In its quest to inspire a generation of women to do greater things in
diverse fields of endeavour, Y!/YNaija.com, in partnership with Leading
Ladies Africa project brings you Nigeria’s 100 Most Influential Women –
#YWomen100.
These are the ladies who steer the course of history in a usually male
dominated environment – they have acknowledged the glass ceiling but
they would not allow it hold down their lofty ambitions.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, we present to you the #YWomen100…
Abike Dabiri Erewa: After an enviable career as a broadcast journalist
in NTA, particularly with human angle stories on Newsline, Abike
extended her frontiers to what has been a very successful stint in
politics. We still expect to see/hear more from her in the future.
Adesuwa Oyenokwe: With over 30 years experience in journalism, Adesuwa
has run the entire gamut and is still re-inventing herself. From Today’s
Woman and One-on-One on NTA, to being the Publisher of TW Magazine, and
now hosting ‘Seriously Speaking,’ she proves that there is always room
to evolve.
Admiral Itunu Hotonu: Smart, articulate and very intelligent, Admiral
Hotonu is the first woman to attain the rank of Rear Admiral (a two-star
General), in the Nigerian Navy.
Agatha Amata: Many will recognize her hugely popular talk-show
‘Inside-out.’ A consummate media entrepreneur, she recently launched
Rave TV, and is spreading her tentacles.
Agbani Darego: Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, and the first
black Miss World, Agbani has become a successful entrepreneur with the
launch of her AD by Agbani Darego retail clothing line.
Ainehi Edoro: Deeply interested in African literature, Ainehi is the
editor of Brittlepaper, an online platform dedicated to promoting and
shaping the way African literary works are produced, appraised and
consumed.
Alima Atta: One of the very few women to run a successful PR
consultancy till date, Alima is the Founder of Sesema PR, one of the
longest-running PR Consultancies in Nigeria. Her company has
spear-headed perception management campaigns for an impressive list of
local and international clients.
Amina Oyagbola: A top HR Executive at MTN Nigeria, she’s also the
Founder of WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers) a not-for-profit, gender
empowerment and mentoring initiative for professional career women.
Arese Ugwu: Arese is the founder of a personal finance blog
http://smartmoneywitharese.com/about-arese/, a platform that provides
high quality content and action tools tailored to Africans. She makes
finance easy to understand and less complicated.
Arunma Oteh: Arunma was until very recently, the Director General of
Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission. In 2014, she was named
West African Business Woman of the Year by CNBC at the Africa All Africa
Business Leaders Awards.
Banke Meshida-Lawal: If you want to have your makep done by Banke, you
probably have to book a year in advance. One of the pioneer makeup
artists in Nigeria, Banke is the CEO of BMPRO makeup, and also has a
cosmetic make-up range with the same name. She has shown that one can
have a thriving career through make-up.
Benie Uche: The host and producer of the very successful Benie Uche show
in the 90s, she presently now works in the Public Affairs section of the
U.S Consulate, Nigeria.
Betty Irabor: The publisher of Genevieve, arguably Nigeria’s most
popular women’s lifestyle magazine. She is also a philanthropist, and is
the founder of the Pink Ball Foundation.
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola: She is the co-founder of WeCyclers. Her company
builds and manages a fleet of low-cost cargo-bicycles to collect
recyclable waste in slums. She is a 2013 Echoing Green fellow, 2013
Cartier Women’s Initiative Award winner, and 2013 Tech Awards recipient.
Biola Alabi: The former Managing Director of MNET is amazing on all
kinds of levels. Under her tenure, she improved content and direction
for the television service. She is currently a 2014 Yale World fellow
and Managing Partner at Biola Alabi Media Consulting, a company designed
to provide organizations with access to highly qualified professionals
in the broadcast, telecommunications, and digital industries.
Blessing Okagbare: Bold, beautiful and uber stylish, Blessing is an
Olympic and World Championships medalist in the long jump, and a world
medallist in the 200 metres. She also holds the Women’s 100 metres
Commonwealth Games record for the fastest time at 10.85 seconds. She
became the fourth woman to win the 100m and 200m double at the
Commonwealth Games.
Bola Olawale: She is the publisher of GEM magazine – a
Christian/inspirational lifestyle magazine. She has a vibrant,
unrelenting passion for inspiring women, and is the convener of the
annual GEM BSS Summit.
Bola Atta: While the magazine was still in production, the Editor of
Flair (Formerly True Love) Magazine thrilled many of its readers with
interesting features, inspiring interviews and insightful information.
Many are still awaiting her comeback.
Bola Balogun: She started out as a stylist and fashion consultant, and
has steadily grown her brand to include a production company – GlamTV
Networks, and a fashion consultancy – Glam Brand Agency. Married with
children, Bola makes it all look achievable.
Bola Kuforiji-Olubi: Otunba Ayora Bola Kuforiji, was the first Nigerian
woman to be CEO of a multinational company (VYB Industries Limited, with
British affiliates (incheape & Co Plc) and first female Chairman of a
public quoted company (Bewac Plc). She is presently into philanthropy
and improving her local community.
Bukky George: She is the Founder & CEO of HealthPlus Limited and
CasaBella International Limited – a one stop beauty store. HealthPlus is
Nigeria’s first Integrative Pharmacy and Healthcare Provider and the
fastest growing pharmacy chain in West Africa. Bukky’s strengths include
a strong academic foundation, a passion for excellence and a
determination to raise the standards in retail.
Bukola Elemide (Asa): We absolutely love Asa, because she has taken an
indigenous sound and made it international. The singer and songwriter is
one of Nigeria’s greatest musical exports of all time, with three albums
tucked under her belt, she keeps dazzling us with the beauty and purity
of her music.
Bukola Karibi White: The focused, vivacious and hardworking Bukola, is
the CEO of the Bobby Taylor Company; a dynamic, steady and strong voice
in the PR Industry.
Chimamamnda Ngozi Adichie: From being sampled by Beyonce, to giving
insightful talks, to having huge motion pictures made out of her novels,
to writing thought-provoking articles, Chimamanda constantly redefines
notions of what and who an author should be.
Chioma Omeruah: If you don’t know, or haven’t heard about Chigul, then
you are nothing more than a “hanging shimi.” Nuff said.
Deola Sagoe: One of the fore-runners of the Nigerian fashion industry,
Deola has been crafting timeless pieces and gorgeous designs for over 25
years. She has placed Nigeria on the world map for all the right
reasons. She seems to have passed the baton on to her daughters who are
making waves with their CLAN label.
Stella Ameyo Adadevoh: Nigeria may have gone the dreaded way of Liberia
during the Ebola crisis, but the quick-thinking, professional and
commendable Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh took a decisive and heroic
decision. Ultimately, she sacrificed her life for the greater good of
the nation.
Ekene Onu: The Founder of Refresh with Ekene helps through her
insightful and productive workshops and events, helps women live better,
productive, happier lives.
Elohor Aisien: When she launched Beth Modelling Agency, Elohor changed
the way fashion and beauty modeling was perceived. Not content with
that, she secured the franchise for Elite Model Look, and has recently
set up Prive events management. The woman keeps on winning.
Esther Agbarakwe: Climate change is as important an issue to the world,
as it is to the bright, vivacious and young Esther. An environmental
sustainability advocate, Esther brings to light policy issues on how our
planet can be safer… and greener.
Florence Ita-Giwa: Mama Bakassi as she’s fondly called is a political
juggernaut, and has been so for over 30 years. Used to working in the
background, she has been very vocal and passionate about advocating for
a better life for the people of Bakassi in Cross Rivers State.
Folake Coker: In the late 90s, Folake Coker launched her Tiffany Amber
label, revolutionizing the way women saw themselves, and fashion. Her
timeless, feminine and floaty pieces are considered fashion must-haves.
Folorunsho Alakija: The richest black woman in the world, Folorunsho has
business interests spanning fashion, oil and gas, and printing. She’s
also a philanthropist and is the founder of the Rose of Sharon
Foundation.
Funke Akindele: What Funke has done with the ‘Jenifa’ brand is sheer
genius. Her story is one of grit, determination, and hardwok, and a
confirmation that dreams indeed do come true.
Funke Bucknor-Obruthe: Diminutive, bright, sparky and creative. Funke is
the CEO of Zapphaire events; one of Nigeria’s biggest event management
companies. She’s also the author “The Essential Bridal Handbook,” and is
set to begin airing her own television series on events management. Go
Bucky!!
Funke Felix-Adejumo: With her fiery, fun and no-nonsense approach,
Pastor Funke makes learning about God relatable and realistic. She is
also the president of Funke Felix Adejumo
Funke Opeke: An experienced telecommunications executive who founded
Main Street Technologies, Funke is the C.E.O. of MainOne Cable. In a
field that is fiercely dominated by men, we’re inspired by the way she
keeps charting new territory.
Funmi Iyanda: She is an award-winning broadcaster, journalist, columnist
and blogger. She produced and hosted Nigeria’s popular and authoritative
talk show New Dawn with Funmi, which aired on the national network for
over eight years. She was recently named one of Forbes 20 Youngest Power
Women in Africa. Funmi is also something of a thought leader and a
social commentator. We love her energy, her passion and her focus, and
yes, we want her back on T.V!
Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi: From her early days as an OAP on Cool FM, Gbemi
has displayed a consistency and earthiness, that is so refreshing. Now
at Beat FM, Gbemi continues to be at forefront of On Air Personalities
that are a genuine delight to listen to.
Genevieve Nnaji: The rags-to-riches story of one of Nollywood’s greatest
actresses is as inspiring, as it is heart-warming. With her impeccable
diction, super acting skills, and a slew of brand endorsements, who says
hard work and talent don’t pay? She’s also dipped into the
entrepreneurial pool with the launch of her St. Genevieve clothing
label. You go girl!
Hadiza Bala-Usman: At 38, Hadiza is the initiator of the Bring Back Our
Girls campaign – a global online and offline campaign aimed at freeing
219 school girls abducted by the vicious Boko Haram sect. She deserves
the honour and praise for stepping out to do something.
Hajara Adeola: Hajara Adeola is the Managing Director of Lotus Capital
Limited, a Nigerian pioneer in Shari’ah compliant Asset Management,
Private Wealth Management Advisory Services and Financial Advisory
Services. A first class graduate of Finance, her company is also the
first to successfully raise a Halal fund in Nigeria.
Helen Paul: A co-presenter on Africa Magic’s ‘JARA,’ Helen is also a
comedian, singer and actress. She is best known as a stand-up comedian
and popularly known as Tatafo. Her style is quirky and spontaneous, and
her petite stature and voice range makes her sound, hilariously like a
child.
Omobola Johnson: Asides being a smart as a whip, the visionary Omobola,
used her very influential position as Minister of Information,
Communications and Technology to create programs and policies that will
ensure that Nigerian girls become active participants in the ICT sector
by launching the ‘SmartWomen Initiative’ and the ‘1000 Girls in
Training’ program. She’s also the founding chairperson of Women in
Management and Business (WIMBIZ), a non-governmental organization
seeking to improve the success rate of female entrepreneurs as well as
increase the proportion of women in senior positions in corporate
organizations.
Ibukun Awosika: She is the Founder and Chairperson of The Sokoa Chair
Centre Ltd, a market leader in the office furniture and banking security
systems industries. Ibukun exemplifies the Nigerian entrepreneurial
spirit, represents the true face of Nigerian business and highlights the
opportunities that Nigeria presents to entrepreneurs. She is the host of
a popular television programme, Business His Way, where she shares
ethical business values and principles, distilled from The Holy Bible,
with the business community in Nigeria and neighboring countries.
Ifeoma Obianwu-Fafunwa: Ifeoma has over 20 years of professional
experience in both the US and Nigeria, designing and directing artistic
projects in theatre arts and architecture. She is the founder and
creative director of iOpenEye; a performance art production company in
Nigeria that challenges the status quo when it limits the potential of
women and progress of the collective African society. Her most recent
project is the touring stage production titled “Hear Word!” – a
collection of monologues based on true stories of inequality told by 20
Nigerian women.
Iheoma Obibi: She is an African feminist writer, human rights activist
and also, the creative director and business owner of Intimate Pleasures
Desires of the Heart, Nigeria’s first female online intimate shop –
offering the best selection of sexual health products and erotica
sourced from around the world.
Ini Onuk: Ini is a seasoned speaker, trainer, mentor, facilitator, and
an international consultant on project research and strategy. She is the
Chief Executive Officer of ThistlePraxis Consulting Limited– a Strategy
& Assessments Management Consulting firm with a niche on a range of
sustainability solutions in Africa and also sits on a number of boards
of organizations in Nigeria. In her spare time, she mentors female
professionals, advises SMEs on Strategy and teaches at the CSR Centre of
Pan-Atlantic University and Lagos Business School.
Josephine Okei-Odumakin: She is s a Nigerian women’s rights activist,
and is also the president of the rights groups Women Arise for Change
Initiative and the Campaign for Democracy. In 2013, Odumakin was
presented an International Women of Courage Award from the United States
Department of State.
Joke Silva: Veteran actress and director Joke Silva fondly dubbed the
“Silva’ lining of the Nigerian film and entertainment industry, is an
award winning Nigerian actress, with a successful and influential career
which has spanned well over 3 decades. A talented writer, director,
producer and performer, Joke is renowned for the memorable roles she has
played both off and on screen. Her award winning career is rivaled by
few and respected by many.
Kafayat Shafau-Ameh (Kaffy): Despite discouragement from family and
friends and the seemingly unlucrative nature of her passion, Kaffy
proved beyond reasonable doubt that her career choice – Dance was viable
and danced her way into the Guinness World Record with her team,
‘Imagneto’ at the Nokia Silverbird Danceathon. She is an inspiration to
young people to not give up on their dreams and to not let anything stop
them from achieving their dreams.
Kate Henshaw: One of the leading lights in Nollywood, Kate has, bthrough
the sheer dint of hard work and talent, stayed at the top of her game.
With a career spanning over 20 years, she is a brand ambassador for Onga
and Samsung and has continued to re-invent herself and her brand. She
recently made her first foray into politics, which proved unsuccessful,
but we’re hoping she makes a successful comeback.
Kemi Adetiba: Kemi is a music video director, filmmaker, and television
director whose works have appeared on Channel O, MTV Base, Soundcity TV
and BET. She has seen tremendous success as a music video director, and
has directed music videos for an impressive variety of international
artistes. Kemi’s other upcoming projects include multiple films and a
social-media-driven charity, #PayItForward.
Lala Akindoju: Bright, talented and vivacious, Kemi Lala Akindoju is one
of Nigeria’s most talented actresses. Beyond acting in movies like
Dazzling Mirage, and Alan Poza, Lala is a thespian of note, having
featured in over 70 stage productions. In 2014, she produced the
immensely successful stage play “The Wives” and is also the casting
director for Ndani’s “Gidi Up.” Is she phenomenal or what?
Linda Ikeji: Her blog which started out as a gossip column has become
one of the most celebrated blogs in Africa and the one stop portal for
information, entertainment and gossip. Her use of technology to carve a
niche for herself and create an innovative platform for information and
empowerment, has made her a source of inspiration to many young
entrepreneurs.
Lisa Folawiyo: She is the founder and creative director of eponymous
fashion label, Jewel by Lisa. The brand that has continually captivated
people from Lagos to Cape Town, London, Paris, New York and Hollywood.
With the launch of her diffusion line – J Label, and other household
items, Lisa Folawiyo is steadily expanding the “jewellette” empire.
Lydia Idakula-Sobogun: CEO of Gbagyichild entertainment, Lydia is best
known as the convener of the very popular Taruwa – a bi-monthly
gathering for lovers of art and diverse expressions of it. Taruwa has
been the ‘gestation’ site for a lot of popular and mainstream artistes
like award winning rapper, M.I Abaga as well as soul musician, Bez
Idakula – who co-incidentally, happens to be her younger brother.
Mary Olushoga: Mary is a women and small business advocate. She is
founder of com, a platform powering small business success for African
entrepreneurs. She is a 2015 Vital Voices Global Leadership Fellow, an
IndiAfrica Young Visionary Fellow (2014), a Women4Africa International
Media Woman of the Year (2014), a Crans Montana ‘New Leader’ (2014), the
first-ever GOOD Maker/Oxfam America International Women’s Day Challenge
Winner, a Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI) Associate, and an Oxfam
America Sisters on the Planet Ambassador.
Mildred Okwo: She is the co-founder of the Audrey Silva company. Okwo is
a well-recognized film director and producer whose film “The Meeting,”
has won several awards to include the Nigerian Entertainment Award,
Africa Movie Academy Award, and the Nollywood Movies Award.
Minna Salami: She is a writer, blogger, and commentator on African
feminism. Minna is also owner of the MsAfropolitan Boutique, an online
shop featuring designs by women of African heritage.
Modupe Ozolua: Modupe boldly pioneered body cosmetic surgery in Nigeria
as far back as 2001. She is the CEO of Body Enhancement limited in
Nigeria. Also a philanthropist, she’s the founder and president of Body
Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery (BEARS) Foundation. Ozolua has
helped people “achieve an admirable weight, attain the best standard of
beauty and be fashionable without regard to age”.
Mosunmola Abudu: Mo is the founder of Ebony Life Television and Inspire
Africa Foundation. She’s also the host of ‘Moments with Mo,’ a popular
Pan-African talk show. As a TV producer, media personality, human
resources management consultant, and entrepreneur, Mo is the poster
child for those who keep evolving – for the better.
Ndidi Nwuneli: An advocate for social and economic change, She is the
founder and managing partner of LEAP Africa, a leadership training and
coaching organization which is committed to empowering, inspiring and
equipping a new cadre of leaders in Africa. She is also a director of
Sahel Capital Partners, a leading advisory firm focused on the
agribusiness and manufacturing sectors, and the co-founder of AACE
Foods, an agro-processing company. Through her work with Sahel and AACE,
she has also shaped agriculture
Nike Adeyemi: Co-Pastor, of Daystar Christian Centre and Founder, Real
Woman Foundation, Pastor Nike is at the forefront of reformation of
dysfunctional families, with the belief that right parenting and godly
values shape children into exceptional Leaders.
Nike Davies-Okundaye: She is an Artist, Curator, and Founder of the Nike
Art Gallery. Nike has used her international success to launch a
cultural revival in Nigeria. She is the founder and director of four art
centres which offer free training to over 150 young artists in visual,
musical and performing arts – one of which is the largest art gallery in
West Africa, compromising over 7,000 artworks. We love her for her
talent, sass and warm, toothy grin.
Nike Ogunlesi: She is the founder of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, a childrens
clothing line in Nigeria. From a tiny shop with her and her mother as
the main staff, Nike turned Ruff ‘n’ Tumble into an instantly
recognizable, international brand. She has built a reputation for being
one of the best manufacturers of children’s clothing from Nigeria.
Nimi Akinkugbe: She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of
Bestman Games Ltd, the African distributor of customised editions of
Hasbro’s Monopoly board game. The City of Lagos Edition of Monopoly, the
first African city edition of Monopoly, was launched in December 2012. A
special commemorative edition of Monopoly, the Nigerian Centenary was
launched in February 2014. Achieving financial security ranks as a major
source of anxiety and Nimi seeks to empower people regarding their
finances. Through the Monopoly board game, speaking engagements,
television and radio appearances and social media, she offers frank,
practical insights and advice to create a greater awareness and
understanding of personal finance and wealth management issues.
Nkiru Olumide Ojo: Co-Founder, Lighthous network, and also Director
Marketing Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Nkiru represents the new wave of
women in corporate Nigeria who are breaking boundaries and charting new
territory. A columnist with a national newspaper, and a professional
compere as well, Nkiru shows that there are no limits to what women can
achieve.
Nkem Uwaje: She is the Managing Director of Future Software Resources
Nigeria Limited. Her company is also winner of the 2012 Etisalat Nigeria
Prize for Innovation. Nkem’s company created the iConnect project,
focused on making ICT and education more accessible to youths in
Nigeria.
Nse Ikpe-Etim: Beautiful, talented and immensely creative, is an
award-winning actress and winner of the 2014 Africa Magic Viewer’s
Choice Awards for playing “Nse” in Journey to Self. Her style is
distinct, bold and confident; we expect to see more from her in the
future.
Oby Ezekwesili: With the interesting moniker of “Madam Due Process,” Oby
is as fiery as she is intelligent. A major voice in the Bring Back Our
Girls campaign, she shows strength of character, vision and decisive
leadership. A trained accountant, she is a co-founder of Transparency
International, serving as one of the pioneer directors of the global
anti-corruption body based in Berlin, Germany. She also served as
Federal Minister of Solid Minerals and then as Federal Minister of
Education during the second-term presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo.
Ojoma Ochai: As the Director Arts, of British Council Nigeria, Ojoma is
charged with the responsibility of expanding the reach and growth of the
creative industries in Nigeria. The long-term project aims to link
artists and organisations in Nigeria and the UK and support Nigeria’s
arts and creative sector development ambitions.
Oke Maduewusi: Soft-spoken and beautiful Oke, is the Founder of beauty
and makeup brand, Zaron. Together with her formidable team, she has
painstakingly built a hitherto unknown and small brand into an enviable
and competitive makeup and hair range.
Ola Orekunrin: She is an innovator and a 2013 New Voices Fellow at the
Aspen Institute. She is a TED fellow, medical doctor, helicopter pilot,
and Managing Director of the Flying Doctors Nigeria Ltd, West Africa’s
first indigenous air ambulance service and a crucial link for critically
injured people.
Olajumoke Adenowo: She is a multiple Award winning Architect, and has
been called the “Face of Architecture” in Nigeria. She was recenty
featured on CNN African Voices, and profiled on CNN as Africa’s Star
Architect, and has been featured in the world’s leading Architectural
Publications such as America’s Architectural Record Magazine. In 1999,
she founded Awesome Treasures Foundation to raise Transformational
Leaders, its summits and other initiatives have attracted well over
50,000 attendees.
Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi: Nigeria’s first super-model, the story of
Oluchi is one that inspires millions. After winning the Face of Africa
competition in 1998, she took to the world stage of modeling and fashion
and made it big. Currently the host of Africa’s Next Top Model, her
humble beginnings and current success in her modelling career is a
stimulating story of passion, focus and hard work.
Oluremi Shonaiya: The Presidential candidate for Kowa Party in the
forthcoming national elections, Professor Oluremi Shonaiya represents
the breed of women who will get involved in changing the fortunes of
Nigeria. We admire her courage, dedication and grit.
Omotoke Makinwa-Aiyida: From starting out as an OAP on radio, Toke has
shown incredible skill and determination in forging a successful media
career. She’s now a TV host, curates her very popular vlog series and
shows no signs of slowing down. Love or hate her, the girl just keeps on
moving forward!
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde: Actress, singer, activist and philanthropist,
there is almost something magical about Omotola. Since her Nollywood
film debut in 1995, the leading actress has appeared in 300 films,
selling millions of video copies, she really is in a class of her own,
and should give lessons on how to build a relevant brand. In 2013, she
was honoured in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people
in the world alongside Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Kate Middleton.
Omoyemi Akerele: Founder and artistic director of Style House Files, a
creative development agency for Nigerian and African designers, Omoyemi
Akerele is widely regarded as a driving force behind the burgeoning
Nigerian fashion industry. A pioneering agency in image consultancy and
creative direction within the West African country, Style House Files
works with Nigerian brands on brand positioning and retail strategies.
Akerele also helps brands gain essential international exposure through
presenting showcases at Pitti Immagine in Italy, and through Lagos
Fashion and Design Week.
Ono Bello: Fashion savvy, focused and creative, Ono Bello is the founder
and editor of Onobello.com, and also the Lead PR Consultant in PR Uno –
a PR fashion agency that boasts of an enviable list of clientele. We
love how she’s turned her passion for fashion into a money spinner.
Osayi Alile – Oruene: The current Chairperson of WIMBIZ, Osayi is what
you would call a “connector.” She connects women with their dreams by
giving them the necessary tools that enable them thrive and succeed in
their careers and businesses. Before exiting in 2013 Ms. Alile was the
Executive Director of FATE Foundation, a leading private sector led
not-for-profit organisation in Nigeria with a mission to foster wealth
creation by promoting business and entrepreneurial development among
Nigerians for 8 years.
Oyindamola Honey Ogundeyi: Driven by the desire to impact lives, she is
the founder of e-commerce platform, Fashpa. She’s all about building a
sustainable online retail businesses and is also convinced women are
essential to the “Africa Rising” narrative.
Peace-Anyiam Osigwe: She is the founder of the Africa Movie Academy
Awards (AMMA). Founded in 2005, the awards have since grown into one of
the most prestigious film award shows on the continent, changing the way
Nigerians are seen around the world. Her passion is film; and by turning
that passion into a mission, she has given the African continent a voice
on the big screen.
Rita Dominic: With almost 20 years of acting under her belt, the sultry
and well-spoken Rita Dominic keeps getting better. Her performance in
the movie “The Meeting” showed her versatility and amazing skill. She is
also the co-founder of the Audrey Silva company.
Ruth Obih: She is the CEO of 3Invest Limited, a real estate acquisition
company in Nigeria. She is a trained lawyer who has a passion for
property and real estate. Her company also has several platforms to
promote the real estate sector. From her blog to radio shows she talks
about property and real estate investing. She’s also the convener of
Real estate Unite – an annual Real Estate conference.
Ruth Osime: In 2003, Ruth started out as a columnist in This Day, two
years later she became the editor of This Day Style, a 24-page, colour,
glossy pull-out. Years later, This Day Style has become a staple for
fashion and style aficionados, and is has spawned others trying to
imitate and copy its style.
Stephanie Linus-Okereke: Actress, film director, model and activist,
Stephanie just keeps on re-inventing herself – to the utter delight and
joy of her fans. In 2011, she was honoured by the Nigerian government
with a National honour (Member of the Order of the Federal Republic,
MFR). In 2014, she produced the movie ‘DRY’ to rave reviews.
Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett: She has been acting since the 70s and is one of
Nigeria’s most celebrated actresses. Her grace, diction and poise are
one of a kind. On February 2008, at an All-Star Gala held at Theatre
Royal Stratford East on the 10th anniversary of Tiata Fahodzi, she was
honoured as a leader of British-African theatre.
Tara Fela-Durotoye: She is a Nigerian makeup artist and lawyer. A
pioneer in the bridal makeup profession in Nigeria, she launched the
first bridal directory in 1999, set up international standard makeup
studios and established the first makeup school in Nigeria. She is the
founder and CEO of House of Tara International, and creator of the Tara
Orekelewa Beauty range, Inspired Perfume and the H.I.P Beauty range. In
2007, She was awarded the Africa SMME Award and the Entrepreneur award
in South Africa[3] and in 2013, Forbes listed her as one 20 Young Power
Women In Africa. She is a graduate of the prestigious Stanford SEED
Transformation Program and this has aided her work as a mentor for
thousands of young women across Africa and a standout entrepreneur.
Tosin Ajibade: The Editor of popular online site Olorisupergal, has done
really well for herself. The site kicked off as a blog on in 2010 and
later transformed to a website in 2012. According to the site,
OloriSupergal.com is the product of what’s trending and the latest news
in the entertainment industry.
Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji: A Social entrepreneur, Toyosi is the Founder of
RISE NETWORKS, a Nigeria-based private and public sector funded Youth
Interest social enterprise with a primary focus on wholesome youth and
education development. The organization focuses on creating intellectual
development and capacity building programs for young Nigerians between
16 and 30 and receives generous support from several state governments
and blue-chip companies. She is also an alumnus of the United States
Government’s International Visitor Leadership Program.
Tunde Aladese: She is an actress, writer and producer. She has written
for several prominent film and TV productions including Tinsel, The
Child and most recently Africa Magic’s Hotel Magestic and Shuga. Tunde
worked as one of the writers of the V Monologues: The Nigerian Story and
also performed with the production in 2008 and 2010. Her performance in
the 2008 production led to her role in the film Confusion Na Wa, which
has also earned her an AMVCA nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actress.’
Uche Pedro: She has most recently been named as one of the ’30 Most
Promising Young Entrepreneurs In Africa in 2014′ by Forbes. She is the
Managing Director of BellaNaija and Creative Director of BellaNaija.com,
an online company that develops and manages exciting online media
content aimed at Pan-African and Nigerian audiences. Under Uche’s
outstanding leadership BellaNaija.com, the premier lifestyle,
entertainment and fashion website in Afirca,has established a loyal
following, with over 1 million unique visitors and 9 million page views
each month.
Udo Okonjo: She is the C.E.O & Founding Partner, Fine & Country West
Africa. She’s also a Possibilities Igniter, Wealth Strategist and
Passionate Teacher whose life’s vision is to democratise success by
creating platforms and experiences that get people to transform their
lives through changing their minds. Participants who have had the
opportunity to attend an event championed by Udo Okonjo, or heard her
speak, testify to having had a transformational experience.
Uduak Oduok: She She is the founder of the pioneering fashion and music
law online blogs LadyBrille and Africa Music Law and is also a Partner
and Co-Founder of Ebitu Law Group, P.C. whose practice areas include
contract drafting and negotiations, business litigation, entertainment
and fashion law. Uduak also has over two decades hands on fashion and
entertainment industry experience, which runs deep and diverse
encompassing the disciplines of media, publishing, fashion, modeling,
music, branding and public relations.
Wana Udobang: Wana Wana as she is popularly called is a journalist,
writer, poet and gender activist. She currently works as a radio
presenter/producer at 92.3 Inspiration FM in Lagos, and presents the
popular “Sharing Life Issues.” Wana is also an arts and culture curator
and uses spoken word to address some very important issues, especially
those that affect women.
Yasmin Belo-Osagie: She is co-founder of She Leads Africa – a platform
providing the most talented female entrepreneurs across the continent
with access to the knowledge, networks, and financing needed to build
and scale strong businesses.
Yetunde Taiwo: Yetunde founded ICY Public Relations, an international PR
company in July 2007 in Miami, Florida. The company was created from the
desire to give an international representation (Africa, Europe,
Caribbean, North America) to emerging business owners who want to reach
a global world audience with their products or services.
Uzoamaka Aduba: Uzo is an Nigerian-American actress, best known for her
role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on the Netflix television series
Orange Is the New Black (2013–present), for which she won the 2014
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
and the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a
Female Actor in a Comedy Series.