Stephanie Onusiriuka a 13-year-old award-winning gymnast, has been honoured as the ‘Sport Personality of the Year’ at the 2023 Peace Achievers International Awards.
The award ceremony of the 12th edition of the prestigious annual event took place on Saturday night in Abuja.
The teen athlete was honoured alongside other Nigerians drawn from different backgrounds, who received the peace awards.
Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, Project Director and chairman of the Planning Committee, said the award recognizes individuals who have used their positions, resources and talents in promoting peaceful coexistence.
He said Onusiriuka was named the sport personality of the year because of her passion for gymnastics, and laurels she has won which has become an inspiration for young Nigerians.
According to him, the 12th edition of the annual awards, with the theme “Sustainable Peace and Economic Growth in Africa”, is geared towards bringing to the fore the importance of peace in driving economic prosperity.
He urged the awardees to see the honor as a ‘higher calling’ towards deeper commitment to peace building in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
“I want to congratulate all the 2023 recipients of the 12th Peace Achievers International Awards and the Honorary Doctorate Degrees.
“The Peace Achievers International Awards is a private initiative of peace Ambassador Agency to recognize individuals and organizations in Africa who have demonstrated strong commitment in serving their communities.
“We are building a movement involving all sectors of the society that promote peace and unity in Africa.
“There is no better time than this to honor outstanding personalities like you, so together we can build a global partnership for peace,” he said
Onusiriuka reputed to be Nigeria’s youngest gymnast, won her first international gold medal in South Africa when she was just 8 years old.
In 2020, she clinched a gold, two silvers and a bronze at the just National Sports Festival in Edo.
She received an award at the Nigeria at 60 Banquet for Outstanding Gymnastics Child Athlete.
In 2022, she received an award at the Women Power Conference, an event that honoured 100 most distinguished African women, among other recognitions.
Other Nigerians were also honoured with the Excellence in Peace and Community Development award at the event, including Dr Gideon Osi, and Rt Hon. Ahmed Mohammed and Dr Ubon Udoh.
Others included Dr Jim Chimezie, Hon. Dubem Oguegbu, Fatima Suleman, Asiwe Emeke, Dr Amina Mohammed, PR expert Alex Nwankwo and popular comic comedian Obinna Simon, among others.
