President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, welcomed Ms. Zuriel Oduwole to State House yesterday morning for a courtesy visit.

Ms. Oduwole, 22, co-founder of the Dususu Foundation, is a globally recognized advocate for peace, youth empowerment, education, and gender equality. She was recently nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

Her visit to Seychelles follows an invitation extended by President Ramkalawan in September last year, aimed at inspiring and empowering young Seychellois. As part of her mission, Ms. Oduwole, accompanied by her sister, Ms. Aziliah Oduwole, and their father, conducted a filmmaking workshop attended by approximately 50 young Seychellois participants.

President Ramkalawan expressed his appreciation for Ms. Oduwole’s efforts and commended her initiative to uplift and empower the youth. In response, Ms. Oduwole thanked the President for his warm invitation and shared insights from her engagement with Seychellois youth, emphasizing their potential to create a meaningful impact both locally and globally.

Speaking to the press, Ms. Oduwole praised the ambition and promise of young Seychellois and also expressed her appreciation for the local cuisine. Reflecting on her Nobel Prize nomination, she described it as an unexpected honor for both herself and her family.

"It's important to understand that each of us has a voice. What we choose to do with that voice is our gift to the world," she remarked, encouraging young people to embrace bold ambitions. "It is important to dream—dream big dreams, dream scary dreams that impact not only your life or your family but also your community and the entire world."

Also present at the meeting were the Minister for Youth, Sport and Family, Mrs. Marie-Celine Zialor, CEO of the Seychelles National Youth Council, Mr. Albert Duncan, and CEO of the National Arts Council, Mr. Jimmy Savy.