King Charles honours Nigerian Lady for outstanding community service in England

A Nigerian woman in the diaspora, Ms. MaryAnn Kikelomo Oduntan, has been recognised with the prestigious King Charles’ Award for Voluntary Service in England.

She is among the few black individuals to receive this distinguished honour, which stands as the highest accolade awarded to volunteer groups in the United Kingdom.

MaryAnn, a dedicated Community Project Worker and Manager at the St. Barnabas Centre in Oldham, has built a reputation for leading transformative initiatives that touch countless lives. Among the projects she champions are Women Thrive, Food Thrive, Holiday Thrive, and Teen Thrive — all designed to empower women, support families, and help young people build confidence and achieve their potential.

With a deep passion for inspiring women to embrace their strength and create lasting change in their lives, MaryAnn’s warm, inclusive nature has positioned her as a vital figure in her community. Through her unwavering commitment, she continues to unite people and drive meaningful impact, creating a thriving, supportive environment for all.

The announcement was shared by Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, CEO of First Course Media and Kikelomo’s uncle, in a statement released on July 7, 2025.