “Accelerating action for women and girls means creating spaces where they can lead, innovate, and break barriers globally. Through the Sterling Leadership Series, we continue to champion these opportunities, and Zuriel Oduwole’s journey is proof of what is possible when young women are given the platform to excel. We hope her story encourages more girls to dream boldly, believe in their potential, and take decisive steps toward their aspirations.”
Ahead of the event, Oduwole shared her thoughts. She said: “I am happy to collaborate with visionaries who understand that advocacy is not just about words but about meaningful action.
“The Sterling Leadership Series provides a space to engage on critical issues that impact lives, and I am honored to work with partners like Sterling Bank and the Sterling One Foundation, who are committed to supporting education and opportunities for women and young people.”
For Oduwole, SLS offers yet another avenue to amplify her message on education and youth empowerment, two causes that have defined her mission from an early age.
As the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, her journey exemplifies how young voices can shape policies, influence global decision-making, and create lasting change.
With its focus on leadership that drives real-world impact, the Sterling Leadership Series continues to provide a unique platform for professionals, emerging leaders, and policymakers to learn from individuals using their influence to create meaningful progress.
As Nigeria celebrates her historic Nobel Peace Prize nomination, Oduwole’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by age but by the willingness to act.
Interested participants can register at sterling.ng/SLS.
