Zuriel Oduwole Listed As One Of Africa's Most Influential People of 2013

Eleven-year old Nigerian, Zuriel Oduwole, fondly called a wonder kid has been recognized as one of Africa’s most influential people for 2013 by New African Magazine.

Other prominent Africans who made the list include business mogul and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and other 21 Nigerians also made the list.

Oduwole, who lives in the United States, gained instant global fame when she became the youngest person to be interviewed by Forbes Magazine. The wonder kid, as she is fondly called, has visited China, Switzerland, France, United Kingdom, Grenada, Turkey, Antigua, Australia, Fiji, Mexico, Ghana, Egypt, Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania and Nigeria.

Don Jazzy, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chiwetei Ejiofor are some of notable Nigerians recognised by the New African Magazine.

David Adjaye, DJ Sbu, Alek Wek, Idris Elba, former South African president Thabo Mbeki, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, El Anatsui, Lupita Nyong’o, Omar Sy, P Square, Trevor Noah, Fatuomata Diawaraa and NoViolet Bulawayo are  also among the 100 Africans adjudged to be influential.

The oldest woman on the list is the former foreign minister of Somaliland, Edna Adan (76) is the oldest woman list. She became famous for fighting for women’s rights and health.

Explaining the modalities for the award exercise, the magazine says, “In defining what passes for ‘influence’, New African has been careful to note that while there is indeed for a wide array of qualities and proclivities that earmark people as ‘influential’, a person’s impact on the wide public, social and political community is one of the greatest indicators of influence. Bearing in mind that popularity doesn’t necessarily mean influential, New African Magazine has compiled its list of 100 most influential Africans, 23 of them being Nigerians.”

“The list offers a glimpse into the diverse breed of young and established leaders intent on reinventing the face of Africa…They include entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, political game-changers, and sporting record breakers to name but a few.”