On this auspicious occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, the global community comes together to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide. Spearheaded by the United Nations, this year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” serves as a powerful reminder of the imperative to foster diverse and inclusive environments where every individual, regardless of gender, can thrive.
In Nigeria, the spirit of empowerment and resilience is embodied through initiatives such as the Polo Power Woman Initiative. Founded by Polo Limited, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s luxury goods landscape, this initiative is dedicated to honouring women who have defied the odds, surmounted challenges, and emerged as beacons of success across various sectors.
As Executive Director of Polo Limited, Jennifer Obayuwana is a driving force behind the Polo Power Woman Initiative. With her leadership, Polo Limited, in solidarity with the United Nations, acknowledges 20 remarkable female icons in Nigeria reshaping the economic landscape and leaving an indelible mark nationally and internationally. These women embody a strong sense of identity and purpose.
As we celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day, we must not only honour the achievements of these extraordinary women but also commit ourselves to creating a world where every individual, regardless of gender, can fulfill their potential and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future. Together, we must inspire inclusion, celebrate diversity, and empower women to shape a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Emerging as a beacon of influence is the accomplished trailblazer, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON. She is a distinguished Nigerian economist and the first woman and African Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Her background is marked by influential roles, including serving as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and coordinating efforts to address economic challenges.
Ngozi’s accomplishments extend to her role as the Managing Director of the World Bank, where she was charged with the responsibility of overseeing projects in diverse countries, focusing mainly on poverty reduction and sustainable development. Her leadership, marked by a dedication to reform, earned her widespread recognition.
In 2021, Okonjo-Iweala made history by emerging as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, shattering gender and continental barriers. Her tenure has been characterized by efforts to revitalize global trade and promote inclusivity in policymaking.
Ibukun Awosika
Taking the helm is the renowned first female Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, Ibukun Awosika. Her leadership acumen has not only shattered glass ceilings, but also paved the way for a new era of inclusivity in the corporate landscape.
Her passion extends beyond the boardroom. She is a devoted advocate for education and empowerment, and is a former Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ), an organization that actively seeks to advocate for a greater representation of women in leadership positions, in both public and private sectors.
Amina J. Mohammed
Joining the prestigious league of Polo Power Women is Amina Jane Mohammed, GCON, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. She first joined the United Nations in 2012 as a Special Adviser to former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Amina kick-started the process that led to a global agreement surrounding the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Amina commenced her career working on the design of schools and clinics in Nigeria. She eventually transitioned into the public sector, ascending to the role of adviser to four successive presidents on poverty alleviation, public sector reformation and sustainable development.
Folorunso Alakija
Taking her seat with grace is Apostle Folorunso Alakija. She is a dynamic businesswoman, philanthropist, and one of the richest women in Africa. Alakija is the Vice Chairman of FAMFA Oil Limited, one of the largest exporters of crude oil in Nigeria. In addition, she is also the Vice Chairman of Dayspring Property Development Company Limited, a premium real estate development company based in Lagos, Nigeria.
Given her philanthropy, Alakija founded Flourish Africa, a platform for women to gain information that would engender growth in their careers, business, love and relationships. The vision of her organization is “to create a world where empowered women, empower other women.”
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Contributing profound expertise is the esteemed Chief Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She is an acclaimed novelist, essayist and orator. Her works include short stories, novels and nonfiction. Some of her widely acclaimed novels include Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah. Her compelling narratives cut across themes of identity, feminism and the socio-political landscape of Nigeria.
She has also served as an esteemed orator and lecturer on international stages. Her TED Talks, “We Should All Be Feminists” and “The Danger of a Single Story” have reverberated globally, sparking vital debates on gender, culture and societal norms.
In 2015, Chimamanda was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In 2017, Fortune Magazine named her one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders. She is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Mo Abudu
Earning her accolades is the visionary Mosunmola “Mo” Abudu. She is a Nigerian media mogul, philanthropist and entrepreneur. She initially pursued a career in human resources, before branching out into storytelling and the media industry at large.
This transition led her to establish EbonyLife TV, a media network dedicated to showcasing Africa’s diverse narratives. Forbes has described her as “Africa’s Most Successful Woman.” She is also rated as one of the “25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television” by The Hollywood Reporter.
Funmi Falana, SAN
Joining the ranks of distinction is the legal juggernaut, Funmi Falana, SAN. She is the current National Director of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), a non-governmental organization with responsibility to defend the rights of women and children.
She participates actively in activism and has spearheaded some campaigns against sexual assault, marginalization of women and involvement in politics, as well as gender-based segregation.
Through WELA, Funmi contested Regulation 124 of the Police Act which restricted female officers from marrying within the first three years of service. The court ruled that this provision was both unconstitutional and discriminatory against women, rendering it invalid.
Bolaji Agbede
Among the women of distinction is the accomplished Bolaji Agbede. She is a highly skilled professional with over 27 years of expertise in Human Resources Management, Customer Relationship Management and Banking Relations. From her distinguished beginnings at Guaranty Trust Bank to steering the ship as Chief Executive Officer of JKG Limited, Bolaji’s journey is one of resilience and accomplishment.
Following the death of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, in a helicopter crash in California, the United States, on February 9, 2024, Bolaji was appointed into the position in acting capacity Before the appointment, she spent two years serving as the bank’s most senior founding Executive Director in Business Support. With tenure of 21 years at Access Bank, she initially joined as the Assistant General Manager, overseeing the management of the bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies.
Kemi Adetiba
Uplifting the discourse is the celebrated Kemi Adetiba. She is a stellar Nigerian filmmaker, music video director and television director, popularly known for directing the critically acclaimed movie, The Wedding Party, which became one of the highest-grossing Nigerian movies at the time.
After the success of The Wedding Party, she went on to direct King of Boys and its sequel, a limited series, King of Boys: The Return of the King, both of which found a place on Netflix.
Kemi occupies a prominent position, making significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She has garnered international attention for her work. Through platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, BET and MTV Base, she professionally portrays African stories on a global scale.
Arunma Oteh
Radiating brilliance is the revered Arunma Oteh. A distinguished economist and financial trailblazer, she is famed for her impactful roles, including serving as the Treasurer and Vice President of the World Bank. She has also worked for several institutions of great repute, such as the Harvard Institute for International Development and Centre Point Investments Limited of Nigeria.
The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua nominated Oteh as the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2009, a position that was confirmed by the Senate. She served in the position throughout the tenure of President Goodluck Jonathan
Oteh has been recognized in the 2020 Powerlist, which highlights the most influential individuals in the United Kingdom with African/African-Caribbean heritage.
Adenike Ogunlesi
Stepping into the limelight is the illustrious Adenike Ogunlesi. With over 35 years of experience in the fashion and retail industry, she is a notable entrepreneur and founder of a leading children’s clothing brand in Nigeria, Ruff n’ Tumble. She is also the founder of Gatimo Apparel, a manufacturing company known for production of garments, fashion items and uniforms.
Adenike birthed Betti-Okuboyejo Foundation, a garment-making training facility empowering youths with skills in garment making and entrepreneurship. She also founded the ‘I Share Cuz I Care’ Foundation by ‘Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, a community which advocates sharing and caring among children.
Dr Owen D. Omogiafo, OON
Propelling the dialogue skyward is Dr Owen Omogiafo. She is the President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation, a diversified conglomerate with strategic holdings in the power, hospitality, as well as oil and gas sectors.
She has held various positions, such as Director of Human Resources at Heirs Holdings, Chief of Staff and Human Resource Advisor to the Group Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer at United Bank for Africa (UBA), and served as an Organization and Human Performance Consultant at Accenture, focusing on change management.
Olatowun Candide-Johnson
Assuming a leadership mantle is the visionary Olatowun Candide-Johnson. She is a lawyer with over 30 years’ experience, specializing in corporate and commercial law. She is also the founder of GAIA Africa, a women-only private members business club based in Lagos, Nigeria. The club is committed to catering to the elite tier of female C-suite executives, professionals and business founders, representing the top five per cent in Africa.
Olatowun also serves as the chairperson of African Delivery Technologies (ADT), the parent company of kwik.delivery, a French start-up aspiring to be the primary platform for last-mile delivery in urban Nigeria areas.
Hansatu Adegbite
Making waves that echo is the impactful luminary, Hansatu Adegbite. She presently holds the position of Executive Director at WIMBIZ.
Adegbite also serves as the Chairperson of the Training and Development Committee at the Association of Nigerian Businesswomen’s Network (ANWBN), having previously chaired the Governance and Constitution Committee. Additionally, she holds membership in the International Advisory Board and the Nigerian Governing Council of Business School Netherlands International.
Funke Opeke
Ascending as a paradigm of influence is the accomplished Funke Opeke. She is an electrical engineer and Chief Executive Officer of Main One Cable Company, a submarine telecommunications cable that extends from Portugal to South Africa, with landings in several West African nations along the route.
Funke has been instrumental in advancing digital infrastructure in Africa, addressing the need for improved broadband connectivity and laying the foundation for enhanced telecommunications capacities across the continent. She has also been pivotal in providing reliable and high-capacity connectivity solutions.
Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohenenye
Taking up the reins of leadership is the forward-thinking Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development. She contested the primaries to become the first female presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria for the 2023 general elections, but subsequently withdrew her candidacy in favour of then aspirant, Bola Tinubu. President Tinubu later appointed her as a minister in his cabinet.
She is also involved in real estate and the education sector. Before becoming a minister, she ran the law firm of Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye & Company, offering legal services to individuals and corporations. Additionally, she is the Founder of Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye Academy, a private educational institution.
Folasade Femi-Lawal
Rising as an exemplar of influence is the celebrated Folasade Femi-Lawal. She is a Senior Executive and the current Country Manager of Mastercard for West Africa. She possesses a diverse background encompassing over 25 years in financial services, management consulting, telecommunications and business advisory services.
As Country Manager for Mastercard, she is responsible for advancing the company’s strategic vision, fostering innovation and growth, strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders and furthering the mission of cultivating a more connected and inclusive digital economy in West Africa.
Professor Enase Okonedo
Rising as a beacon of educational evolution is Professor Enase Felicia Okonedo, the Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University. Okonedo was previously the Dean of the Lagos Business School (LBS) for 11 years. Under her guidance in 2013, LBS founded the Centre for Research in Leadership and Ethics (CRLE) and the Centre for Competitiveness and Strategy (CCS)
Before assuming the role of Dean, Enase served as a full-time faculty member, instructing courses in corporate financial management and financial strategy. In 2017, she received recognition as one of the 50 most influential Nigerians by Business Day newspaper.
Catherine Uju Ifejika
Venturing into prominence is the shrewd pioneer, Catherine Uju Ifejika. She is a lawyer and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited (BUNL), an indigenous company focused on upstream exploration and production in the petroleum sector. She plays a similar role in Brittania-U Ghana Limited (BUGL). Catherine is considered among the top six influential women in the global oil and gas industry, and is estimated to be one of the wealthiest women in Africa.
As a locally-based enterprise, Brittania-U Nigeria has collaborated with communities in Nigeria by employing residents and participating in initiatives for community development.
Nkiru Anumudu
Dazzling in the world of high society, the billionaire, socialite, and fashionista, Nkiru Anumudu, is weaving a narrative that shapes the destiny of trends, elegance and cultural influence. She is renowned for her near ubiquitous presence in the Lagos social scene and is often seen at prominent events such as art exhibitions, high-profile gatherings and fashion shows.
Anumudu is the Managing Director of Globe Motors, an automobile dealership in Lagos, Nigeria, dealing in new passenger and commercial vehicles. The company offers a range of brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Hyundai and Higer.
These remarkable women span diverse fields, including entrepreneurship, academia, technology, art, luxury, and women empowerment. Their stories are not just tales of personal triumph but also testimonies to the transformative power of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering purpose.
What unites these women is not just their professional achievements but also their unwavering commitment to uplifting others, fostering inclusivity, and driving positive change in society. They embody the spirit of International Women’s Day, inspiring individuals of all genders to strive for excellence by inspiring inclusion, and championing equality.
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