By Ebi Kesiena
A Nigerian woman based in the United Kingdom, Ms. MaryAnn Kikelomo Oduntan, has been honoured with one of the highest recognitions in the country, the King Charles Award for Voluntary Service. The award, widely regarded as the highest accolade given to volunteer groups in the UK, acknowledges outstanding contributions to community development and service.
MaryAnn Oduntan’s recognition stands out not just for its prestige, but also for the barrier-breaking representation it embodies. As one of the few Black women to receive the royal honour, her achievement highlights the growing impact of Africans in diaspora communities and the invaluable role they play in building stronger, inclusive societies.
Currently serving as the Manager of the St. Barnabas Centre in Oldham, Greater Manchester, MaryAnn has become a central figure in grassroots community development across the region. Through her leadership, the centre has become a hub of support and empowerment for hundreds of families, women, and young people.
Among the many programmes she spearheads are Women Thrive, Food Thrive, Holiday Thrive, and Teen Thrive, initiatives that go beyond basic outreach to create long-lasting, transformative change. These projects provide not only material support, such as food aid and holiday care services, but also emotional and psychological empowerment through skill-building, mentoring, and community engagement.
MaryAnn’s passion for community service is rooted in her belief that every individual has the potential to create change, they only need the right environment to grow. Her work with women, in particular, focuses on helping them rediscover their confidence, pursue opportunities, and overcome personal and structural barriers that often limit their progress.
Described by many as warm, inclusive, and inspiring, MaryAnn’s approach is deeply relational. She sees the people she works with not as service users, but as partners in change — individuals with stories, strengths, and the ability to thrive. Her ability to connect, listen, and lead with empathy has made her a trusted voice and beacon of hope in her community.
Receiving the King Charles Award is a testament to the quiet yet powerful impact of her years of consistent service. It also represents a broader celebration of diversity and inclusion in British civic life, showing that the contributions of minority communities are being increasingly recognised at the highest levels.
MaryAnn Oduntan’s story is not just one of service, but of leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to social justice, a proud symbol of Nigerian excellence on the global stage.
