Zuriel Oduwele, a 14-year-old intrepid reporter, exudes the kind of confidence Cristiano Ronaldo oozes with when approaching a penalty kick.

When asked if it was her dream to become a journalist when she grows up, her answer was categoric: "No, I want to become the president of the United States. I want to have a positive influence on policies."

Zuriel has, after all, managed to achieve more than what most journalists have managed in a lifetime.

She has produced a number of documentaries, is the youngest person in the world to be featured in Forbes Magazine at age 10, and is listed in New Africa Magazine as one of Africa's 100 Most Influential People of 2013 - at age 11. She has interviewed 23 president and prime ministers, along with several celebrities.

The girl of Nigerian and Mauritian heritage is determined to relay her message through her website: "I want to speak to people who I believe have a cause". She is especially interested in promoting child education despite being a child herself. 

Sitting for an interview with President Marie-Louise Coleiro in New York, she asked about the obstacles faced by women in power.

"If a woman is assertive, she will be called macho. If a man is assertive, he will be perceived as someone who decides. They judge us on the clothes we're wearing and the way we behave. Rarely have I heard people talking about men's attitudes and their behaviour," Ms Coleiro Preca said, underlining the stereotypes. 

The President underlined the need for young people to speak up and to be heeded since they have a right to have the world they aspire to.

As soon as the interview was done, Zuriel turned to the president and in a determined tone asked: "So may I come to Malta and speak to the children there?"

The Office of the President said it would consider the request. 

 

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