By: Covenant Odedele
Samuel Anjolaoluwa Alabi, popularly known as Sàámú Onífọ́tò, a 200-level student at the Department of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, has been announced as the winner of the Canon Young Champion of the Year Award at the 2021 Global Good Awards. The announcement was made by Global Good Awards via a release on the organisation’s official website, dated Wednesday, 22nd September, 2021.
Samuel, who volunteers as a documentary photographer at the Fashioned And Made for Excellence Foundation, emerged as the winner of the five finalists shortlisted for the Under 21 Category, his project, Students of Ibadan, a documentary that looks to shine a light on the story and struggle of students in Ibadan, Nigeria, revealing the challenges they face on an everyday basis.”
“I’m also happy that the efforts to tell the stories of students in secondary schools in Ibadan is paying off and our voice is being heard.”
Students of Ibadan beat India-based Anya Kathpalia’s Stitching the Gender Gap: Project Jagriti in Rajasthan; United Arab Emirates-based Faisal Al Fozan’s Diratna for Social Projects; Dubai-based Riva Tulpule’s WeCareDXB; and United States of America-based Sarah Goody’s Climate NOW projects to the top spot.
When asked how he feels about winning the award, Samuel said, “I feel so excited about this win. I remember how I was trying to make the video alongside other senior colleagues in the office and was about to give up but I kept the courage. I’m particularly happy because the efforts paid off and this is evidence that efforts do not die.”
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All finalists for the Young Champion of the Year Award will receive a Canon SELPHY Square QX10, helping them to continue to celebrate their efforts and achievements through visual storytelling and the two winners will both receive a Canon EOS entry level DSLR.
The Global Good Awards to recognise the achievements of exceptional young people who have shown incredible passion and leadership in their efforts to campaign for positive change.
The Under 21s Category, sponsored by Canon and inspired by Canon EMEA’s Young People Programme, aims to celebrate outstanding individuals across the region who are driving social and environmental change, while encouraging those around them to take a stance on the important issues that affect our world.
