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Top 10 Most Influential Women In Nigeria (2023)
Nigeria is a country with a rich history and culture, and its most influential women have played a significant role in shaping the nation. From politics and business to the arts and activism, Nigerian women have made their mark in all walks of life.
These women, armed with determination and a vision for a better society, have carved their names into the annals of Nigeria’s history. As drivers of change, they have defied norms and pushed boundaries
This compilation celebrates Nigeria’s Top 10 Most Influential Women, showcasing their indomitable spirit and visionary leadership that encapsulate the essence of progress in the nation. From championing gender equality to spearheading groundbreaking innovations, these women exemplify the power of resilience and serve as beacons of inspiration for generations to come.
Top 10 Most Influential Women In Nigeria
Here is a list of the top 10 most influential women in Nigeria:
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
- Obiageli Ezekwesili
- Folorunsho Alakija
- Ibukun Awosika
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Amina Jane Mohammed
- Mo Abudu
- Tiwa Savage
- Funke Akindele
- Abike Dabiri-Erewa
1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the most influential woman in Nigeria; she is a Nigerian-American economist who has served as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) since March 2021. She is the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.
Okonjo-Iweala was born in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Nigeria, in 1954. She studied economics at Harvard University and MIT and then worked as a development economist at the World Bank. In 2003, she was appointed Finance Minister of Nigeria by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
She served in this position for two terms, and during her tenure, she helped to reduce Nigeria’s debt and improve its economic growth. In 2011, Okonjo-Iweala was appointed Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy of Nigeria by President Goodluck Jonathan. She served in this position until 2015.
Okonjo-Iweala is a respected economist and development expert. She is a strong advocate for free trade and globalization, and she has worked to promote economic development in Africa. She is also a champion for women’s empowerment
2. Obiageli Ezekwesili
Obiageli Ezekwesili is one of the most influential women in Nigeria. She is a former Minister of Education and Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and she is also a social activist and advocate for good governance.
Ezekwesili was born in Nigeria in 1963. She studied economics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and then earned a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. She worked as a consultant for the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme before entering politics.
In 2005, Ezekwesili was appointed Minister of Education by President Olusegun Obasanjo. She served in this position for four years, and during her tenure, she introduced reforms to the education system. She also helped to establish the National Teachers Institute, which provides training for teachers.
Ezekwesili is a role model for women and girls in Nigeria. She is a strong and independent woman who has achieved great things in her career. She is an inspiration to many, and she is helping to make Nigeria a better place.
3. Folorunsho Alakija
Folorunsho Alakija is one of the most influential women in Nigeria. She is a businesswoman and philanthropist. She is the founder of the Rose of Sharon Group, a conglomerate with interests in oil, fashion, real estate, and manufacturing. Alakija is the richest woman in Nigeria and has been recognized by Forbes as one of the most powerful women in the world.
Alakija was born in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, in 1951. She studied fashion design in England and then returned to Nigeria to start her own fashion label. Her label became very successful, and she was soon dressing the wives of Nigeria’s top politicians and businessmen.
Alakija is a philanthropist and has donated generously to charities in Nigeria. She is also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the founder of the Rose of Sharon Foundation, which supports women’s education and economic empowerment.
4. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of the most influential women in Nigeria. She is a writer and feminist. She is the author of several best-selling novels, including “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Americanah”. Adichie is a powerful voice for women’s rights, and her work has been translated into over 30 languages.
Adichie was born in Enugu, Nigeria, in 1977. She studied medicine and pharmacy at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, but left to pursue a career in writing. She moved to the United States to attend Yale University, where she earned a master’s degree in creative writing.
Adichie’s first novel, “Purple Hibiscus”, was published in 2003. It won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize and was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction. Her second novel, “Half of a Yellow Sun”, was published in 2006.
It won the Women’s Prize for Fiction and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. Her third novel, “Americanah”, was published in 2013. It won the National Book Critics Circle Award and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
5. Ibukun Awosika
Ibukun Awosika is a Nigerian businesswoman, motivational speaker, and author. She is the founder of the Chair Centre Group, a furniture manufacturing company. She is also the former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, the largest bank in Nigeria.
Awosika was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1962. She studied accounting at the University of Lagos and then worked as an accountant for the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited. In 1989, she founded the Chair Centre Group, which has grown to become one of the leading furniture manufacturers in Nigeria.
Awosika is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment. She is the co-founder of the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), a non-profit organization that supports women in business. She is also a member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the board of directors of several other companies.
6. Amina Jane Mohammed
Amina Jane Mohammed stands as one of Nigeria’s most influential women, leaving an indelible mark on both the national and international stage. Renowned for her exceptional diplomacy and strategic insight, Mohammed has taken on pivotal roles that have redefined her nation’s global presence.
Born in Gombe State, Nigeria, she rose through the ranks to become Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, where she played a pivotal role in advocating for sustainable development, climate action, and conservation efforts.
Her commitment to these critical issues caught the attention of the United Nations, leading to her appointment as the Deputy Secretary-General under António Guterres, making her the highest-ranking woman in the UN at that time.
Mohammed’s enduring dedication to shaping policies that transcend borders, along with her steadfast advocacy for women’s empowerment, firmly cements her position as an inspirational force among Nigeria’s influential women.
7. Mo Abudu
Mo Abudu, a beacon of innovation and determination, takes her rightful place among the most influential women in Nigeria. Recognized as a trailblazer in the media and entertainment industry, Abudu has redefined the narrative of African storytelling on a global scale.
Founder of EbonyLife Media, she shattered norms by creating dynamic content that portrays the vibrancy and diversity of the African experience. Her groundbreaking talk show “Moments with Mo” gained widespread acclaim, sparking conversations on a wide array of topics and paving the way for more inclusive discourse.
Abudu’s influence extends beyond media, as she also serves as an advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through her initiatives like the “Fifty Women” project, she spotlights remarkable African women who have achieved exceptional feats in their respective fields, amplifying their voices and inspiring the next generation.
8. Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage, a dynamic and trailblazing artist, secures her position among the most influential women in Nigeria. With a melodious voice that transcends boundaries, Savage has not only conquered the music industry but has also become a symbol of empowerment for women in Nigeria and beyond. Rising from humble beginnings, she has achieved remarkable feats as a singer, songwriter, and actress, breaking records and charting new paths in the Afrobeat genre.
Savage’s influence stretches beyond her musical prowess. She has used her platform to advocate for important social issues, including gender equality and women’s rights.
By leveraging her popularity, she amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and highlights the challenges they face. Savage’s philanthropic efforts, including her involvement in education and healthcare initiatives, reflect her commitment to uplifting her community.
9. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele, a prominent Nigerian actress and filmmaker, has solidified her position as one of the country’s most influential women. Renowned for her exceptional talent and charismatic screen presence, Akindele’s impact on the Nigerian entertainment industry is nothing short of remarkable.
With a career spanning over two decades, she has captured the hearts of audiences through her versatile acting in both TV shows and movies. Beyond her on-screen prowess, Akindele’s influence extends to her role as a producer and director, contributing significantly to the expansion of Nollywood’s global reach.
Her comedy series “Jenifa’s Diary” has garnered widespread acclaim, showcasing her ability to combine humour with poignant social commentary. Off the screen, Akindele’s philanthropic efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, further underscore her influence as she utilizes her platform to make a positive impact on society. As one of the top 10 most influential women in Nigeria, Funke Akindele’s accomplishments radiate inspiration across various domains.
10. Abike Dabiri-Erewa
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a distinguished leader and advocate, rightfully earns her place among the top 10 most influential women in Nigeria. With a remarkable journey that spans journalism, politics, and public service, Dabiri-Erewa has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the betterment of her nation and its people.
Her remarkable contributions as a lawmaker and government official have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. Dabiri-Erewa’s influence extends to various spheres, most notably her tireless efforts to promote diaspora engagement and welfare.
Serving as the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), she has tirelessly worked to strengthen the ties between Nigerians abroad and their homeland, facilitating opportunities for collaboration and investment. Additionally, her advocacy for human rights and social justice further solidifies her position as a stalwart champion of the people.
Conclusion
The women on this list have made significant contributions to Nigeria in a variety of fields, from business to politics to the arts. They are role models for women and girls all over the country, and they are helping to pave the way for a more equitable and just Nigeria.
These women are not without their challenges. They have faced discrimination and prejudice, but they have persevered and achieved great things. They are an inspiration to us all, and they show us that anything is possible if we set our minds to it.