In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the improvement of human lives, the Project Director and Co-founder of HACEY's Health Initiative (HHI), Isaiah Owolabi, an alumnus of the University of Ilorin, has received the Queen's Young Leaders (QYL) Award.

The Award medal was personally handed over to the 2009 Physiology graduate of the University of Ilorin recently by Queen Elizabeth at the Burkingham palace, London.

Other winners of the award included three other Nigerians, and three winners each from Canada, India, Cameroon and South Africa.

The Young Leaders Awards is given to exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth who take the initiative to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on issues covering education, gender equality, mental health and disability equality.

In his reaction, Mr. Owolabi said that the QYL Award has placed further responsibilities on him. According to him, "The success is collective. I am happy and also surprised by the award. I see the award as a bigger responsibility and an opportunity to further impact on the lives of others. This award will provide needed boost to our efforts at the HHI to continue to engage the public and private sectors and the people on the need to pay more attention to health, women and girls issues in the society."

HACEY is a development organisation that is focused on improving the health and productivity of under-served population in Africa.

The organisation's focus includes infectious diseases such as STI, HIV, malaria, sexual and reproductive health and rights, environmental protection, sanitation and hygiene, economic empowerment and human rights.