Boss Picks
Buhari Has Failed the North and Nigeria – Shehu Sani
By Eric Elezuo
The series of soul searching, mind bungling and highly incisive interviews with Chief Dele momodu took a dramatic turn when former Senator representing Kaduna central, Comrade Shehu Sani took the hot seat, and made deep down revelations.
In the no holds barred conversation, which also featured former Presidential aide, Reuben Abati, the comrade senator took a swipe at the ineptitude of President Muhammadu Buhari and the APC administration, speaking boldly on salient issues affecting the country including insecurity, restructuring, fulanisation and a whole lot more.
We bring you all the details; the minute by minute details:
REUBEN ABATI: This is in celebration of Bashorun Dele Momodu’s 61st birthday, and in the last three days, we have been having this leadership and governance series, focusing on Nigeria, the future of Nigeria, and key national issues. And as I have said in previous episodes, you have chosen a great way, a very worthy manner of celebrating your 61st birthday, wrapping it around ideas and how ideas are important to national progress. and how ideas and exchange of views, conversations, public opinion can move a country forward. At a principle and philosophical level, I think that this is very commendable. And in the last three days, you have chosen some of the key figures in the Nigerian history, and key figures in the contemporary process in Nigeria; Prof Banji Akintoye, leader of the Movement for Self Determination in Yorubaland, Femi Falana SAN, a great intellectual and public advocate for civil liberty with a long history in that direction. You have chosen also Olisa Agbakoba SAN, Founder of the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO), Afronet, even in The Gambia, and one of the leading lawyers in human rights litigation and maritime law in Nigeria. And this evening, you have brought for us another great Nigerian from the northern part of Nigeria, Senator Shehu Sani.
Shehu Sani is very well known to all Nigerians as a freedom fighter, activist, human rights defender, as a man who believes in freedom, justice and peace and who has the courage of his conviction, and who does not look at your ethnicity or the colour of your skin before he speaks his mind.
The last time I met Shehu Sani was somewhere in Owerri, Imo State where he and I have been invited to speak to an Igbo audience about the future of Nigeria and what needs to be done. And I was surprised, shocked at the level of reception that he got from Igbo people, and they didn’t look at the colour of his skin, or the language he spoke. It didn’t matter to them where he came from. They saw in him a patriot, a Nigerian, and he did not disappoint them, and we had a very good session on that day. And since then, I have also seen that Igbo and Yoruba people have been inviting him to come and speak on Nigeria, and this prove one example which is there are good people everywhere. It is not about ethnicity, its a about the truth, commitment, and courage.
So this evening, we have the privilege of having a man who is a bridge builder, and if you are in doubt, you only need to check his twitter account in the last one hour. He alluded to things I noticed in his account where he has over 1.6 million followers from every part of the world. And this evening alone, he has tried to defend the rights of trade unions in Kaduna State who were fighting for their rights. From there, he moved to talk about the protest in Osogbo by a Yoruba group led by Sunday Igboho, and he was defending the unity of Nigeria. In other words, he is not a nihilist. He is a man who believes in Nigeria. Like the gentlemen we had earlier, Agbakoba SAN, Falana SAN and Akintoye; they believe Nigeria is not working but do not believe in the dismemberment of Nigeria. Now, we have Sani; I do not know what he would say, but about an hour ago, he was saying that the unity of Nigeria is very important. Yesterday, one of the issues that came up was self engagement of Nigeria, and this evening , on his twitter page, Sani was also saying that whatever they say about constitutional amendment, people must show interest, you must engage with your country, you must show interest in how your country is governed. So we seen this week a stream, an emerging conversation with people from different parts of Nigeria all trying to create an elite consensus that is missing. This evening also as I read Senator Shehu Sani twitter handle, he was also talking about Femi Adesina comparing the Buhari administration to Manchester City and the English Premier league. He was saying no, compare it to the Nigerian premier league, focus on what is happening in Nigeria; let us focus on our realities. So this is the kind of gentleman that we have before us this evening. I have tried his tweets and his followers of over 1.6 million as a way of introducing him. This is a detribalised Nigerian; a man who believes in progress, fairness, equity and justice.
He was in 1967, October 29 in Tudun Wada in Kaduna state. He attended Government Day Secondary School in Niger State, and from there, he went to Government Science Secondary School in Kangara, also in Niger state. You will recall students from Kangara were abducted recently. He was one of those persons who carried the banner, not necessarily because he is an alumnus, but I guess because in any other circumstance, he would do the same for Nigerians under distress. He later attended Kaduna Polytechnic, and Kadpoly as you remember is one of the famous institutions in Nigeria at a time for the radical politics of the students of that generation. This was at a time when the intellectual space in that part of Northern Nigeria was led by the likes of Bala Usman, Balarabe Musa, Abubakar Rimi; people who promoted radical politics; and Aminu Kano and also Peoples Redemption Party, Northern Elements Progressive Union and Shehu Sani fitted into that tradition. In ABU at the time, they had what they called The Bala Brought Ups. He ended up with an HND. He was in the forefront of the process there. He was Social Director of the Students Union, he was leader of the Africa’s Students Union. He got nurtured at Kadpoly.
Even then, his process began at home; his father, who worked within the media, a publisher and a printer was also part of that ideological process. So Shehu Sani was brought up on a heavy dose of Maxist, Leninist literature because his kept a very rich library. I think that’s a lesson for many parents. I see many middle class homes today without a library; the only thing you see are fanciful cars, and parents trying to impress their children with money. But Shehu Sani was a product of a tradition tradition where parents tried to instill values in their children and teach them how to read. So he grew up in a place where there was a library, and I can see a library behind Bashorun Dele Momodu. I think every home of anybody who considers himself a serious minded person should have a library because it can affect your children. Here you have Senator Shehu Sani, who grew up reading, in an intellectual environment. His father was not Aliko Dangote of the time nor Femi Otedola of the time. They had an intellectual environment that nurtured him.
He also had a mother, who was a community leader, and I guess all of that had moulded him into the man that he became.
Now what kind of man did he become? He became a fighter for justice freedom, beyond Kadpoly. He became a member of the Campaign for Democracy in Nigeria with Olisa Agbakoba, Beko Ransome Kuti, Femi Falana and others. But he paid dearly for it. The Babangida administration threw him into detention. He was in detention in various parts of the country. When the Abacha government took over, he was again arrested, detained and sentenced to life imprisonment, and what was his offence; for being a member of the group called Campaign for Democracy. And what was Campaign for Democracy’s offence; they wanted the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 election won by Chief MKO Abiola. Shehu Sani was one of the leading light in the north that stood up without looking at ethnicity. They stood for principle and said June 12 must be actualised. He was sentenced to life imprisonment but eventually all of that was commuted and he released. And beyond that period, he has remained in the struggle and he tried to join the Alliance for Democracy; he lost the election. He joined the Congress for Progressive Change, he lost election. But he kept at it. In 2015, he won the election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. He was a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019, but then as a member of the senate and as the chairman of Public Desk Committee and also as chairman of another committee, he was very vocal and very critical.. he refused to accept the chicanery that was going on in his own constituency in Kaduna central or in the entire Kaduna state, where he had to pay a price for that. In 2019, all the the forces that be; the godfathers that he refused to worship made sure that they got him out of power. They threw everything of the state at him including accusing him of a certain $25, 000 that nobody has been able to prove.
Here, we have before us ladies and gentleman, a man of courage, a man of conviction, a man who has struggled through every effort to devalue him, to discredit him; he remains out there in the forefront. The only part of it, which I think Bashorun Momodu would ask, him is how he also suddenly added to his various credentials, his state chairman’s credentials because they said a snake swallowed money at JAMB, he went there and told them he will help them to look for the snake that swallowed the money. Above all, Senator Shehu Sani is also a writer; I have read many of his books. He is also a poet; he has done two books of poetry. He has also written two plays. He is very prolific, and I hold that sometime in the future, some people would focus on his intellectual productivity as a writer, and Bashorun Momodu who has a Masters in English Literature will be interested in. He has written on corruption, dictatorship and several other subjects of concern, not just in Nigeria but also in Africa. So I’m excited having our dear brother, in the struggle, Senator Shehu Sani joining us this evening. And on behalf of all of you, and on behalf Dele Momodu, who will be throwing a party tomorrow I hope, after all these intellectual talk since Tuesday. I welcome you Senator Shehu Sani. My brother, It’s good to see you!
SHEHU SANI: Thank you for having me and thank you for that very long introduction. I appreciate that and I hope we have a very good session
MOMODU: Thank you Senator Shehu Sani, thank you Dr. Rueben Abati Ph.D. It is not for fun that I invited you to do the introductions, and you have don justice to them. We live in a country where people no longer know their history, and I am sure a lot of people hear about Shehu Sani, but they don’t know where he is coming from. They think he just joined politics and became a senator, but I can tell you that this is not an ‘owanbe’, or a feel good senator, but I can tell you he is a man who worked very hard. We have been friends for years and I remember that he was the first person to alert me. I got a call from you years back; you alerted me about this Boko Haram menace. You wanted me to intervene at that time, but unfortunately, the government was not ready to listen to people like us because in the beginning, we believed it was something we must curtail before it boomerang, unfortunately, it has exploded in our faces. And as they say, only God can rescue us now. So it is good to have you finally on this platform. The other three discussants we have had, Prof Akintoye – Point of correction; Prof Akintoye has given up on Nigeria. The other two, Agbakoba and Falana still believe Nigeria can be rescued but with a caveat that if care is not taken, and the principal actors, what we call dramatis personae in Literature, if they don’t take care now, it might be forced to go the route, which might be very unfortunate.
I have an idea of your beliefs, but I’m not going to preempt that. I am only going to ask you questions like I asked all the other people. I am going to start from politics. When you joined CPC, what were your ideals?
SHEHU SANI: Well, thank you very much for having me, and I wish you a happy birthday in advance, and I wish I will be part of that celebration, but unfortunately, we are stuck here in Kaduna. Actually, when we came out of prison in 1998, we were divided in the sense that some people believe we should join the transition programme of Abdulsalami Abubakar, and there are those of the school of thought who feel that the democratic experiment will not last. Those who think the later carried the day, and we hesitated from joining the political process. And then, an opportunity came for those forces who did not fight for democracy to simply occupy space, capture power and dominate the political platform for which we are still struggling to get out in the last decade. After the wrong decision we took in 1999, I decided that I should participate and contest elections. In the north, I first joined the Alliance for Democracy, which was like an offshoot of NADECO after the struggle, and then later because the party did not show strong presence in the north, I joined the CPC on the advise of my people that it was the party to join to get elected. I joined and contested and lost that election. I moved on to contest again under APC when there was a merger, and I was happy that merger happened because it became a platform to link up with my comrades in the south west and other parts of the country. We worked together, and I won the 2015 election.
So, my journey to CPC was more or less studying the political atmosphere of my own part of the Nigeria, and seeing where it will be easier to vote because naturally, if you are aspiring for political position, you also not just think about yourself but you have to look at the perception, thinking and direction of the those people you are going to represent, and where they are moving to, and then you try to synergise. That is simply what informed my decision to join the CPC at that time.
MOMODU: Now, I doubt if there is any northerner as popular as Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd). What was the fascination of the north for General Buhari
SHEHU SANI: Well, this is still a subject of research in the sense that before Buhari, there was an Aminu Kano that had a similar fanatical following if not more than that of Buhari. But I think what has endeared Buhari in the heart of the north was first all i can say there was an incident that happened in the early period of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration when the Sharia issue became a controversial national issue, and there was a discussion at the Council of States, and Buhari came up during a BBC interview with the thinking that the people have the right to establish their own Sharia system. And from that time, like a fire was lit in the hearts of people, and the people now see in the north someone who can at least speak for them. Secondly, he had been seen to be one of the most honest leaders because we had series of leaders who were accused of looting the country. And being a man, who lived over four decades in Kaduna, and people have seen his prudent lifestyle and he has mixed up with people and also speak about issues concerning people, and that also added to the fanaticism of Buhari.
The third aspect of it was that people were disenchanted with the political establishment at that time, and they needed a leader to rally round whom they believe is not within that system because there were other leaders in the north like Umaru Musa Yar’dua, but you would have expected people to be fanatical about Yar’dua and not Buhari but they choose Buhari because they see him as an uncompromising figure, one who will stand up to the establishment and represent their passion, their thinking so they moved along that line, supporting him, voting him and anybody who identified with him. But all along, he could not be president on his own until he align himself with forces from the southwest, and that now provided an opportunity for him to be president. So I can say the attraction has been the event that happened in the early 20s, and then his own lifestyle and the belief that he is a new Aminu Kano to the people of the north.
MOMODU: I once came to Kano for the (first) wedding of Aliko Dangote’s daughter, and General Buhari drove into Kano that day, and everything came to a close. Even governors could not enter the mosque cause the poor people, almajiri were everywhere. To move became a problem. He was seen as the champion of the poor. So could you say in your honest opinion that he has been able to justify the love they have for him
SHEHU SANI: Well, you see, a lot of people have found it strange that the man they so much loved, were prepared for, and indeed died for because hundreds of people were killed because him as a result of what came up after the elections, and Buhari’s popularity has risen to that of worship that anyone heard criiticing him as seen as committing a sacrilege in the north. But as time goes on, the Buhari that they knew as the opposition figure became a different Buhari in power. For the reasons that so many things he had simplistic idea like you solve corruption, and everything will be solved, if you love people, everything will be done, 2 plus 2 is equal to four. In power, he is confronted with the realities of Nigeria, and many things have contributed now to the fact that he has fastly lost that popularity. That fanaticism has faded as a result of a number of factors: 1. The fact that Buhari either underestimated the problems of Nigeria or overrated his capacity and that of his team to address the problems of Nigeria. And now, when he found himself in the position of power, he now found himself associating with those very forces that he spent the 12 years of his life fighting. For example, if you say the PDP destroyed for 16 years, you will find out that from the governors of APC are all from PDP, most the ministers in his cabinet are from PDP, most of the strategies of his government are from PDP except from Tinubu and others from the southwest. In the governors of the north that are APC today, it is only that of Borno and Yobe that are never from PDP. So he finds himself having to work with the ‘devils’ that he spent his life fighting. And then you can see the gallery of contradictions as to what he said before he become the president and what he is doing as the president. For example, he had asked; he want to know who is subsidising who, and then you find his government subsidising more than any other government in the history of this country. You find him questioning issues that have to do corruption, and then you find it prevalent in his government. And you find him questioning the value of the naira as an opposition figure, and you have seen that the naira has slipped down to the lowest of low in this country in his own government. You find him raising issues of human rights as opposition figure and then his government violating the fundamental rights of citizens sometimes suppressing protests with force. So many things which he dreamt of fighting and dreamt of realising as a leader; he finds himself toeing the line perhaps worse than ever.
Shehu Sani
He once raised issues of how previous governments have been unable to address security issues like Boko Haram, now under his government, you see Boko Haram still fighting, you see herdsmen, you see banditry, you see crises in all the parts of the country. This view of him, and so many things are idealistic view of him, simplistic of him. They never saw him as a elected leader; they saw him as a messiah, and he also presented himself as a magician. So all these things come together, and then he now faces the reality of power and they found out that he was not a magician they though he was, he is not the messiah that can save them and solve all problems, with a snap of the finger, they therefore withdrew their fanaticism about him and now are scrutinising him like any other leader in our history.
MOMODU: You have one of the few people I believe to tell us about the genesis and metamorphosis of Boko Haram in Nigeria. Please give us your view
SHEHU SANI: Well, if you remember at a time so many years when I called you. I called you at a time when that issue was at its infancy where it was local grievances about a preacher who appeared and was been arrested, persecuted. And then the trigger of Boko Haram has to do with the killing of the leader of that group. I think the group moved from simply an extremist organisation to a terror group against the security apparachik of the state, and then after that, they graduated further to attacking anything that has to do with establishment, government and with the state. And then time, it could have still been curtailed but the very moment that group evolved into one that has a global connection to international terror organisation then it becomes difficult; it simply becomes an affiliate. What even compounds everything is that not just Boko Haram that is a terror group to the north; you have the ISWAP which is a splinter from Boko Haram and then you have the Alsarudeen which another sector of Boko Haram that has had their own command. Now we have also bandits operating in the northwest with such ferocity and lethal force. So, this is a brief narration on the evolution of that group on what it has become today. It is easier to dialogue with the group when it was a national organisation, terror group with local grievances and issues, but now that it has become a branch of a bigger organisation outside of Nigeria, that becomes more difficult.
MOMODU: If you were Buhari, what would you do right now
SHEHU SANI: On what particular issue because I raised a lot of issues now
MOMODU: On the insecurity issue because that is the biggest issue we have right now
SHEHU SANI: Well, first of all, if I am the president, I will for solutions outside my own political party because one of the problems they have today is the way they operate this government. Before they listen to you, and reason with some of the positions and ideas you give them, you must come from their own political side. If you are not there. If you are a Donald Duke that has an idea, they don’t have to listen to you; if you are a Femi Falana that has an idea, they don’t want to listen to you, if you are Reuben Abati, they don’t have to listen to you. They want somebody from their own side who will give them advice whether it is right or wrong. So that is the problem. You have to see the problem as a national problem. If an Igbo and Yoruba man or anyone from any political party, even if he is a critic and can make his contribution, you simply have to listen to him. So, they have to solve that problem because they have that mentality. Secondly, what need to be done is that you have to divide these groups into two; those that are prepared to return to society and live in peace with the rest of our citizens, should be accommodated, and those that are not prepared for that, we should be ready to battle them and crush them. Now, what is important here is the use of technology; technology is very important. If you are moving from here to Abuja; it is about 150/60 kilometres – there are 37 villages there. Why don’t you have at least a drone station there to oversee what is happening in Niger and Kaduna States. There is none. We are still operating a system of checkpoint where you are stopped and made to open the booth of your car and flash torchlights in your face. How can you use such ideas to fight terrorism. That is very much impossible to do. Secondly, he made a mistake for by keeping service chiefs for so many years who had been unable to address the system, and they entrench themselves in the belief they are there to protect you and the government, and they have not solved anything.
So, address the problem by the use of technology; address the problem by removing nepotism in the system where we have a certain section of the country dominating the security apparatus of the state, and for that reason, whether they are competent or not; the problem will naturally continue to linger. The third aspect is to ensure that those arms of the state involved in this war are well funded and taken care of . The minister of finance recently told us that she had funded the military to the tune of N1.08 trillion in 24 or 8 months. And the same military have been going to the president to collect they called special approvals. Now with all these monies pumped into our security and defence apparatus and we are unable to fight and crush bandits herdsmen and terrorists in country, which shows that throwing money has not been the solution. Despite all that have been put in place, the soldiers on the ground have been crying and protesting about lack of weapons and lack of equipment to fight. And some of them have been imprisoned for protesting. So, corruption has been entrenched in the security apparatus which needs to be addressed.
Buhari must use technology; 21st battle must be confronted with 21st century technology. Secondly, there must be diversification and ensure that security apparatus, the heads of those agencies do not represent an ethnic or religious group, but are ones that are here to defend Nigeria as a whole. And the third aspect of it has to with we must ensure that funds that released to security apparatuses are actually used for the purchase of weapons and equipment for them to be used in our battle.
MOMODU: There has been this conspiracy theory over the years even before President Buhari came to power, that there is an Islamisation agenda. How do you respond to that
SHEHU SANI: Well, first of all, I’m not aware of the existence of such agenda. But if those who are raising that issue are basing their fact on what they have seen on the ground. If you have a president or a government to one section of the country, certainly, anyone who make that submission can actually use that as an evidence. But if the level of insecurity is used as the basis to make that submission; I can say it’s wrong because the Fulani bandits are not only constituting a deadly force in the southern parts of Nigeria, but they are also doing worse in the north. If actually they are a force for Ismalisation of Fulanisation, they would not have constituted themselves into a dangerous force for us, in the northwest particularly. In Kaduna today, as we are conducting this interview today, I cannot attempt to go outskirts of the town anytime from six; I will end up in the hands of kidnappers. So, thousands of our villagers have sold their farms and homes to pay ransom. The bandits have become authority unto themselves. If actually there is a Fulanisation agenda, I think it can be supported by the fact that his appointment has been lopsided but not that there is an army that is determined to ensure that such happens. In as much as herdsmen constitute a serious issue for people in the southeast and southwest, they are also a problem to people in Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna state.
MOMODU: Now, do you think education could have helped the north. You have produced majority of leaders in nigeria at the presidential level. why is it so difficult to educate the people. In the last six years for example, don’t you think that if Buhari has invested interest in the education of the almajiris as President tried to do. Do you think this would have made some difference
SHEHU SANI: well, as far as I am concerned, northern leaders have failed the north over the years. They have not utilised the opportunity in power to educate, industrialise and develop the region. Many of them have turned power as a personal property to dominate the poor people, the talakawas in the north, and enrich themselves. You read on paper that oil blocs have been allocated to most people in the north, and then you ask yourself where has that oil bloc been used for the development of the north. i hear of a former minister, who is late, who is reported to have had an oil bloc. But he never had a foundation for helping anybody. He never impacted on the life anyone. So you can see that part of the attraction in 1993 election why people voted for Abiola. Abiola moved to the north impacting a lot of people, and they could see it practically. So, as far as I am concerned, I can say very well that power has not been helpful to people in northern part of Nigeria, and it has not helped in addressing the issue of poverty, disease, destitution, penury, and all sorts of social vices that we could have used to address the problems in our country. They have weaponised poverty. They love that ‘Rankadede’ mentality where one person has money and poor people line up outside his house and worship him for his money. And that has led to the increase of poverty in northern Nigeria which is unfortunate.
MOMODU: The way you speak truth to power, do you see many northern leaders speaking truth to themselves and accepting this blame, that we cannot blame others for our problems
SHEHU SANI: Well, in the last few years, it was impossible for northern leader to speak truth to power, because speaking truth to power at that time means speaking truth to the Buhari administration. It is impossible because you will be lynched by common people who literarily worship him. But now, as the reality has set in, and as people are seeing the stupidity of this kind of zombie followership, many northern leaders are now speaking out. Afterall, the Northern Elders forum, the Arewa Consultative Forum in the beginning of this government and the early 2015 were in support of Buhari, and everything he does is right and in order, but now you see leaders who are yesterday sycophantic, compliant, submissive and subservient to everything the government does or says are now saying no, things are not going well. I think that is something which I appreciate particularly with the southwest; when Ernest Shonekan was brought in as a replacement to Abiola; he is a man from Abeokuta, an egbaman, but the Yoruba could have rallied round him after all Abiola is also a Yoruba man, but they said no! The governors at that time (SDP) refused to even attend to his invitation. That was a very good thing to do. Secondly, when Obasanjo came back to office, any protest, any strike action against that government is more complied in the southwest than any part of Nigeria. So you can see how people can stand up against their own. It is something other parts of Nigeria do not just know, they have to learn. The southsouth did not even do that. To the south south, Jonathan commits no fault as far as they are concerned, and it is the same thing that is happening in the north today
But so many things have changed the mentality of northerners to know that it doesn’t matter if the man in power is from your ethnic group or religion; he can still fail you. And for you to get what you deserve, you need to stand up and fight for it. This is my little contribution as far as this issue is concerned.
MOMODU: What makes you so confident to speak the way you speak because it is like blasphemy
SHEHU SANI: For anyone who knows our history, we have not started speaking truth to power in 2021 or 2020. nowadays, it is not unusual when you criticise government, it is either they say because you have not been given contract or you lost election or because they are not carrying you along or because you wanted position, and you were not given. There must be something that will be attached to you or if you speak, it is said because the man in power is not your partyman or bringing you along. But for anybody who knows who we are and our own history, and it is not difficult nowadays, you just need to google. We spoke truth to power during military regime when it was dangerous, fierce, harmful and delirious for one to do. Under Babangida, we spoke truth to power, under Abacha, we spoke truth to power and to Obasanjo and subsequent governments. We will continue to that as long as we are alive. Wherever you have a Pharaoh, you will also have a Moses. I believe that people should have that courage to speak. Even Buhari was once a critic, who had spoken out spoken out against the excessiveness and excesses of different governments in the past. What is surprising to people is that he is a person differently from the one they use to know.
What we are doing is in line with our ideology and principle. For those us who come from the NEPU, PRP pedigree know very well that we have spoken truth to power in line of Mallam Aminu Kano
MOMODU: The APC Federal Government has refused to interact or interface with the people of Nigeria, and this has led to serious frustration on the part of the people. So how come you are so uncomfortable with people who are saying if we can’t dialogue, we can’t restructure, we can’t have a peaceful referendum, let us go. Why do you think they cannot go
SHEHU SANI: As far as I am concerned, for people of my own political thinking and ideology. I cannot imagine a country where I will lose friends like you, like Falana because if I am in trouble now, the first person that will come to my mind is Falana, and so many of you down there. So, each time you want to go, people like me will make sure the paper never see the light of the day. We want you to be with us. We can’t afford to get a visa to go to Ibadan. As far as I’m concerned, people like me believe in the unity of this country. I’m not just a believer in the unity of this country, I’m a pan-Africanist, who thinks of an Africa without the colonial boundaries, and now carving it further. But there are lots of things that need to be done. You can’t hold a country together – it is not the national flag nor the national anthem that hold the country together; it is justice. If you have a new leadership that nationalistic and patriotic and also addressing the contentious problem that confronts Nigerian state, I believe the agitation for secession will naturally fizzle out. I am always talking directly to even those who want to see. You want divorce, but there should no permission, we still have to be together. We are in for it, for better for worse. And that is my own submission. And I believe those of us who are progressives in northern Nigeria like late Balarabe Musa, Abubakar Umar, with whom I spoke with several minutes ago, and several of us will not wish to live in a country that is carved out. That is why we will say let us fight a government that is bad, let remove a government that is bad. That is my submission.
MOMODU: But again don’t you think this government has made the agitation for Biafra, Yoruba nation most compelling. when people don’t have a choice, what do you want them to do. They are powerless now to influence Buhari; he don’t even talk so nobody knows his state of mind. All you hear his media aides coming to talk to Nigerians, and it is like there is already a template; 1000 people die, your president will not show his face, no empathy. Don’t you feel worried that it will get to a time when people can no longer take it.
SHEHU SANI: Well, perhaps if I am in the other parts of the country, I would think like that from your own part of the country. As far as I am concerned; two people whether it is Nnamdi Kanu or Sunday Igboho; if you check their history, they use to be strong nationalist, who believes in Nigeria. We need to ask ourselves at what point such people started disbelieving in Nigeria, and then see the issues and see how we can address them. I believe that why agitation for to break this country has become fierce and evident now is as a result of some of these factors. One is the pervasive level of insecurity in the country where you have people being slaughtered and government appears helpless. People will say that the best way is to divorce. And secondly, the fact that government has by itself erroneously acquired the image of being nepotistic in terms of tilting and inclining towards a section of the country certainly that will be a contributing factor.
The next one has to do with the failure of the government and disconnecting between the leaders and the people. And as far as I’m concerned, if Nigerians unite, vote those that they don’t want out, and have a government that will open a platform for dialogue, restructure this country and address those issues. Those things will naturally fizzle out. So, I’m a believer in the unity of the country, and those who want to secede, rather than fight them, we still continue to appeal to them to stay, and let us work things out by working the government out and getting those who can bring this nation back to its own lost glory
MOMODU: I’m happy you mentioned the word ‘restructuring’. What are the things in you opinion should be restructured in Nigeria
SHEHU SANI: If you ask 20 Nigerians about their votes on restructuring, they will give you 20 answers because we still have not articulated what we want about restructuring. Let us start with merge our states; will Rivers and Bayelsa merge? Will Kaduna and Katsina merge again? Will Ekiti and Ondo go back to where they began? How many of the political leaders today who have become godfathers and demigods in their own narrow territories will agree to dissolve their kingdoms for a larger house. That’s a question. And because restructuring is what we need in this country. If you don’t restructure this country, we will simply continue to be in crisis. But not just restructuring; the 36 governors of Nigeria, both north and south simply are disagreeing to the autonomy of the judiciary, disagreeing to the autonomy of the local government and state house of assembly. Then you ask me if a simple as that it has become difficult for our political leaders to achieve or to implement, what becomes of the bigger picture or steps to be to restructure this country. So I believe restructuring should be done in three phases 1. Political Restructuring – this will give every geo-political zone to produce a leader in this country 2. Economic Restructuring – which will give every geo-political zone to harness their economy, and contribute to the central government 3. Social and Cultural Restructuring – those parts of the country that outlaws beer should not take VAT from beer; those part of the country that do not eat cow should not allow open grazing in their part of the country
When you have political, economic and social restructuring done in phases – the point is that all these ideas have been articulated in various and constitutional conferences in our history. We only to bring out all those books that have been laying dusty in our cupboards, bring them out and implement them in phases in other to save this country. When you have a structural problem, it is not about the walls and paints, it is about the beams and the pillars, and once you have structural defects in the beams and the pillars, the building is likely to collapse. So, restructuring is ensuring that those beams and pillars that are having issues are now redressed
MOMODU: Now, it is common to see members of the armed forces either complaining publicly, recording videos or even deserting the field of battle. And some people are saying it is wrong for you to go and bring a soldier from Katsina to come and operate in Imo or Ebonyi because he is a Nigerian who may have imbibed the prejudices in Nigeria. How do you respond to the saying now let us have state or regional security or defence so that people of a particular location will know how to handle security problems in those places
SHEHU SANI: The point is that if you is that regional security outfit is important in the sense that you have local forces that are familiar with the terrain they are operating in and will make it easier for them to combat crime and also ensure law and order is respected and complied with. And that is the argument for state police, and our own experience is that the way our governors handle state independent electoral commission (SIECOM). Contesting for for a local government election and you are not a member of the ruling party is complete waste of time. The head of SIECOM is appointed by the governor. SIECOM is called independent, but it is almost like a parastatal of the governor. He declares 100 per cent victory for their members. The police force that is a state police will be populated by supporters of the state governor, and sometimes becoming an armed wing of the ruling party in the state. There are governors in this country, the way they run their states, you can imagine if they have in control of them a state police. I have a governor, who is a friend of mine. When he was in office, he was an ardent supporter of state police. We argued with him many times, and he will tell me I need a police I could control to combat crimes, to ensure restoration of law and order and others. The last one year, I met him in a train from Abuja to Kaduna, and for two hours, we discussed. he was being chased by the incumbent governor of his state. He said if this man has control of state police, he would have finished him completely.
Why do our state governors want state police, but they don’t want an independent judiciary. You want to control the police and arrest people, but you don’t want an independent judiciary and legislature. Now you see that anyone who posts or tweets anything critical of the state governor will be at the mercy of the state police. That does not mean the Federal Police are not engaged in this one. But every commissioner of police knows that in as much as he is still the commissioner of the police in a state, you can still petition his actions to the Inspector General of Police and the police commission that is outside of that state. It restrains their capacity to inflict danger and persecute people, but when you have some governors in this country to control the police, tyranny will be so unleashed to the point that you cannot say or do anything in that state without being a victim of the state police. As far as I am concerned, I am in support of such a regional outfit that will address the problems of security, but we need to be careful about creating tyranny in our state because most of these police will move away from fighting criminals to fighting opposition elements in the state.
MOMODU: We cannot have the opportunity of speaking to you talking a little bit about religion. What is the role has religion has played in the political debacle of Nigeria. When you talk about sharia; most of those who shout sharia in the north only use it for the poor. The wealthy class, what I call members of the ‘privilegensia’ are never caught up in the sharia law
SHEHU SANI: Well, there has always been sharia law in Islam. Sharia is a way of life of Muslims. For example, if a father or husband passes on, the sharia has a tablet or template on how the inheritance will be shared, so you don’t argue with it, you simply go to the sharia and share it as it is. But now, the most dangerous thing is the political sharia not the real islamic sharia itself, where now sharia is used for political ends which involves capitalising on the sensitivity of it, in order to gather support or retain yourself in the position or use it against political elements. So, you will ask yourself why are the Yoruba Muslims not fanatical about the sharia like the Hausa Muslims. It is because it is not used for political purposes in the southwestern parts of Nigeria. But here, it is used by some people for their own political ends and that is all. But for every Muslim, sharia is his own way of life.
MOMODU: Now, do you agree that the presidential system of government that we copied from America is too expensive, and if so, what should be the way forward because it seems we are practicing capitalism without capital
SHEHU SANI: Well, if we are talking about monarchy, which worked in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and Spain and Netherlands and UK. They are all monarchies, and monarchy is working. Even in UAE. If you talk of mixture of parliamentary and presidential democracy, like France – it works there. If you talk of pure presidential system of government like in USA, it is working there. It is also working in Argentina and Brazil. The system may not actually be the problem but ourselves. We will keep on practicing all the systems of this world, but as long as we have problems with ourselves, it is still not going to work. As far as I’m concerned since you situated the presidential system on the issue of cost and economy, I can see that there are a number of things we need to do, one is we need to ask ourselves because we are not living the reality of the situation we are in Nigeria today. Why do we need two parliaments; the Senate and the House of Reps? The motions in the House of Representatives is still the motions in Senate. The difference between the two houses is that senate confirms the appointments of Mr President or disapprove of his appointments, and the House of Reps doesn’t do that. Apart from that whatever they do in the senate, they also do it in the House of Reps. So, we can cut that by having a unicameral assembly. And then secondly, why do we need 36 states as a nation when we are even finding it difficult to live within ourselves. If you tell Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi to return to Sokoto State, it will be a big problem. In the same way if you tell Kogi to return to Benue and Kwara states, it will be a problem. If you tell Ekiti and Osun states to dissolve back to their former state, you will have problems. We have to make sacrifices; the resources of this country cannot take the kind of political structures we have in this country. So, cutting cost of governance is very important, and it appears that the government in power has not been able to achieve that. If we cut the cost of governance, and try to address all these issues in phases, I think we will be cutting out coat to our resources.
MOMODU: Would you support a full secularity of Nigeria
SHEHU SANI: Secularity is ambiguous when it comes to multi-religious society because we a country of Muslims and Christians and of people who are atheist and traditional believers. We can’t have a state religion in Nigeria, and any attempt by anybody who tries to do that will face a very serious war. Nigeria is better off as a secular state that is multi-religious
MOMODU: But a situation where a particular region is mentioned so many times in the constitution or the national currency (with some Arabic words), don’t you think that suggests a lack of secularity
SHEHU SANI: Well, for the Arabic that is in the naira; we forgot to tell ourselves that Arabs were Christians before they became Muslims. That is simply an alphabet they use, and people also taught that all Arabs are Moslems and all Jews are Christians, which is wrong. There are more Christians among Arabs and the Moslems among Jews. So what we see in the alphabets are simply alphabets that will make it easier. But if it is controversial in the very sense; it is not a religion. You can write fifty naira in Hebrew and Chinese alphabets. The issue of mention of one religion more than the other can be done through constitutional amendment. I have seen the National Assembly saying they are moving round the country to amend the country, and all the comments seen under that pronouncements have been insults, abuse and indifference. You can’t simply fold your hands and allow the politicians to write the constitution for you when you are already opposed to the one written by the military. And if you don’t show interest in constitutional amendment, they are most likely to insert something which you may not like, or remove something which you like or alter something which at the end of the day becomes law, after it has been passed by the Senate and House of Reps. So, we did to know what they are trying to amend, alter or remove so we address that by a theory that such issues of one religion mentioned many times is clearly being addressed in the constitution of the country
MOMODU: Before you go; the issue of zoning – again, there is a conspiracy theory that the north does not want to relinquish power. Do think it will fair for the north to retain power after Buhari
SHEHU SANI: Well, you see, if we are going to go by the rules of democracy; by population wise, the north can continue to dominate the political space for a very long time. But if you look at out history and our crisis and the need for equity, there is no other way to preserve this union and to also give confidence to other parts of the country that they belong to this union than by rotating political power. We can’t live in self denial . Let all the parts of the country produce the leaders of this country. Then if at the end of the day, we have circulated power everywhere, we can decide to say, we can do away with it. But unfortunately, after Shagari, we were supposed to have an Alex Ekwueme or Abiola, but that was disrupted. Each time there is an attempt to transfer power, something comes in. Obasanjo came and transferred power to the North and Umaru died, and Jonathan came, and for Jonathan to contest again, it became a problem. I believe that we should entrench this in our constitution, and it will solve the problems of agitation for separation. If power will be allowed to rotate in all parts of the geopolitical zones of this nation. And for now, after Buhari, power will be most appropriate to go down to the south, and it will be left for the people of the south to decide has been much excluded. And that I believe is going to be a problem for the people of the south as far as now is concerned.
MOMODU: Don’t you think it’s a fallacy to say that the north can continue to dominate power perpetually, and I will tell you my view. I have written about it before; In Search of Mathematicians. The mathematics of politics and power in Nigeria to me suggests that the only way the north can dominate is if the south allows it to dominate. It is impossible for you to win a presidential election if you don’t lock down four out of six regions in the country. As popular as Buhari was, he could not win until he was able to cross to the southwest, get some support in the south. So, if the southern leaders choose to be vice president perpetually then that would be possible, but if the south can work together and get into the north central, it will be almost impossible for the north to dominate power perpetually. Do you agree
SHEHU SANI: Well, let me tell you this…the only way for power to move south in the first place having the unity of the people of the south and we must accept the fact that there are two dominant political parties. If one party decides to shift power to the south and the other decides not to, and put it in the north, it is going to be difficult for that power to move to the south. If you look at the demography in Nigeria, and the apathy of voters in the south, fanaticism of voters in the north – a typical woman from Zamfara or Kano is prepared to spend the whole night on the queue to vote, and how is that feasible in some parts of Nigeria. But if we are going to preserve this country, the south first of all have to make a collective demand through their political parties, and say power should shift. If the elements in APC say power should shift to the south, they should not speak in Delta, they should also go to the villa and say it because if you go to Delta and make a resolution, and then when you go to villa to see Buhari, and the media stop you for an interview, then you start talking from both sides of the mouth, you know nobody is going to take you seriously. So we can have a rotation of power when the two political parties have agreed that power should move to that section of the country. But when you are going to have a candidate from the north, and a candidate from the south, that cannot be achieved.
MOMODU: So, you are saying the two mainstream political parties must be compelled to shift to the south
SHEHU SANI: Of course, and must be compelled by the elements heading those parties and the problem will be not those agitating for the power to go south but those who are ready to settle for the vice president position. And there are plenty in the south. So those vice presidential mentality in that part of the south will be the greatest obstacle to the rotation of power
MOMODU: Finally, lets end it with the economy. It is important we discuss the economy of Nigeria part of the of the problem is that Nigeria is broke. We have over borrowed, and we are wasting it; you are doing a rail line from Nigeria to Niger Republic; you are doing all sorts of crazy things all over the place. What’s your attitude to the way the way is being managed at the moment, and what do you think should be done
SHEHU SANI: Well, I sometimes ask myself because I know that over a year ago, an economic team was established by the President. I wonder where they are now because nothing much has been heard of them. And you even ask yourself whether there is an economic direction for this administration at all. We are simply borrowing; borrowing from Saudi Arabia; borrowing from Brazil, China, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank. This is all we have been doing, and we are still doing what we said we will not do; over dependence on oil revenue; look at our debt, it has surge and climbed to such astronomical level, and look at our foreign reserve, it is still within 30, 32, 33 – moving down south. As far as I’m concerned, the kind of economic team under Obasanjo’s administration or Yar’dua is virtually absent as far as this government is concerned. And you can see that those previous administrations have superstars in the rank of people they can call professionals. But here, it is more of a government of loyalists. And when it is about loyalty, you can see so many things will be sacrificed because somebody is loyal. We wanted a president who will appoint people without minding where they are coming from; appoint people without minding their political parties. At his last part of life; his last opportunity to lead this country, he should be a father figure to all Nigerians, bring everyone on board, to save this country and to prosper this country
MOMODU: Thank you Senator Shehu Sani. I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity. I will request my brother, my friend, Dr Reuben Abati to please come in, and give us a summary of this interaction. Thank you Senator, and regards to your family
REUBEN ABATI: Bashorun Dele Momodu, I will like to join you in congratulating Senator Shehu Sani; he has not disappointed at all, and he has to helped to extend the frontiers of the conversation. New issues have come up today, and I want to congratulate you as the host on how you managed in a very dexterous manner to open new vistas of the conversation.
Since this conversation started, three days ago, this is the first time we would have somebody who would go directly to the issue of presidency of President Buhari in terms of expectations at a personal and political leadership level. You asked him why he decided to join the CPC, which was the party of the president, and he said it was a pragmatic decision because at the time that he did (moving from AD to CPC), it was what his constituency wanted, and in any case may be that’s what motivate politicians. You saked him what accounts for President Buhari’s popularity in the north, and he said in some way, Buahri replaced the Aminu Kano myth, became the champion of the talakawas, particularly when he chose to defend and support the sharia system. Also, he was seen as somebody who was very honest, and that in that regard, people thought he was a very honest man. He was also seen as an uncompromising figure, and a man who led the interest of the poor people of the north. But in sum total of Shehu Sani’s submission, although Buhari got the support of the ordinary peopel of the north, and also the southwest particularly without which he would not have won the election, that he thinks President Buhari has lost touch in terms of being the champion of the poor. And although his popularity was at the level of worship and criticizing him in the north was seen as sacrilegious, but the moment he got into power, Buhari has emerged as a different man, and as a result, the fanaticism with which he came to power in the north has vanished. Well, it’s not only in the north, in other parts of the country also, that has happened. And he thinks Buhari is overwhelmed that whatever devils that he fought are the same devils that have taken over his government. And the president is confronted with contradictions that he has not been able to deal with, and the principal contradiction will seem to be in area of security challenges.
He also think that the president who came across as a messiah, and magician is no longer the magician or the messiah that people in the north and in other parts of the country think he was. This is the very first time we would have someone accusing the president frontally. He even went as far as accusing the president of the failure of governance and the disconnection with the people, and also nepotism.
You also asked something on insecurity, and that is the biggest problem that we have now, and that Boko Haram is part of a bigger problem; part of a bigger organisation, and the obligation of government is to deal with it.
Following up on that Bashorun Momodu, you asked him what gives him the confidence to speak the way he does, and he made the point that anybody that criticise the government these days is accused of looking for contract, having lost an election, or that you don’t think the government of the day is taking you along, and he found his own commitment in that direction. He said his commitment is to speak truth to power, and this is not the first time he’s been speaking truth to power. So the courage to speak, he thinks, is part of the way of dealing with the challenge of a president, who in his view, has become a different person.
You asked him also about this whole argument about self determination. Why is it that the APC has refused to interface and interact with the people of Nigeria, and why should the government and the ruling party be concerned about some people who just want to go, but he said he does not believe in secession; he does not believe in a smaller Nigeria. We have had questions on this programmes, two of them at least, who says that they don’t want Nigeria to be dismembered. He said he believes in the unity of Nigeria. And also, he is a pan-Africanist and believes in the unity of Africa beyond colonial boundaries. But the rail over question is that the people are talking about divorce; he said he is opposed to it. he said people asking for divorce because they are not happy about the marriage. That same marriage metaphor came up ‘yesterday’ when Olisa Agbakoba SAN was quoting the late Bola Ige. Senator Shehu Sani extended it saying Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu were strong supporters of one Nigeria. So, at what point did they and others like them changed. It’s because of nepotism, insecurity, failure of governance.
But Shehu Sani said he believes in the future of this country because he does not want to lose his friends.He said that the issue is not about the national flag fundamentally, but about justice. Sop how do we achieve justice in this country? He had a number of recommendation. He said the unity of the south is important in that regard. If the south want power shift then there must be a collective decision in terms of power shift rather than slogans. he also talked about a unicameral legislature because we are running a government that is over bloated. He also talked about the 36 states. This is the kind of conversation that he wants to see. He also argues that Nigeria is a secular state. He also argued that every part of Nigeria should produce a leader of this country, and that he has no objection about power going south after Buhari.
You asked him about the Arabic in the currency, and he said it is just alphabets. I don’t know whether many people will agree with hi. There are many Nigerians who think there are many extractions, Islamic extractions dominating the Nigerian space. Then, restructuring was another big issue that he addressed, and that is one of the issues that we have been addressing since the beginning of this conversation, and he talked specifically and deconstructed it . Earlier, Olisa Agbakoba SAN was saying restructuring means just about anything as people have reduced it to the level of a cliche. Although he talked about technical devolution of powers, justice, equity and all of that. But today, we have Comrade Shehu Sani breaking it down for us in terms of political, economic and socio-cultural restructuring which would have to be done in phases, and that the implementation of that restructuring is the beams and the pillars that we need, and that restructuring along the lines of beams and pillars would be the way to make the country work.
He also talk about Biafra and secession, and he thinks that many Nigerians either from the southeast, the north or the southwest will not talk about secession if there is justice in this country.
So, for me, these are the takeaways, and as I have said we can continue to have conversations around them. He talked about how the people of the southwest stood against their own, and how in Nigeria, there should sense of objectivity. He cited example of the 1993 process, and I think that is one major takeaway. All the people are saying, oh my brother must be there, my region must produce the president – Comrade Sani raised point, saying you can have a man from your region who will still failed you where rights are concerned. What is important is that every Nigerian must stand to defend their rights, and that should not be surprising coming from a man, who has devoted his entire career and life to the defence of human rights, civil liberty, civil liberty without looking at the colour of your heritage or where you are from.
Finally, I will to congratulate Senator Comrade Shehu Sani, although I would have loved Bashorun Momodu to ask him about his political future. He left the APC when he could not return as the senator representing for Kaduna central. He’s gone back to the Aminu Kano fold. What’s the future for him; where is he going next? If his people tell him to join the PDP, will he do so? If they compel him as he said; as he made clear that he is a pragmatic, will he join the APC back – because in Nigerian politics, we see people going this way, and going that way. What decision has he taken in that regard? Take away for him, as we have taken many things away from him. We want to thank you Shehu Sani for your contributions. Over to you Bashorun Dele Momodu
MOMODU: I’m so impressed that Senator Shehu Sani speaks so openly, so objectively and so boldly. He has always earned my respect, and I can say that tonight he has consolidated it, and I want to thank him very sincerely.
By Eric Elezuo, Morakinyo Ajibade and Ruth Akpan
Nigerian women are among the best professionals the world can boast of. They are represented in every facet of human endeavour, and known to excel in their chosen terrains.
As a result, and in the spirit of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebrated worldwide, and themed Give to Gain, The Boss Newspaper presents 100 and among host of celebrated female Nigerian professionals, who has created their own worlds, and broken the proverbial glass ceilings for the benefit of humankind.
In no particular order, they are:
OYINDAMOLA ADEYEMI
She is the Chairman of Still Earth Group, and earned her B.Sc Degree in Political Science from the University of Abuja, and an M.Sc Degree in Political Economy and Development from the same University and is also an alumna of the prestigious Harvard Business School, Massachusetts, Boston, after attending the Owner/ President Management Program.
Adeyemi certainly has enough grounding to aspire to the top echelon of the business world where many turn problems to opportunities.
The reserved technocrat with both beauty and brains was born and raised in Gombe State, North Eastern Nigeria to a Yoruba father from Ondo State and Hausa/Fulani Mother.
Her multilingual, multi-ethnic upbringing has made her a bridge builder which enables her to feel free at home in the Northern or South Western part of Nigeria.
Fluent in both Hausa and Yoruba, Ms Adeyemi has built a solid reputation as one of the few entrepreneurs without an ethnic bias, which makes her such a distinctive and appealing business leader.
KEMI NANDAP
Kemi Nanna Nandap was born on 3 June 1966 in Zaria, Kaduna State with roots in Ogun State. She attended Corona Primary School, Jos and Therbow Primary School, Zaria for her first school leaving certificate. Nandap attended St. John’s College, Jos and Yejide Girls’ Grammar School, Ibadan, Oyo State for her secondary school leaving certificate.
Nandap holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin. She also earned a Master of Science in International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos, as well as an MBA from the University of Abuja
REMI TINUBU
Remi Tinubu is a politician, pastor, and philanthropist who currently serves as the First Lady of Nigeria following the election of her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in 2023. Born on September 21, 1960, in Ogun State, she studied education at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). Her journey into public service began when she served as First Lady of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 during her husband’s tenure as governor. During that period, she became widely known for her involvement in social development initiatives, particularly through the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), where she promoted women’s empowerment, health advocacy, and social welfare programs.
She later entered elective politics and represented Lagos Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate from 2011 to 2023, serving three consecutive terms. As a legislator, she championed policies and motions related to gender equality, youth development, and social welfare. In her role as First Lady, she leads the Renewed Hope Initiative, a humanitarian platform focused on supporting women, youth, and vulnerable communities through empowerment programs, grants for small businesses, and health interventions. Over the years, Remi Tinubu has built a reputation as a grassroots mobilizer and advocate for social development, combining political leadership with faith-based and philanthropic engagement across Nigeria.
IRETI KINGIBE
Ireti Kingibe is a Nigerian civil engineer and politician currently serving as Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly. Born on June 2, 1954, she received her engineering education at the University of Minnesota after earlier schooling in Lagos and the United States. Before entering politics, Kingibe built a professional career as an engineer and consultant, working with construction and engineering firms including the New Nigeria Construction Company and later operating in the private sector as a senior partner in engineering consultancy. Her technical background and experience in infrastructure development later influenced her political agenda focused on urban development and public infrastructure.
Kingibe’s political journey began in the early 1990s when she joined the Social Democratic Party and served as an adviser to the party’s national chairman. Over the years she remained active in Nigerian politics across several political platforms before joining the Labour Party in 2022. In the 2023 general elections, she won the FCT senatorial seat, defeating long-serving incumbent Philip Aduda. In the Senate, she has served as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs and has advocated improved infrastructure, gender inclusion, and social development in Abuja’s rural communities. Her election marked a significant milestone for female representation in the politics of Nigeria’s capital territory.
AISHA YESUFU
Aisha Yesufu is a socio-political activist, businesswoman, and public speaker widely recognized for her fearless advocacy for good governance, human rights, and accountability in Nigeria. Born on December 12, 1973, in Kano State, she studied at Bayero University Kano and later became involved in entrepreneurship and civic engagement. She rose to national and international prominence as a co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, which emerged in 2014 following the abduction of more than 200 schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State. The movement mobilized global attention and drew support from international figures such as Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Yesufu later became a visible voice in Nigeria’s civil society movements, particularly during the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality. Known for her iconic image standing defiantly before armed police during protests, she symbolizes citizen activism and resistance against injustice. Beyond activism, she frequently speaks at international forums and academic institutions on issues of governance, social justice, and civic participation. Her influence has earned her global recognition, including being listed among the BBC’s 100 Women in 2020 and among the most influential Africans by New African Magazine.
OYERONKE OYEWUMI
Oyeronke Oyewumi is a renowned sociologist and feminist scholar whose research has significantly reshaped discussions about gender, culture, and African social structures. Born in Nigeria, she studied sociology at the University of Ibadan before pursuing further academic training in the United States. Oyewumi is best known for challenging Western assumptions about gender in African societies, particularly through her influential scholarship on Yoruba culture and social organization.
Her landmark book, The Invention of Women: Making an African Sense of Western Gender Discourses, argues that precolonial Yoruba society did not organize social roles primarily around gender in the same way Western societies do. This groundbreaking work sparked global academic debates and expanded feminist scholarship by introducing African-centered perspectives on gender and identity. As a professor of sociology at Stony Brook University in the United States, Oyewumi continues to influence international scholarship through her teaching, writing, and advocacy for decolonizing knowledge production in African studies.
CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of the most globally celebrated Nigerian writers of the 21st century. Born on September 15, 1977, in Enugu State, she grew up in Nsukka where her father worked as a professor at the University of Nigeria. Adichie studied communication and political science before moving to the United States to continue her education. She gained international acclaim with her novels Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah, works that explore themes of identity, migration, feminism, and postcolonial African history. Half of a Yellow Sun, which tells the story of the Nigerian Civil War, won the Orange Prize for Fiction and further established her as a powerful literary voice.
Beyond fiction, Adichie has become a global advocate for gender equality and African storytelling. Her essay We Should All Be Feminists—adapted from her widely viewed TED Talk—has been translated into numerous languages and used in educational institutions worldwide. Through lectures, essays, and public engagements, she continues to challenge stereotypes about Africa while advocating for women’s empowerment and the importance of authentic narratives in global literature.
NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a globally respected economist and international development expert who currently serves as Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Born on June 13, 1954, in Delta State, Nigeria, she studied economics at Harvard University and later obtained a PhD in regional economics and development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She spent more than two decades at the World Bank, rising to the position of Managing Director, where she supervised development programs across several regions of the world.
In Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala served twice as Minister of Finance and briefly as Minister of Foreign Affairs. During her tenure, she led significant economic reforms, including efforts to improve transparency in public finance and negotiations that helped secure the cancellation of billions of dollars in Nigeria’s external debt. In 2021, she made history as the first African and first woman to lead the World Trade Organization, further cementing her status as one of the most influential economic leaders from Africa.
OBY EZEKWESILI
Oby Ezekwesili is a Nigerian economic policy expert, former government official, and civil society advocate known for her strong commitment to transparency, good governance, and accountability. Born on April 28, 1963, she studied accounting at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, before pursuing a master’s degree in international law and diplomacy. Ezekwesili first gained national prominence as one of the founding directors of Transparency International and later served as Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals and Minister of Education under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Internationally, she served as Vice President of the World Bank for the Africa Region, where she supervised development projects across multiple African countries. Ezekwesili also became one of the leading voices of the #BringBackOurGirls movement following the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok. Her activism, public commentary, and leadership in policy reform initiatives have made her a prominent advocate for democratic accountability and citizen engagement in governance.
HADIZA BALA USMAN
Hadiza Bala Usman is a public administrator and policy expert known for her leadership in public sector reform. Born on January 2, 1976, she studied business administration at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She gained national recognition as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kaduna State before being appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority in 2016. Her appointment made her one of the most prominent female leaders in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
During her tenure at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Usman implemented reforms aimed at improving transparency, revenue generation, and operational efficiency within Nigeria’s port system. She also promoted digitalization and regulatory reforms intended to modernize port operations and reduce corruption. Her leadership in public administration has made her an influential figure in discussions around governance reform and institutional accountability in Nigeria.
MO ABUDU
Mo Abudu is a media mogul, entrepreneur, and philanthropist widely regarded as one of Africa’s most powerful figures in the entertainment industry. Born on September 11, 1964, she studied human resources management in the United Kingdom before beginning a career in corporate consulting. She later transitioned into media and founded EbonyLife TV, a pioneering African entertainment network dedicated to telling African stories to global audiences.
Through EbonyLife Media, Abudu has produced numerous television shows and films that have gained international attention, helping to elevate African storytelling on the global stage. She has been recognized by several international organizations, including being listed among the world’s most influential people by TIME magazine. Her work continues to reshape Africa’s media landscape while promoting cultural representation and creative entrepreneurship.
KADARIA AHMED
Kadaria Ahmed is a respected Nigerian journalist, media entrepreneur, and political analyst known for her incisive interviews and contributions to democratic discourse. Born in 1967, she studied journalism and media studies in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Ahmed worked with several major Nigerian media outlets before founding RadioNow 95.3FM in Lagos, a talk radio station dedicated to policy discussions, governance issues, and civic engagement.
Through her media platforms and public engagements, Ahmed has become a prominent voice in Nigerian journalism, hosting interviews with political leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders. Her work emphasizes fact-based reporting, public accountability, and the promotion of democratic values. Over the years, she has contributed significantly to strengthening independent media and public debate in Nigeria.
FOLORUNSO ALAKIJA
LAGOS, NIGERIA – DECEMBER 27: Folorunsho Alakija attends the Diamond Collection By Folake Majin Fashion Show at Iko Hotel and Suites on December 27, 2012 in Lagos, Nigeria. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images)
Folorunso Alakija is one of Nigeria’s most prominent entrepreneurs and philanthropists, widely recognized for her achievements in the oil and fashion industries. Born on July 15, 1951, in Lagos State, she began her professional career as a secretary at the International Merchant Bank before studying fashion design in the United Kingdom. She later established Supreme Stitches, a fashion label that became popular among Nigeria’s elite and political class during the 1980s and 1990s. Her business trajectory expanded dramatically when she entered the oil and gas sector through Famfa Oil Limited, a company that secured a stake in the lucrative Agbami oil field.
Over the years, Alakija has become one of Africa’s wealthiest women and an influential figure in business and philanthropy. Through the Rose of Sharon Foundation, she supports widows and vulnerable women with scholarships, empowerment programmes, and financial assistance. Her career stands as a powerful example of entrepreneurial resilience and leadership, inspiring many women across Africa to pursue opportunities in industries traditionally dominated by men.
IBUKUN AWOSIKA
Ibukun Awosika is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur, leadership expert, and author known for her influence in corporate governance and enterprise development. Born on December 24, 1962, she studied chemistry at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) before venturing into entrepreneurship. She founded The Chair Centre Group, a leading furniture manufacturing and interior solutions company in Nigeria, which grew from a small startup into a major corporate brand.
Awosika gained historic recognition in 2015 when she became the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, one of the country’s oldest financial institutions. Through her leadership roles, public speaking engagements, and mentorship programmes, she has become a prominent advocate for entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and ethical leadership. Her influence extends across Africa’s business ecosystem, where she continues to inspire a new generation of female entrepreneurs.
AMINA J. MOHAMMED
Amina J. Mohammed is a distinguished Nigerian diplomat and international development expert who serves as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. Born on June 27, 1961, she studied at Kaduna Polytechnic and later built a career in architecture and development planning before moving into global policy work. Mohammed became internationally recognized for her expertise in sustainable development and environmental governance.
Before her current role, she served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment and previously as Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General on Post-2015 Development Planning. In that capacity, she played a central role in coordinating the development and global adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through her leadership in global diplomacy and policy formulation, she has become one of Africa’s most influential voices in international development and environmental sustainability.
ARUNMA OTEH
Arunma Oteh is a globally respected Nigerian economist and financial expert known for her contributions to financial sector reforms and international finance. Born in 1965 in Abia State, she studied economics at the University of Nigeria before obtaining an MBA from Harvard Business School. Oteh spent many years working with the African Development Bank, where she rose to the position of Vice President for Corporate Services.
She later served as Director-General of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission, where she spearheaded reforms aimed at restoring investor confidence following the Nigerian stock market crash of 2008. Her career later took her to the World Bank and the University of Oxford, where she has contributed to global discussions on financial governance, economic development, and capital market regulation.
BLESSING OKAGBARE
Blessing Okagbare is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished track and field athletes, celebrated for her achievements in sprinting and long jump competitions. Born on October 9, 1988, in Delta State, she rose to prominence at the 2008 Beijing Olympics where she won a silver medal in the long jump event. Her performance established her as one of Africa’s leading track athletes.
Over the years, Okagbare has won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games, African Championships, and international athletics competitions. Known for her speed, athletic versatility, and competitive spirit, she became a symbol of Nigerian excellence in global sports and inspired a new generation of athletes across the continent.
CHIOMA AJUNWA
Chioma Ajunwa is a historic figure in Nigerian sports as the country’s first Olympic gold medalist in an individual event. Born on December 25, 1970, in Imo State, she initially played professional football before focusing on athletics. Ajunwa achieved global recognition at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games where she won the gold medal in the women’s long jump, marking a landmark moment in Nigerian sporting history.
Beyond athletics, Ajunwa later joined the Nigeria Police Force and rose through the ranks while also promoting youth sports development. She has been actively involved in mentoring young athletes and advocating for better support systems for sports in Nigeria. Her legacy continues to inspire many young Nigerians to pursue excellence in athletics and national service.
MARY ONYALI
Mary Onyali is one of Nigeria’s most decorated sprinters and a trailblazer in African athletics. Born on February 3, 1968, in Rivers State, she represented Nigeria in five Olympic Games between 1988 and 2004. Onyali gained international recognition when she won a bronze medal in the 200-metre race at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Throughout her career, Onyali won numerous medals at the African Championships, Commonwealth Games, and other international competitions. Her longevity in athletics and consistent performances made her one of the most respected figures in Nigerian sports history. After retiring from competitive athletics, she continued to contribute to sports development and youth mentorship programmes.
FUNKE AKINDELE
Funke Akindele is one of Nigeria’s most influential actresses, filmmakers, and producers whose work has significantly shaped modern African cinema. Born on August 24, 1977, in Lagos State, she studied Mass Communication at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and later obtained a law degree from the University of Lagos. She first gained national recognition through the popular television series I Need to Know in the late 1990s but rose to widespread fame with the comedy film Jenifa, which later evolved into the highly successful television series Jenifa’s Diary.
Through her production company, Scene One Productions, Akindele has produced numerous box-office hits and television series that have expanded the reach of Nollywood both locally and internationally. Her films often combine humour with social commentary, addressing themes such as youth culture, ambition, and societal pressures. Beyond entertainment, she has also been involved in political engagement and social advocacy, further establishing herself as a powerful voice in Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.
GENEVIEVE NNAJI
Genevieve Nnaji is a globally recognized Nigerian actress, producer, and director whose career has played a pivotal role in elevating Nollywood to international prominence. Born on May 3, 1979, in Mbaise, Imo State, she began acting as a child in television dramas before transitioning into full-length films. Over the years, she became one of the most respected actresses in Nigeria, starring in numerous critically acclaimed films and earning multiple awards for her performances.
In 2018, she made history as the director of Lionheart, the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix. The film showcased Nigerian storytelling on a global streaming platform and represented a major milestone for the country’s film industry. Beyond acting, Nnaji has also ventured into fashion and entrepreneurship while advocating for women’s empowerment and the global recognition of African creative talent.
TARA FELA-DUROTOYE
Tara Fela-Durotoye is a leading Nigerian beauty entrepreneur and pioneer of the professional makeup industry in Africa. Born on March 6, 1977, she studied law at Lagos State University but later pursued a career in beauty and cosmetics. She founded House of Tara International, which began as a small makeup studio and eventually grew into one of Africa’s most recognized beauty brands.
Through her business ventures, she has trained thousands of makeup artists and entrepreneurs across Nigeria and other African countries. Fela-Durotoye is also known for her mentorship programmes and initiatives aimed at empowering young women in business. Her entrepreneurial journey has made her a role model for aspiring business leaders in Africa’s creative and beauty industries.
NIKE DAVIES-OKUNDAYE
Nike Davies-Okundaye is a renowned Nigerian textile artist and cultural ambassador celebrated for preserving and promoting traditional African art forms. Born in 1951 in Osun State, she became widely known for her mastery of Adire textile design, beadwork, and traditional painting. Without formal university education, she built an extraordinary career through talent, dedication, and cultural advocacy.
She founded the Nike Art Gallery, one of the largest art galleries in West Africa, which has become a major centre for artistic training and cultural preservation. Through her workshops and mentorship programmes, she has trained thousands of artists and artisans, particularly women, helping them develop sustainable livelihoods through art. Her work continues to promote Nigerian culture on the global stage.
IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU
Ijeoma Nwogwugwu is a highly respected Nigerian journalist and editor known for her contributions to investigative journalism and media leadership. She studied history at the University of Lagos and began her journalism career at The Guardian newspaper before moving to THISDAY, where she rose to the position of editor. Her work focused on political reporting, economic analysis, and investigative features that shaped public discourse in Nigeria.
Nwogwugwu later became the founding Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Arise News Channel, an international television network broadcasting African news and perspectives to global audiences. Through her editorial leadership, she has played a key role in strengthening independent journalism and elevating African voices in global media.
IFUEKO OMOIGUI-OKAURU
Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru is a distinguished Nigerian accountant and public administrator best known for transforming Nigeria’s tax administration system. Born in 1949, she studied economics at the University of Lagos and later qualified as a chartered accountant. Her professional career included years of service in the private sector before she was appointed Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
During her tenure from 2004 to 2012, she led sweeping reforms that modernized Nigeria’s tax system, improved compliance, and significantly increased government revenue. Her leadership emphasized transparency, institutional reform, and capacity building within the tax authority. Omoigui-Okauru’s achievements earned her numerous national and international awards and established her as a leading figure in fiscal policy and public sector reform in Nigeria.
NDIDI OKONKWO NWUNELI
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is a social entrepreneur and development expert known for her work in agriculture, nutrition, and social innovation. She studied at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and Harvard Business School before returning to Nigeria to pursue development initiatives. Nwuneli founded LEAP Africa, a leadership development organization that trains young Africans in ethical leadership and entrepreneurship.
She later co-founded AACE Foods, an agro-processing company that sources agricultural produce from local farmers and transforms them into packaged food products. Through her work, she has promoted sustainable agriculture, job creation, and youth empowerment across Africa. Her leadership in social entrepreneurship has made her an influential figure in development and business innovation on the continent.
HANNATU MUSAWA
Hannatu Musa Musawa is a Nigerian lawyer, politician, and public policy advocate who has emerged as a notable figure in Nigeria’s governance and cultural development space. Born in Katsina State, she studied law at the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar. Musawa built a career that spans legal practice, public affairs, and political engagement, gaining recognition for her involvement in policy advocacy and governance discussions. Over the years, she has contributed to political campaigns, policy formulation, and national conversations around youth participation, leadership, and democratic development in Nigeria.
In 2023, she was appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, a role that placed her at the centre of efforts to reposition the country’s cultural and creative industries as drivers of economic growth. In this capacity, Musawa has championed initiatives aimed at promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, expanding opportunities within the creative sector, and strengthening tourism as a viable contributor to national development. Her work reflects a broader commitment to empowering creative professionals and elevating Nigeria’s cultural influence on the global stage.
FOLASHADE YEMI-ESAN
Folashade Yemi-Esan is a distinguished Nigerian public administrator whose career in the civil service spans more than three decades. She rose through the ranks to become the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in 2020, following her appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari after the death of Abba Kyari and the subsequent restructuring of key federal administrative offices. Before reaching the pinnacle of Nigeria’s civil service, she served in several strategic roles, including Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, where she played an important role in administrative coordination within one of Nigeria’s most critical sectors. Known for her professionalism, discipline, and administrative expertise, Yemi-Esan has been widely respected for her commitment to strengthening governance structures and improving efficiency in the Nigerian public service.
As Head of the Civil Service, Yemi-Esan championed reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s bureaucracy and enhancing service delivery across federal ministries, departments, and agencies. She pushed forward initiatives such as the digitalisation of civil service processes, capacity-building programmes for civil servants, and the institutionalisation of performance management systems designed to improve accountability and productivity in government operations. Her leadership has been instrumental in promoting transparency, professional ethics, and gender inclusion within the civil service, making her a role model for women aspiring to leadership in public administration.
UCHE PEDRO
Uche Pedro (born Uchenna Jennifer Eze) is a Nigerian media entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of BellaNaija, one of Africa’s most influential lifestyle and entertainment digital media platforms. She launched the platform in 2006, transforming what began as a personal blog into a leading media-tech brand with multiple extensions such as BellaNaija Weddings and BellaNaija Style. Today, the BellaNaija network generates hundreds of millions of monthly impressions and has played a major role in shaping modern African pop culture, fashion, weddings, and entertainment storytelling.
Beyond media entrepreneurship, Uche Pedro is recognized for her contributions to youth empowerment and civic engagement. She founded the #BNDoGood initiative, which supports social impact organizations, and co-founded PVCitizen, a platform encouraging young Nigerians to participate actively in elections and democratic processes. Her work has earned global recognition, including being listed among Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Africa and being selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, boosting her reputation as a trailblazer in African digital media and innovation.
BUKKY GEORGE
Bukky George is a Nigerian healthcare entrepreneur and the founder and Chief Executive Officer of HealthPlus Limited, one of Nigeria’s pioneering integrated pharmacy chains. She established HealthPlus in 1999 with the vision of transforming the pharmaceutical retail landscape in Nigeria by introducing a modern, customer-focused pharmacy model. Under her leadership, HealthPlus expanded into a well-recognized healthcare brand providing quality medicines, professional pharmaceutical services, and health products across several Nigerian cities.
Beyond building a successful healthcare enterprise, Bukky George has also been a strong advocate for improved access to quality healthcare and pharmaceutical standards in Nigeria. She founded CasaBella International, a beauty retail chain that further expanded her footprint in Nigeria’s health and wellness industry. Widely respected for her entrepreneurial resilience and leadership, she has received numerous recognitions for business excellence and continues to inspire women entrepreneurs across Africa through her contributions to healthcare innovation and enterprise development.
BOLANLE AUSTEN-PETERS
Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters of BAP Productions
Bolanle Austen-Peters is a renowned Nigerian lawyer, theatre director, and creative entrepreneur who has played a pivotal role in revitalizing contemporary stage productions in Nigeria. She is the founder of Terra Kulture, a Lagos-based cultural hub dedicated to promoting Nigerian languages, arts, food, and heritage. Through Terra Kulture and the Terra Kulture Arena theatre, she has produced several successful stage plays and musicals that celebrate Nigerian history and culture.
Austen-Peters gained widespread recognition for producing and directing major theatrical productions such as Saro the Musical and Wakaa the Musical, both of which received international acclaim and toured globally. Expanding her influence into filmmaking, she has also produced notable films including Bling Lagosians and Man of God. Through her creative vision and dedication to storytelling, she has significantly contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s theatre and film industries while promoting African culture on the global stage.
PROF. BOSEDE AFOLABI
Bosede Afolabi is a distinguished medical doctor, researcher, and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Lagos as well as a consultant at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Renowned for her work in maternal and reproductive health, she has devoted much of her career to addressing maternal mortality and improving pregnancy outcomes in Nigeria and across Africa. Her research focuses particularly on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, maternal nutrition, and evidence-based interventions to reduce complications during childbirth.
Beyond clinical practice and teaching, Professor Afolabi is actively involved in global health research collaborations and capacity building in maternal healthcare. She has participated in several international research initiatives aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health in low- and middle-income countries. Through her academic leadership, mentorship of young doctors, and contributions to public health policy discussions, she has become a respected voice in advancing safer motherhood and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
RENA WAKAMA
Rena Wakama is a Nigerian basketball coach and former professional player who has gained national and international recognition for her leadership in women’s basketball. In 2023, she made history when she was appointed head coach of Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, becoming the first female coach to lead the team. Before taking up the role, Wakama had an accomplished playing career and later transitioned into coaching, bringing a strong tactical understanding and passion for developing the sport.
Under her leadership, D’Tigress continued to strengthen Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball, showcasing discipline, teamwork, and resilience on the continental stage. Wakama’s appointment marked an important step for female representation in sports leadership in Nigeria, inspiring young women to pursue careers not only as athletes but also as coaches and sports administrators. Her impact extends beyond the court, as she is widely regarded as a role model for women striving to break barriers in sports.
ADAORA UMEOJI – ZENITH BANK
On June 1, 2024, the newest kid on the block in the banking world, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, mounted the topmost echelon of the Zenith Bank brand as its Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. She is the first female to ever hold the position in the near three decades history of the bank. The Amazon has spent 26 years of her total 30 years in the banking world with Zenith.
Before her appointment however, Umeoji has been the Deputy Managing Director of the bank since October 28, 2016 and has close to 30 years of banking experience of which 26 years has been with Zenith Bank.
According to her profile, Umeoji is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, where she attended the Advanced Management Programme, and an alumnus of Columbia Business School with a Certificate in the Global Banking Program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Jos, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and a first-class honours degree in law from Baze University, Abuja.
She holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration from the University of Calabar, and also has a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA. She holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, and has attended various management programmes in renowned Universities around the world including the strategic thinking and Management programme at Wharton Business School, USA.
She holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, USA, and has attended various management programmes in renowned Universities around the world including the strategic thinking and Management programme at Wharton Business School, USA. She also attended the executive program in Strategic Management, and has a Certificate in Leading Global Business all from Harvard Business School, USA.
She is a fellow of notable professional bodies including the Chartered Banker Institute, UK, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Credit Administration, Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria among others.
NNEKA ONYEALI-IKPE – FIDELITY BANK
No doubt, Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe, reputed as a solid amazon in the finance sector, and a go-getter, has seen and conquered the banking arena, and is honoured among veterans as a solid foundation in Nigeria’s money business. This prompted her reappointment as the CEO of FidelityBank Plc.
Born on July 28, 1964, and on the verge of hitting the diamond age, Nneka, as beloved and close family members, friends and colleagues fondly call her, is a force to reckon with, and has in a space of 32 years and counting, of career banking, brought to bear all the stops that make for great banking and financial experience, climbing to the topmost echelon of investment banking and related areas.
She began her career in 1990, when she was employed as a legal officer for the now-defunct African Continental Bank. She later worked as a treasury officer for the First African Trust Bank, and thereafter joined Zenith Bank, and subsequently the Standard Chartered Bank. Her experience in the course of her sojourn are combined to make her a toast of the banking industry today.
AYODELE TOMI SOMEFUN – UNITY BANK
Prior to her current appointment as the CEO of Unity Bank, Mrs. Ayodele Somefun, another Amazon of Nigerian banking sector, had worked at Credit Bank Limited and UBA Plc. She was also the MD/CEO of UBA Capital & Trustee Limited and the Founding Managing Director of UBA Pension Custodian Limited: two of UBA Group’s major subsidiaries.
She also served as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of directors of UBA Foundations, UBA Trustees, UBA Nominees and UBA Registrars.
In the course of her career with Unity Bank Plc, she served as an Executive Director in charge of Lagos and the South-West region of Nigeria until August, 2015.
Mrs. Tomi Somefun, on August 12, 2015, assumed her role as the Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc.
YETUNDE BOLANLE ONI – UNION BANK
Mrs. Oni’s trajectory in the banking world depicts her as a highly accomplished financial services leader with a successful career spanning over 30 years. She has held senior positions in international and local banks, focusing on emerging markets. In January 2024, Yetunde was appointed by CBN as the Managing Director/CEO of Union Bank of Nigeria.
Before this, Yetunde worked at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited as the pioneer head of commercial clients in September 2014. She became the Managing Director & Country Head of Commercial Banking in West Africa in 2017. During her tenure, she developed and executed comprehensive business growth strategies, managed key relationships, and ensured compliance with group credit policy and local underwriting standards.
BOLAJI AGBEDE – ACCESS HOLDINGS
Mrs. Agbede was appointed CEO of Access Bank on February 11, 2024.
She has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services. Ms Agbede commenced her professional career in 1992 at Guaranty Trust Bank and served in various capacities within the Commercial Banking and Operations functions rising to the position of Manager in 2001. She subsequently served as the Chief Executive Officer of JKG Limited, a business consulting outfit in 2003.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Canfield University UK in 2002. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.
MIRIAM OLUSANYA – GTB
In 2011, Olusanya made history as the first Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, and its subsidiary.
Miriam joined GTBank as an executive Trainee in 1998 and rose through the ranks to the present position she occupies. She was formerly the Group Treasurer and Head of Wholesale Banking.
She obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the prestigious University of Ibadan. She further proceeded to the University of Liverpool where she obtained an MBA in Finance and Accounting. Additionally, she enrolled in various executive programmes at institutions such as Cranfield School of Management.
Miriam Olusanya is an accomplished banker with over 21 years of experience in corporate finance, treasury, assets and liability management and wholesale banking.
IRETI SAMUEL-OGBU – CITI BANK
Prior to being appointed CEO of Citi Bank Group, Samuel-Ogbu was the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Head, Payments and Receivables, Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) under Citi’s Institutional Clients Group (ICG) based in London, UK. She has also been on the Board of Citibank Nigeria Limited for the last 5 years as a non-Executive Director.
Samuel-Ogbu is responsible for leading and protecting the franchise, and with the talented and experienced team in Nigeria, continue to drive performance. She assists Citi’s institutional clients by harnessing the potential of their significant product, functional and geographic capabilities in Nigeria and the region.
HALIMA BUBA – SUN TRUST BANK
The CEO of Sun Trust Bank, Halima Buba, has over two decades of comprehensive banking experience. Her illustrious career spans prominent financial institutions, including Allstates Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Inland Bank Plc, Oceanic Bank Plc, and Ecobank Nigeria Limited. Halima earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and an MBA from the University of Maiduguri.
An alumnus of the Lagos Business School’s Senior Management Programme, she is a Senior Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants.
YEMISI EDUN – FCMB
The Managing Director of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Yemisi Edun holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife and a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a CFA® Charter holder. She is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers; an Associate Member of the Institute of Taxation of Nigeria; a Member of Information Systems Audit and Control, U.S.A; and a Certified Information Systems Auditor.
BUKOLA SMITH – FSDH MERCHANT BANK
Bukola has been the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FSDH Merchant Bank in April 2021, with over 29 years of progressive experience in the banking industry and with a track record of strategic execution and leadership.
Before her appointment as Managing Director, she was the Executive Director, Business Development at First City Monument Bank and held several other leadership positions since joining in 2006. She was responsible for the bank’s over 200 branches across the country, Public Sector, Business Banking, Agriculture and Transaction Banking Divisions. Under her, the bank’s SME focused team in 3 years moved from 5th position in the industry to 1st position in 2019 (KPMG Customer Service Report 2020). In addition, she established the FCMB Women in Business Desk (branded SheVentures) which supports female entrepreneurs; and set up FCMB Trustees and FCMB Custody.
KAFILAT ARAOYE – LOTUS BANK
A graduate of History from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (1985), and an M.Sc. holder in Industrial Relations & Personnel Management from the University of Lagos (1987), Kafilat Araoye has over 25 years experience in banking, graduating as the best student in her class.
She has attended various executive management courses at the Cranfield School of Management (UK), Lagos Business School, Institute of Management Development (Switzerland) and INSEAD (France),Ross business School, University of Michigan(USA). She is certified in specialised banking courses, conferences and seminars, among them are the Structured Trade Finance Course by Euromoney U.K, Payments, Clearing and Settlement Conference by National Association of Clearing Houses, USA 2006, 2007, 2008, International Banker’s Seminar, USA, South Africa and Swift regional conference.
PROFESSOR MARIETU OHUNENE TENUCHE OF KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY
Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, the Acting Vice Chancellor, was born on 29th September, 1959. She obtained her West African School Certificate from Government Girls Secondary School, Yola in 1976.
She obtained a University of Cambridge General Certificate in Education (G.C.E.) Advanced Level Certificate from the School of Basic Studies, Kwara State College of Technology (now Kwara State Polytechnic) Ilorin in1978.
Professor Tenuche graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Upper Division), in Political Science, from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, in 1981. She obtained her Master and Doctorate degrees from the same institution.
Professor Tenuche has received several awards and honours, with the “Worthy Alumnus” award conferred on her by the Department of Political Science, ABU, Zaria, in 2018 as her most cherished.
She holds the traditional title of “OyinOiza” Ebira conferred on her by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji (Dr) Ado Ibrahim, in 2003.
Prof. (Mrs.) Ibiyinka Fuwape was born in Lagos State to the family of Mr. and Mrs. David Ademokun of Ogun State on 18th December, 1962. She had her primary school education at Reagan Memorial Baptist Girls Primary School, Yaba, Lagos. She also obtained her O’Level certificate with a division one grade in 1979 from the Methodist Girls High School, Yaba, Lagos. She proceeded to Queen’s College Yaba for her Higher School Certificate from 1979-1981.
Prof. Fuwape holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Physics (First Class) from the University of Ibadan in 1984. She went on National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from 1984-1985. She holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in 1986 and 1989 respectively from the same University of Ibadan.
She is a Christian and she is happily married to Prof. Joseph Fuwape and blessed with children.
PROFESSOR NNENNA NNANNAYA OTI OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI
Professor (Mrs.) Nnenna Nnannaya Oti is from Afikpo, Ebonyi State. A highly seasoned, versatile and accomplished scholar, Nnenna is a Professor of Soil Science and Environmental Conservation, who was recently appointed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).
Prof. Nnenna Oti made a First Class Honours Degree in Soil Science, and has an M.Sc in Soil Microbiology/Biochemistry from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), before proceeding to the Katholieke Universitiet Leuven, Belgium, where she bagged a PGD (Distinction) in Irrigation Engineering. In 2002, Nnenna broke an unusual record when she won the NUC – Best PhD in Nigeria Award.
A Fellow of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, Prof. Nnenna Oti, is a Chartered Soil Scientist, Member Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Member Soil Science Society of America, Member Crop Science Society of America and Member Agronomy Society of America and a host of others.
She is a Christian who firmly believes in family values, truth, honesty, integrity, forgiveness, humility, loyalty and hard work. She is married with 3 adult children. THE ONLY LIFE WORTH LIVING IS THE LIFE OF SERVICE TO HUMANITY!
PROFESSOR ADENIKE TEMIDAYO OLADIJI OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE
Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji was born on 27th April, 1968. She attended Christ Anglican School, Ijomu-Oro, Iludun Oro Nursery and Primary School between 1972 and 1977 and St. Claire’s Anglican Grammar School, Offa from 1977 to 1982, all in Kwara State, for her secondary education. She holds a B.Sc Biochemistry, Second Class Upper Division Degree from the University of Ilorin, 1988, MSc. Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, 1991 and Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin, 1997. She joined the services of the University of Ilorin in July 1992 as Assistant Lecturer and was appointed a Professor in September 2011.
She has over 29 years of continuous service in the university system.
A prolific reseacher with over 100 publications, Professor Oladiji has won many distinctions and awards which include University’s Merit Award, Certificate of Merit and scholarships among others. She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and Fellow, Nigerian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She has served as Member of various Scienctific Committees at the National Universities Commission, NUC, Tertiary Education Fund, TetFund and has been an external examiner in over 20 Universities in Nigeria and outside the country.
She is happily married and blessed with children.
PROF. FOLASADE TOLULOPE OGUNSOLA OF UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS
Folasade Tolulope Ogunsola (born 1958) is a Nigerian professor of medical microbiology, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos. She specializes in disease control, particularly HIV/AIDS. Ogunsola was provost of College of Medicine, University of Lagos and is reputed as being the first woman to occupy the position. She was also the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services) of the institution between 2017 and 2021. She was acting vice chancellor of the University of Lagos for a short period in 2020 when the University was plunged into crisis as a result of the removal of the Vice Chancellor by the University Council.
Ogunsola was raised in University of Ibadan where her father, Akin Mabogunje lectured. As a child, she mimicked medical practitioners by using dolls as patients, while offering medical care to them. She attended Queen’s College, Lagos. Between 1974 and 1982, she obtained her first degree from University of Ife and a master’s degree from College of Medicine, University of Lagos, then proceeded for her doctorate at University of Wales between 1992 and 1997.
PROF IBIYEMI OLATUNJI-BELLO OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY
Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello was “born in Lagos on April 23, 1964. She had her primary education at Anglican Girls Primary School, Surulere, from 1970 to 1974 and her secondary education at Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School, Surulere, between 1974 and 1979.
“Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello then proceeded to Methodist Girls High School, Yaba, and Lagos State College of Science and Technology, Ikosi Campus where she did her ‘A’ level in 1982.
“For her university education, she attended the University of Ibadan from 1982 to 1985 where she bagged a B.Sc (Hons) in Physiology. In 1987, at the University of Lagos, she was awarded M.Sc (Physiology). In 1998, she was awarded a PhD in Physiology, also at the University of Lagos after attending a 6-month research training in the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in the US in 1994.
PROFESSOR LILIAN IMUETINYAN SALAMI OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
Professor Lilian Imuetinyan Salami was born on the 8th of August 1956 to the family of Late Benjamin Idemudia Emovon and Mrs. Alice Omoariagbon both from Obadan Community in Uhunmwode Local government Area of the Benin Kingdom. She attended Baptist High School and Itohan Girls Grammar School both in Benin /city from 1969 – 1975. Thereafter, she gained admission into the North Dakota Universisty in Fargo, North Dakota, USA, where she obtained a BSc degree in Home Economics in 1979. She subsequently obtained a Master of Science degree in Nutrition from the same University in 1982.
Professor Salami returned to Nigeria to observe her National Youth Service (NYSC) in 1982 and proceeded to obtain her PhD degree in Human Nutrition at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1991. Due to her passion for education, she studied for and was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Education by the University of Benin in 2001 and a Postdoctoral degree in Tourism and Hospitality, this time from the Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa in 2005.
Professor Salami is a fellow of the International Federation of Home Economics (IFHE),Nutrition society of Nigeria (NSN) and Home Economics Professional Association of Nigeria (HEPAN). She was the pioneer president of Home Economics Teachers’ Association of Edo State and a steering member of Home Economics Council of Nigeria. She was also a pioneer member of African Nutrition leadership programme, South Africa.
FLORENCE BANKU OBI OF UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR
Florence Banku Obi is an academic, author and a professor of special education. She is the 11th substantive vice-chancellor of University of Calabar and the first female vice-chancellor since the inception of the institution. After her appointment as the new VC, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who chairs the Senate Adhoc Committee on Constitution Review, described Prof. Obi as “an astute educational icon.” She was previously the deputy vice-chancellor, academics and commissioner for women affairs in Cross River State. She was a candidate in the 2015 VC election but was not elected until 2020 when she became the first woman to be elected. In 2007, she served as the social development and member of the executive council, Cross River State.
Obi is from Bansan–Osokom, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Obi is married with four children and six grandchildren.
PROF. OLAYINKA RAMOTA KARIM OF FOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY OSOGBO
Karim Olayinka Ramota is a native of Ijebu Ode, Ogun state. She is a Professor in the Department of Home Economics and Food Science, University of Ilorin, Kwara State. and has a Ph.D. and B.Sc. in Food Science & Technology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. As a NASFAT Muslim, Ramota believes that interreligious dialogue and mediation is important in increasing her skills and knowledge in her service to humanity.
OLUBUNMI KUKU
Olubunmi Kuku is a highly respected Nigerian corporate executive and aviation administrator who has carved a niche for herself through decades of experience in global finance, technology, and aviation management. She rose to national prominence following her appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), one of the most strategic institutions in Nigeria’s transportation sector. With a professional career that spans several continents, she has worked with globally renowned institutions including Visa Inc., Ernst & Young, and Accenture, where she contributed to financial advisory services, risk management, and technology-driven business transformation. Her expertise has been widely acknowledged for helping organisations modernise operational systems and improve efficiency.
Since assuming leadership at FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku has been widely recognised for bringing fresh energy, global best practices, and strategic thinking to Nigeria’s aviation sector. Her leadership has focused on strengthening airport infrastructure, improving passenger experience, enhancing safety standards, and ensuring more transparent management of aviation resources. Known for her disciplined work ethic and results-oriented leadership style, she continues to advocate innovation and digital transformation within the aviation industry. Through her accomplishments, she has become one of the most influential female figures in Nigeria’s public sector leadership, inspiring younger professionals—especially women—to pursue excellence in fields traditionally dominated by men.
CAPT. BOLAJI AGBELUSI
Bolaji Agbelusi is an aviation expert and professional pilot whose career reflects discipline, courage, and a passion for excellence in one of the world’s most technically demanding professions. As a commercial airline pilot, she has earned recognition for her commitment to safety, operational precision, and high professional standards within the aviation industry. Her journey into aviation required years of rigorous training, technical education, and flight experience, all of which she has successfully navigated to establish herself as a respected figure within the field.
Beyond the cockpit, Agbelusi is widely admired for her dedication to mentoring aspiring aviators, particularly young women who often face challenges entering the aviation sector. She actively promotes awareness about aviation careers and encourages more female participation in the industry. Through her work and public engagement, she continues to demonstrate that determination, discipline, and passion can open doors in even the most competitive professional fields. Her growing influence within aviation circles has positioned her among the notable Nigerian women making significant contributions to the sector.
OJYE OKPE
Ojye Okpe is a distinguished broadcast journalist and television anchor widely recognised for her insightful reporting and eloquent presentation of national and international issues. With years of experience in broadcast journalism, she has become one of the prominent voices shaping public discourse in Nigeria’s media landscape. As a senior anchor at Arise News, she has moderated several high-profile interviews and discussions involving political leaders, policymakers, and business executives.
Through her work on television, Ojye Okpe has earned a reputation for professionalism, balanced reporting, and intellectual depth. Her ability to analyse complex political and economic developments has made her a respected figure among viewers and colleagues alike. Over the years, she has also played a key role in elevating the standards of television journalism in Nigeria, inspiring many aspiring journalists who look up to her career path as a model of credibility and excellence in broadcast media.
AYO MAIRO-ESE
Ayo Mairo-Ese is a well-known Nigerian media personality, journalist, and television presenter whose career has been defined by eloquence, versatility, and professionalism. She has worked with some of Nigeria’s leading broadcast platforms, including Arise News and Channels Television, where she gained recognition for hosting engaging programmes that address social, political, and cultural issues affecting society.
Her role as a television host has allowed her to interact with influential personalities across different sectors while moderating important national conversations. Known for her calm demeanor and articulate presentation style, Mairo-Ese has built a reputation as a trusted media professional. In addition to broadcasting, she is also an accomplished event host and moderator, often invited to anchor major conferences and corporate events. Her work continues to inspire young Nigerians interested in media and communications.
MAUPE OGUN-YUSUF
Maupe Ogun-Yusuf is one of Nigeria’s most respected broadcast journalists, known for her calm authority, sharp interviewing skills, and deep understanding of national issues. She rose to prominence as a presenter on Channels Television, where she co-hosts the widely watched current affairs programme Sunrise Daily. Through this platform, she has conducted interviews with leading political figures, policymakers, economists, and analysts.
Her ability to ask incisive questions and guide complex conversations has earned her the admiration of viewers and colleagues across Nigeria. Ogun-Yusuf is widely regarded as a symbol of professionalism and integrity in journalism. Over the years, she has contributed significantly to the advancement of political and current affairs broadcasting in Nigeria, inspiring many young journalists who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
VIMBAI MUTINHIRI-EKPENYONG
Though originally a Zimbabwean, Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpenyong, media personality, actress, and television host who has successfully built a career across Africa’s entertainment and broadcasting industries,is now Nigerian by virtue of marriage. She first gained widespread recognition as a finalist on the reality television show Big Brother Africa, which introduced her to millions of viewers across the continent. Following this exposure, she transitioned into television hosting, acting, and media entrepreneurship.
Over the years, Vimbai has hosted numerous high-profile events, award shows, and red-carpet programmes across Africa. Her charisma, elegance, and media savvy have made her a familiar face at major entertainment gatherings. Beyond entertainment, she has also ventured into digital media and lifestyle branding, establishing platforms that promote African culture and creativity. Her career reflects the evolving influence of African media personalities in shaping global perceptions of the continent’s entertainment industry.
LINDA IKEJI
Linda Ikeji is one of Africa’s most successful digital entrepreneurs and a pioneer of celebrity blogging in Nigeria. Rising from modest beginnings, she built a media empire through her blog, Linda Ikeji’s Blog, which became one of the most widely read online platforms in Africa. Her website gained massive popularity for breaking entertainment news, celebrity stories, and lifestyle content, attracting millions of readers across the continent and the diaspora.
Beyond blogging, Ikeji expanded her influence into television, publishing, and digital media through ventures such as Linda Ikeji TV. Her entrepreneurial success has made her a symbol of innovation within Nigeria’s digital economy. Known for her philanthropic efforts and motivational messages encouraging women to pursue financial independence, Linda Ikeji remains a powerful example of how creativity and determination can transform opportunities in the digital age.
CAPTAIN IBIRONKE ROTIMI-OLAJIDE
Captain Ibironke Rotimi-Olajide is a distinguished aviation professional and one of the pioneering female commercial pilots in the country. She is regarded as the first female pilot and captain in Africa to fly the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. She is currently the captain at Air Peace. Through years of dedication, rigorous training, and exceptional flying skills, she rose through the ranks to become one of the most respected female captains in Nigerian aviation. Her career has seen her command various commercial aircraft on domestic and international routes, demonstrating remarkable professionalism, discipline, and leadership in the cockpit. Her success has not only elevated her personal career but has also opened doors and inspired more Nigerian women to pursue careers in aviation.
Beyond her achievements in the cockpit, Captain Rotimi-Olajide has become a symbol of determination, resilience, and female empowerment in Nigeria’s aviation sector. She has participated in several mentoring and advocacy efforts aimed at encouraging young people—especially girls—to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and aviation.
ASISAT OSHOALA
Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala is one of Nigeria’s most celebrated female athletes and a global ambassador for women’s football. Born in Lagos, Oshoala has risen to international prominence as a forward for FC Barcelona Femení in the Spanish Primera División and as a key player for the Nigeria women’s national football team, popularly known as the Super Falcons. Known for her speed, skill, and clinical finishing, she has earned numerous accolades, including multiple African Women’s Footballer of the Year awards. Her exploits on the field have made her an inspiration to young girls across Africa, demonstrating that talent combined with dedication can achieve global recognition in sports.
Beyond her sporting achievements, Oshoala is an influential figure off the pitch, using her platform– the Asisat Oshoala Academy–to advocate for the development of women’s football in Africa and to inspire youth empowerment through sports. She has partnered with several initiatives promoting education, gender equality, and access to sports facilities for young girls. As a role model, she exemplifies resilience, discipline, and ambition, showing how sports can be a catalyst for social change.
ODUNAYO EWENIYI
Odunayo Eweniyi is a prominent Nigerian technology entrepreneur and advocate for women in the digital economy. She is best known as the co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of PiggyVest, one of Nigeria’s leading financial technology platforms that helps millions of users cultivate disciplined savings and investment habits. Since its launch in 2016, PiggyVest has revolutionized personal finance in Nigeria by providing secure and accessible digital tools that encourage savings and wealth creation. Through her work in the fintech space, Eweniyi has played a crucial role in driving financial inclusion, particularly among young Nigerians who are embracing technology-driven financial solutions.
Beyond her success in business, Eweniyi is widely recognized as a passionate advocate for gender equality and women’s participation in technology. She is a co-founder of Feminist Coalition, a group that gained global recognition for its advocacy for women’s rights and civic engagement in Nigeria. A graduate of Covenant University where she studied Computer Engineering, she has received numerous accolades for her influence in Africa’s technology ecosystem. Her work has been acknowledged internationally, including recognition by Forbes in its 30 Under 30 list.
JOSEPHINE ODUMAKIN
Josephine Odumakin is one of Nigeria’s most prominent voices in the struggle for human rights, democracy, and social justice. A fearless activist and public intellectual, she has spent decades advocating for the protection of civil liberties, gender equality, and good governance in Nigeria. She is widely known as the President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, a civil society movement dedicated to empowering women and mobilizing citizens to demand accountability and justice. Through the organization, Odumakin has led numerous campaigns, peaceful protests, and advocacy initiatives aimed at defending the rights of marginalized groups and addressing issues such as gender-based violence, political oppression, and social inequality.
Beyond her activism, Odumakin has built an impressive career in public advocacy and policy engagement. She holds a doctorate in History and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos and has long been involved in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement. Over the years, she has worked with several human rights organizations and international bodies, earning recognition for her courage and dedication to democratic ideals. Her work has positioned her as a powerful symbol of resilience and civic responsibility, inspiring many Nigerians—particularly women and young people—to participate actively in the defense of democracy and human rights.
CHINWE EGWIM
Chinwe Egwim is a respected Nigerian economist, policy analyst, and thought leader in the field of economic development and financial markets. She serves as the Chief Economist and Head of Research and Intelligence at Coronation Merchant Bank, where she leads the bank’s economic research initiatives, providing strategic insights into Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment, financial markets, and investment landscape. Over the years, Egwim has gained recognition for her deep analytical expertise and her ability to interpret complex economic trends, offering guidance to policymakers, investors, and business leaders navigating Nigeria’s evolving economic terrain. Through her research publications, policy commentaries, and conference presentations, she has become a trusted voice on issues such as fiscal policy, economic reforms, and sustainable growth within Africa’s largest economy.
Egwim’s professional journey reflects a strong academic foundation and a commitment to advancing economic knowledge in Nigeria and beyond. She holds degrees in Economics, including postgraduate qualifications, and has participated in several global policy dialogues and research collaborations focused on economic development, gender inclusion, and financial sustainability. Beyond her corporate role, she is widely regarded as an advocate for youth empowerment and women’s leadership in economics and finance, frequently speaking at academic and professional forums where she encourages greater female participation in economic policymaking.
EMEM USORO
Emem Nnana Usoro is a distinguished Nigerian banker and financial leader whose career spans more than two decades in the banking and financial services sector. She currently serves as Deputy Governor for Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria, a role she assumed in 2023 following her appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Prior to joining the apex bank, she built an impressive career in commercial banking, particularly at United Bank for Africa, where she served as Executive Director for the Northern region. In that position, she oversaw banking operations across several states, guiding strategic growth across more than 150 branches while strengthening the bank’s presence in Northern Nigeria. Her expertise spans retail, commercial, corporate, and public-sector banking, making her one of the most accomplished female banking executives in the country.
Usoro’s professional journey reflects a strong commitment to financial inclusion, strategic leadership, and institutional growth within Nigeria’s banking system. A graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Uyo, she later earned an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University and attended executive programs at both Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School. Throughout her career she has held various leadership roles including regional director and directorate head in the banking industry, where she became known for driving business expansion, operational excellence, and financial literacy initiatives, particularly in underserved regions. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, she represents a new generation of Nigerian female leaders shaping policy, strengthening financial institutions, and advancing economic development across the country.
MICHELLE ALOZIE
Michelle Alozie is a talented Nigerian-American footballer who has made her mark as a forward for the Nigeria women’s national football team and in international club football. Born in the United States, Alozie developed her football skills at a young age, combining speed, agility, and scoring instinct to become a dynamic presence on the field. She has competed in top-tier leagues abroad, gaining recognition for her technical ability, tactical intelligence, and leadership qualities. As a member of the Super Falcons, she contributes significantly to Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football, helping the team in continental championships and international tournaments.
Off the pitch, Alozie work part time as a research technician at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, specializing in acute leukemia and cancer research.
NKIRU ANUMUDU
Nkiru Anumudu is a well‑known Nigerian society figure and influential fashion icon celebrated for her poised presence, impeccable style, and enduring role in high‑profile social circles in Lagos and beyond. Married to the late billionaire businessman Willie Anumudu, former Chairman of Globe Motors Limited, she became widely recognised in Nigerian elite society for her support of luxury brands, attendance at major fashion and cultural events, and her ability to blend contemporary trends with personal flair, earning her a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most photographed and stylish women. Her fashion sense—often featuring high‑end international designer ensembles—continues to attract attention in lifestyle and society pages, making her an enduring symbol of elegance and sophistication.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Nkiru Anumudu is also respected for navigating life’s challenges with resilience, particularly after the passing of her husband in 2020, which saw her temporarily withdraw from the social scene before gradually returning with renewed grace and strength. In recent years she has been featured at major fashion shows and social events, often alongside her daughter, highlighting her sustained influence in Nigeria’s fashion and lifestyle spheres.
KEMI IBRU
Kemi DaSilva‑Ibru is a highly respected Nigerian medical doctor, public health specialist, and social activist whose work focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls across Nigeria and Africa. A trained obstetrician and gynaecologist with over two decades of clinical experience, she combines her medical expertise with a deep commitment to addressing systemic issues affecting women’s health and rights. Dr. DaSilva‑Ibru completed her medical training at the University of Lagos and pursued postgraduate specialisation in obstetrics and gynaecology at Howard University, followed by a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; she is currently undertaking a PhD in gender‑based violence at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Her professional journey spans clinical practice, research, public health leadership, and global advocacy, making her a leading voice in women’s health and gender equity.
Dr. DaSilva‑Ibru is best known as the founder and Executive Director of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), a prominent non‑profit organisation dedicated to combating sexual and gender‑based violence, rape, and the trafficking of girls and young women in Nigeria and beyond. Through WARIF’s holistic model, she has pioneered comprehensive services that include free medical care, psychosocial support, education, community outreach, and advocacy campaigns designed to prevent violence and support survivors. Her leadership has earned her international recognition, including being named to the prestigious Forbes 50 Over 50 Europe, Middle East & Africa list and being invited to serve as a regional representative on the UN ACT Global Civil Society Steering Committee on Ending Violence against Women and Girls. By bridging clinical care with advocacy and policy engagement, Kemi DaSilva‑Ibru continues to advance efforts toward a world where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.
ADAOBI NWAKUCHE
Adaobi Nwakuche is a seasoned Nigerian insurance industry leader with over 25 years of experience across key roles in major insurance firms. She currently serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Veritas Kapital Assurance, where she leads strategic direction, business growth, and stakeholder engagement for the publicly‑listed underwriting firm. Before her appointment at Veritas, Nwakuche was the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of Heirs Insurance Limited and has held senior leadership positions including Executive Director at Heirs Holdings Group, Director (Commercial) at Equity Assurance, and other significant roles at Staco and Standard Alliance Insurance, reflecting her deep industry expertise and dynamic leadership. Her appointment at Veritas—which still required final regulatory approval at the time of announcement—underscores her reputation as a respected and influential voice in Nigeria’s insurance sector.
Nwakuche’s career is marked by strategic transformation, strong commercial insight, and commitment to excellence in risk management and underwriting. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Public Administration from Abia State University, an MBA in Business Administration from ESUT Business School, and a Doctorate in Insurance, Risk Management and Corporate Governance from European American University. An alumna of the Harvard Kennedy School and Lagos Business School, she is also a member of both the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria and the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK). Under her leadership, her companies have recorded notable financial growth and enhanced market positioning, showcasing her impact as a transformative leader in Nigeria’s financial services landscape.
TEMILADE OPENIYI (TEMS)
Tems (Temilade Openiyi) is a globally acclaimed Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer known for her distinctive voice, Afrobeat-infused sound, and genre-blending style. She first gained widespread recognition with her hit single “Try Me” in 2019, which earned her critical acclaim and established her as one of Africa’s leading female artists. Her music seamlessly fuses Afrobeat, soul, R&B, and alternative sounds, creating a signature style that resonates with audiences worldwide. Tems has collaborated with prominent international artists, most notably contributing to Future’s “Wait For U,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023, and she has also featured on Beyoncé’s Renaissance album, further cementing her global presence.
Beyond her musical talent, Tems is recognized for her influence on the African music scene and her role as a cultural ambassador for Nigerian music worldwide. She has received multiple awards, including MTV Europe Music Awards, BET Awards, and Headies recognitions, while also being celebrated for her fashion-forward persona and social advocacy.
OMOTOLA EKEINDE
Omotola Ekeinde is one of Nigeria’s most iconic and influential actresses, widely celebrated for her extensive contributions to Nollywood, the country’s thriving film industry. Often referred to as “Omosexy” for her enduring charm and screen presence, she has starred in over 300 films since her debut in the mid-1990s, spanning diverse genres from drama and romance to action and social commentary. Beyond acting, Omotola is also a singer, producer, and entrepreneur, demonstrating remarkable versatility in her career. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including awards at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and recognition as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world in 2013, highlighting her impact both within and beyond the entertainment industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Omotola is a committed philanthropist and social advocate. She founded the Omotola Youth Empowerment Program (OYEP), which focuses on supporting underprivileged youth through education, mentorship, and skills acquisition initiatives. She has also collaborated with international organizations, including the United Nations, on campaigns addressing issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness, gender equality, and poverty alleviation.
DAMILOLA OGUNBIYI
Damilola Ogunbiyi is widely recognized as one of the most influential Nigerian women on the global stage in the field of sustainable energy and climate advocacy. An accomplished engineer, policy expert, and development leader, she currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), a global organization working to ensure universal access to sustainable and modern energy. In addition, she co-chairs UN‑Energy, the United Nations’ mechanism for coordinating energy-related activities across the UN system. Ogunbiyi has earned international respect for her strategic leadership in mobilizing governments, private sector stakeholders, and development partners toward accelerating clean energy access, particularly in developing countries where millions still live without reliable electricity.
Before assuming her global leadership roles, Ogunbiyi played a transformative part in Nigeria’s energy sector as the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Federal Government of Nigeria. During her tenure, she spearheaded ambitious initiatives aimed at expanding off-grid and renewable energy solutions to underserved communities across the country, helping to power homes, schools, hospitals, and small businesses in rural areas. Through innovative programmes and strong international partnerships, she helped position Nigeria as a leading example of how decentralized renewable energy can drive economic development.
FIFI EJINDU
Fifi Ejindu is a distinguished Nigerian architect, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for her pioneering contributions to architecture, business, and cultural promotion in Africa. Born Offiong Ekanem Ejindu in Ibadan, Nigeria, she comes from a prominent lineage as the great-granddaughter of King James Ekpo Bassey of Cobham Town in Calabar. Educated internationally, she studied architecture at the Pratt Institute in New York, where she became the first Black African woman to earn a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the institution. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and gained professional experience in the United States before returning to Nigeria to build her career. Her architectural style is widely recognized for blending contemporary design with African cultural aesthetics, helping to shape modern Nigerian architecture while preserving elements of traditional heritage.
Beyond architecture, Fifi Ejindu has established herself as a formidable business leader and cultural advocate. In 1995, she founded the Starcrest Group, a diversified conglomerate involved in real estate, construction, project management, and oil and gas. Through this enterprise, she has delivered several high-profile projects and contributed to economic development and job creation in Nigeria. She is also the convener of the African Arts and Fashion Initiative, a platform dedicated to promoting African creativity and providing opportunities for emerging designers and artists. Renowned for her philanthropy and commitment to women’s empowerment, Ejindu has supported numerous initiatives focused on youth development and cultural advancement, earning several international recognitions and awards for her contributions to business, architecture, and society.
STELLA OKOLI
Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli is a renowned Nigerian pharmacist, entrepreneur, and one of Africa’s most respected pharmaceutical industry leaders. Born on July 30, 1944, in Kano State, Nigeria, she hails from Nnewi in Anambra State. She studied pharmacy at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom, where she obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy degree before gaining professional experience in pharmaceutical practice both abroad and in Nigeria. Driven by a strong vision to improve access to quality medicines in Nigeria, she founded Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited in 1984, starting the business from a small pharmacy shop. Through resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to healthcare delivery, Okoli gradually transformed the company into one of the largest indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturers in Nigeria.
Under her leadership, Emzor grew into a major healthcare brand producing a wide range of essential medicines, including analgesics, vitamins, and antibiotics widely used across Nigeria and beyond. Stella Okoli’s entrepreneurial success has played a crucial role in strengthening Nigeria’s local pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and reducing reliance on imported drugs. Beyond business, she is widely respected for her philanthropy and dedication to public health initiatives, supporting educational scholarships, medical outreach programmes, and community development projects. Over the years, her outstanding contributions to healthcare, entrepreneurship, and national development have earned her numerous awards and honours, firmly establishing her as one of Nigeria’s most influential women in business and healthcare.
DAISY DANJUMA
Daisy Danjuma is a prominent Nigerian politician, business executive, and philanthropist who has made remarkable contributions to governance and the corporate sector in Nigeria. Born Daisy Ehanire Danjuma on August 6, 1952, in Benin City, Edo State, she received her early education in Nigeria before studying law at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. After being called to the Nigerian Bar, she began her professional career as a legal officer at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she later rose to the position of company secretary and legal adviser. Her passion for public service eventually led her into politics, and in 2003 she was elected as the Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, where she served until 2007 and was known for her advocacy on social welfare and national development issues.
Beyond politics, Daisy Danjuma has established herself as a highly respected figure in Nigeria’s business landscape. She is the Executive Vice Chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO), a major indigenous oil and gas exploration company founded by her husband, Theophilus Danjuma. Through her leadership role, she has contributed significantly to the growth of the company and to the advancement of indigenous participation in Nigeria’s energy sector. Known for her elegance, intellect, and philanthropy, Danjuma has also been actively involved in humanitarian initiatives, particularly those that promote women’s empowerment, education, and community development. Her achievements across politics, business, and social advocacy have firmly positioned her as one of Nigeria’s influential female leaders.
BOLA SHAGAYA
Bola Shagaya is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and influential figure in the country’s business and social circles. Born on October 10, 1959, in Ilorin, Kwara State, she had her early education in Nigeria before furthering her studies abroad. She began her professional career in the banking sector, working with the Central Bank of Nigeria before venturing into private enterprise. In 1983, she founded Bolmus Group International, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning oil and gas, real estate, banking, and photography. Through her business acumen and strategic investments, Shagaya steadily built a thriving enterprise that established her as one of Nigeria’s most successful female entrepreneurs.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Bola Shagaya is widely respected for her philanthropy and commitment to community development. She has supported numerous charitable initiatives through the Bola Shagaya Foundation, focusing particularly on education, healthcare, and empowerment programmes for women and young people. Known for her elegance, generosity, and strong influence within Nigeria’s elite circles, she has also served as a patron and supporter of several cultural and humanitarian organisations. Over the years, her contributions to business, philanthropy, and national development have earned her numerous recognitions, including national honours such as the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), further boosting her reputation as one of Nigeria’s notable and impactful women.
PATIENCE JONATHAN
Patience Jonathan is an educationist, politician, and women’s rights advocate who gained national prominence as the First Lady of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 during the presidency of her husband, Goodluck Jonathan. Born on October 25, 1957, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, she had her early education in Rivers State before pursuing higher studies in education. She attended the Rivers State College of Education where she obtained the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), and later earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Port Harcourt. Before entering the national spotlight, she worked as a teacher and later as a public servant in the Rivers State civil service, gradually building a career in education and community development.
As First Lady, Patience Jonathan became widely known for her advocacy for women’s empowerment, youth development, and improved healthcare services. She founded and supported several initiatives aimed at uplifting women and vulnerable groups, including the Women for Change and Development Initiative, a platform dedicated to encouraging greater participation of women in politics and leadership across Nigeria. Through her programmes and public engagements, she championed issues relating to maternal health, girl-child education, and social inclusion. Despite attracting both admiration and criticism during her time in public office, Patience Jonathan remains a notable figure in Nigeria’s political and social landscape, remembered for her strong grassroots appeal and her efforts to amplify the voices of women in governance.
UJU IFEJIKA
Uju Ifejika is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur, industrialist, and corporate leader recognized for her contributions to Nigeria’s maritime, oil and gas, and logistics sectors. She studied law at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and was later called to the Nigerian Bar, beginning her professional career in legal practice. Driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, she later ventured into business and established herself as a key player in Nigeria’s marine and energy industries. Her strategic vision and leadership enabled her to build successful enterprises in sectors traditionally dominated by men, positioning her as one of Nigeria’s influential female business figures.
Uju Ifejika is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, an indigenous oil exploration and production company involved in upstream petroleum operations. She is also the chairperson of Brittania-U Group, which has interests in shipping, logistics, oil and gas services, and energy. Under her leadership, the company has secured significant oil blocks and expanded its presence within Nigeria’s energy sector. Known for her resilience and strategic leadership, Ifejika has also been active in promoting indigenous participation in the oil industry and encouraging women’s involvement in business and leadership. Through her achievements and influence, she has become a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and a respected figure in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
BIMBO OLOYEDE
Bimbo Oloyede is a distinguished Nigerian broadcast journalist, media executive, and communications expert widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern television broadcasting in Nigeria. Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, she received her education both in Nigeria and abroad, studying journalism and communications in the United States. She rose to national prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as a presenter on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where she anchored the widely respected news and current affairs programme Newsline. Through her eloquence, professionalism, and commanding on-screen presence, Oloyede became one of the most recognizable faces on Nigerian television and played a significant role in shaping broadcast journalism in the country.
Beyond her work as a broadcaster, Bimbo Oloyede has made substantial contributions to media development, communications consulting, and leadership training. She later founded El‑Argent Media, a media and communications consultancy firm that provides training and advisory services to organizations and professionals. She has also served as a mentor and advocate for excellence in journalism, helping to nurture a new generation of media practitioners. Renowned for her articulate delivery, intellectual depth, and dedication to ethical journalism, Oloyede remains an influential figure in Nigeria’s media landscape and a respected voice in discussions on communication, leadership, and national development.
TOBI AMUSAN
Tobi Amusan is a world-class Nigerian sprinter and hurdler who has brought global recognition to Nigeria through her extraordinary performances in athletics. Born on April 23, 1997, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, she began her athletic journey at a young age, demonstrating remarkable speed and agility in school competitions. Amusan honed her skills at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in the United States, where she studied and competed for the university’s track and field team, gaining international exposure and refining her technique in the 100-meter hurdles, her signature event. Her dedication, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence quickly set her apart as one of the most promising athletes in Africa.
Tobi Amusan’s career has been marked by historic achievements and record-breaking performances. She became the first Nigerian to win a gold medal in the 100-meter hurdles at the World Athletics Championships, setting a new world record of 12.12 seconds in the semifinals. She has also represented Nigeria in multiple Olympic Games, African Championships, and Commonwealth Games, earning several medals and accolades along the way. Beyond her athletic feats, Amusan is celebrated for her role as a trailblazer for African women in sports, inspiring young athletes across the continent to pursue excellence. Her determination, sportsmanship, and global achievements have cemented her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential and accomplished female athletes.
FOLU ADEBOYE
Folu Adeboye, fondly called Mummy G.O. or Mother‑in‑Israel, is a respected Nigerian pastor, educator, mentor, and global Christian leader. Born Foluke Adenike Adeyokunnu on July 13, 1948, she comes from a royal family in Ijesha, Osun State, and pursued a life dedicated to education and service. She trained as a teacher at the United Missionary College in Ibadan and later worked passionately in teaching and Christian education early in her ministry. She is best known as the wife of Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and has been a powerful spiritual influence both within Nigeria and internationally.
Pastor Folu Adeboye’s impact extends far beyond her role as a pastor’s spouse — she is an advocate for education, women’s empowerment, and community development. Over the decades, she has played a pivotal role in establishing and growing Christian education initiatives, including numerous schools under the RCCG umbrella, and has championed literacy and vocational training for vulnerable groups. She founded outreach ministries such as Habitation of Hope to support and empower street‑connected youths and Africa Missions Global for evangelism and community transformation. In addition to her educational and humanitarian work, she organizes the annual Feast of Esther, a fellowship for women leaders, and has received recognition for her leadership, including being appointed Chancellor of Caleb University in Lagos state in 2026.
NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN
Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan is a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, and politician who has risen to national prominence through her advocacy, legal expertise, and determined pursuit of public office. Born Natasha Hadiza Akpoti on December 9, 1979, in Ilorin to a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mother, she received her early education in Nigeria before studying law at the University of Abuja and being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005 after attending the Nigerian Law School. She later earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Dundee in Scotland. Before entering politics, Akpoti‑Uduaghan worked as legal counsel at Brass LNG and founded the Builders Hub Impact Investment Program (BHIIP), focusing on community development and empowerment. She first contested elective office in 2019 and, in 2023, was elected as the first female senator from Kogi State, representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
As a senator, Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan has been a vocal advocate for gender equality, social justice, infrastructure development, and the economic revitalisation of her constituency. She has championed initiatives for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill and legislative efforts on gender-based violence and women’s rights, earning accolades such as the Politician of the Year award at the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards and the This Day Senator of the Year award in 2025.
DAME WINIFRED AKPANI
Dame Winifred Akpani is one of Nigeria’s most influential businesswomen and a trailblazer in the traditionally male‑dominated oil and gas industry. Born and educated in Nigeria—with a B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Benin and a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science from the University of Lagos—she began her career as a trainee accountant and qualified as a Chartered Accountant, rising to senior roles in prominent firms before pivoting to petroleum. In 1998, with just ₦200,000 in capital, she founded Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, which she grew from a small diesel supplier into a multimillion‑dollar, pan‑African energy enterprise with hundreds of modern fuel stations, large storage terminals, and upstream investments. Under her visionary leadership, Northwest is licensed for crude oil export and is a major indigenous player in Nigeria’s energy sector—a testament to her resilience, business acumen, and commitment to developing local capacity.
Beyond corporate success, Akpani has become a role model for women in leadership and entrepreneurship, earning numerous awards and national recognition for her impact. She received the 2024/25 Zik Prize in Entrepreneurial Leadership, honoring her transformative contributions to Nigeria’s economy and empowerment of local businesses. She has also served as Chairperson of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), helping to shape industry policy, and holds fellowships with major professional bodies. Her philanthropic initiatives and personal honours—including national awards and papal commendations—reflect a commitment to community development, education, and empowerment that extends far beyond her corporate achievements, inspiring a new generation of African women to break glass ceilings in male‑dominated fields.
BELLA DISU
Born Belinda Ajoke Adenuga, on May 29, 1986 to the duo of Emelia Adefolake Marquis, a Nigerian entrepreneur, and the global phenomenon, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., Bella received her early education in Lagos, at the prestigious Corona School in Victoria Island before enrolling at Queen’s College for her secondary education. In 1998, she transferred to Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, where she concluded her secondary education.
She proceeded to the University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations, and later, a Master of Science degree in Leadership from the Northeastern University, also in Boston.
Mercy Nnenda Chinwo is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and actress, born on September 5, 1990. She is simply known professionally as Mercy Chinwo or Mercy Chinwo-Blessed, by virtue of marriage.She gained recognition after winning the second season of Nigerian Idol. In 2017, she signed a recording contract with EeZee Conceptz. Chinwo has released the albums The Cross: My Gaze (2018), Satisfied (2020), Overwhelming Victory (2024) and In His Will (2025).In 2023, she and her husband, whom she married in 2022 established the MercyisBlessed Foundation, an NGO focused on helping underprivileged communities and youth development. Beyond being a gospel singer, Mercy is also a minister.FLORENCE ITA-GIWA
Florence Ita Giwa is the former wife of the legendary journalist, Dele Giwa, who was killed via a letter bomb in 1986. She was born on February 19, 1946, and is reputed for her contributions in politics and advocacy.
She served as a Senator representing the good people of Cross River South Senatorial District of Cross River State from 1999, where she was appointed to committees on Rules and Procedures, Environment, Foreign Affairs, Women, Niger Delta and Drug & Narcotics
She also 1992 served as a member of the House of Representatives.
Ita-Giwa became involved in Bakassi affairs, and earned the nickname “Mama Bakassi”.
ENE OBI
Ene Obi is a frontline activist, who served as the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria until her retirement in 2023. During her tenure, she worked with local women leaders to challenge power dynamics, increase women’s participation in decision-making processes, and end violence against women and girls.
Her emergence as president of the University of Jos students union in the late 1980s remains symbolic for the radical rebellious industry as well as a statement in gender equity. This is particularly so that hers is only the second of such statement before then in northern Nigeria, the other case being that Najatu Mohammad at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria around the same era.
She has remained resolute in the struggle for women rights, especially with the call for special seats for women in the National Assembly, and as against oppressive government laws and policies.
NIKE OGUNLESI
Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi is the Founder and Creative Director of Africa’s leading Premium children’s clothing brand, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble.
She is an alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School. Adenike is a Non-Executive Director at Lafarge Holcim Plc and the founding member and first president of the Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) at the Nigeria Employer’s Consultative Association (NECA).
She is also an advisory board member and mentor at WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers), a structured mentoring programme for young women, and the Coordinator of The Marriage & Family Life Unit at the Catholic Church of the Presentation.
FUNKE EGBEMODE
Funke Egbemode
Funke is a journalist and columnist with a career spanning over three decades. She has worked with several prominent Nigerian newspapers, including Punch, Post Express, ThisDay, Saturday Independent, and Daily Sun. She is currently a columnist with The Sun Newspaper.
She currently serves as the head of the secretariat of the International Press Institute (IPI) in Nigeria. She is a board member of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), a position she has held since 2006.
Funke served as the President of Nigerian Guild of Editors for two terms. She is currently the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Osun State, Nigeria.
CHIOMA AKPOTHA
Also known as Chiona Chukwuka, Chioma Akpotha is a prolific actress, director and movie producer. She has seen and been a part of the foundational and development of the Nigerian movie, she ventured into it at the age of 19 in 2000 with her debut movie, ‘The Apple’.
In 2007, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for “Best Actress in a leading role” for her performance in the movie “Sins of the Flesh”, and the Afro Hollywood award for best actress in a lead role in 2010.
Chioma is reputed as one of the very few actresses, who have never recorded a scandal in the movie industry.
With 20 years of experience, she has starred in more than 350 Nollywood movies, produced 6 movies and has many awards to her credit. As a film maker, Chioma has produced/co-produced over 8 movies including the award-nominated blockbuster On Bended Knees. Chioma Chukwuka is also a public speaker and mentor.
Chioma has been the loving wife of Franklyn Akpotha since 2006, and blessed with three children.
OLAYINKA PAMELA ADEDAYO
A former Federal Civil Servant, who served as an Administrative Officer with the Federal Ministry of Finance from 1981-1990, Princess Pamela Adedayo is the Founder/CEO of notable eatery, Tastes Fried Chicken (TFC), an offshoot of her experience from working with Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), in Chicago, USA, working as Store Manager between 1978-1980.
She is the pioneer National President of the Restaurant and Food Services Proprietors Association of Nigeria- (REFSPAN), formerly known as the Association of Fast Foods Confectioners of Nigeria (AFFCON), and established Tastee Pot Limited in 1991, which transmuted to TFC in later days.
She is known for her philanthropic gestures, and has been decorated with so many awards.
ESTHER OKORONKWO
Esther Okoronkwo is the Abia State-born Super Falcons playmaker, who was raised in Richmond, Texas, United States.
She came to limelight when her superlative performance helped the Falcons with their 10th African Championship in Morocco in 2025.
Adefemi is a broadcast journalist, public speaker and advocate for press freedom. She has worked with some of the world’s leading news networks including Al Jazeera, Reuters, Sky News and TRT World and is the International Correspondent and Anchor at Arise News based in Lagos, Nigeria.Adefemi is a 2023 Fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University. She holds a BA in International Politics from King’s College London. Adefemi has been on the frontline of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, covering the refugee crisis and the role of race in the early war evacuation effort. She has reported from the U.S. Presidential elections and the 2025 inauguration, the World Economic Forum in Davos, the International Monetary Fund & World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, as well as the G7 Forum in Cornwall. Adefemi has interviewed, one-on-one, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General at the United Nations.
RASHEEDAT AJIBADE
Rasheedat is the present captain of the Super Falcons, who led the team to their 10th WAFCON victory in July 2026, in Morocco.
She was born on December 8, 1999) is a Nigerian professional footballer, and plays as a forward for French Première Ligue club Paris Saint-Germain.
Rasheedat has represented Nigeria in all categories including under-17, under-20 and senior national team, and has scored crucial goals that gave hard fought victories to the Super Falcons.
Rasheedat, a member of the Mountain of Fire and Ministeries, is highly spiritual.
SHADE OKOYA
Shade, the beautiful wife of billionaire industrialist, Razaq Okoya, is a distinguished entrepreneur, who was born on April 25, 1977.
She is the MD/CEO of Eleganza Group, a leading conglomerate in Nigeria’s manufacturing industry, founded by her husband.
Shade is the sponsor of the Folashade Okoya Kids Cup, which held its maiden edition in December 2014 in partnership with the Lagos State Grassroots Soccer Association to celebrate kids at Christmas. She also sponsors 10 students yearly into Higher Institutions via a scholarship scheme and organizes yearly pilgrimage for Muslims to visit the holy land among others.
TIWA SAVAGE
Tiwa Savage is one of the biggest pop stars to emerge from West Africa, with numerous hits and international awards to her name.
Initially active in the music business as a backing singer and songwriter, she arrived in the early 2010s with a hybrid form of dance-pop that synthesizes Afro-pop, reggae, and contemporary R&B, singing in English and Yoruba.
Already a major success by the time her debut Once Upon a Time arrived in 2013, Savage continued releasing hits throughout the following decade and expanded her global reach, performing at international festivals and venues and appearing on the 2019 soundtrack The Lion King: The Gift.
With releases like 2020’s Celia and 2021’s Water & Garri EP, her sound grew to incorporate vintage Afrobeat influences, while her lyrics became more socially conscious and female empowering. She co-produced and starred in the movie Water & Garri, which appeared in 2024, along with its soundtrack. This One Is Personal, her fourth album, was released in 2025.
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Tiwatope Savage moved with her family to England when she was 11 years old. During the latter half of the ’90s, she established herself as a background vocalist, and opted to leave the accounting world when she was sought by Mary J. Blige. Though she had a business administration degree from Kent University, she furthered her music career by attending Berklee College of Music on scholarship.
Tiwa is a typical example of the true Nigerian spirit that is at home with what she wants.
Prior to her graduation, she competed on The X Factor (U.K.) during series three and made it to the final 24. During the next couple years, Savage raised her stock with additional background work, such as an appearance on Whitney Houston’s I Look to You (2009), and the landing of songwriting credits on a handful of albums, including Fantasia’s Grammy-nominated Back to Me.
CHIDINMA EKILE
Ekile is a musician prodigy known professionally by her first name, Chidinma.
She is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and actress, born of Imo State origin, but in Ketu, Kosofe, Lagos State.
Chidinma took limelight by storm, when she mermerised audience in 2010, ro win the third season of Project Fame West Africa.
Chidinma became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart after releasing the music video for her single “Emi Ni Baller”. In 2011, she released the Sound Sultan-assisted single “Jankoliko”. Her eponymous debut album, Chidinma, which was released via the music platform Spinlet, yielded the singles “Jankoliko”, “Carry You Go”, “Kedike” and “Run Dia Mouth”.
Chidinma won Best Female West African Act at the 2012 Kora Awards and performed “Kedike” at the ceremony.
In May 2021, Chidinma revealed her transition to gospel music and full Christian ministry. She released the gospel single “Jehovah Overdo” that same mont, and more followed.
Chidinma founded the NMA Foundation to help visually impaired children and young people across Africa. The foundation’s name was derived from the last three letters of her name.
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