By Josephine Agbonkhese

As the world continues to celebrate women around the world throughout the month of March, with the climax being yesterday, March 8th— globally recognised as International Women’s Day, Allure brings to the fore Nigerian women who, truly, have brought pride to womanhood.

Through devotion to craft, commitment to excellence, and perseverance, each of these women has proved that there is room enough in this world for every woman and girl to thrive.

Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

Currently one of the world’s most influential women, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has served as the seventh Director General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, since 2021. She is the first woman and first African to head the WTO. Hitherto, the Harvard University-trained Delta State-born had served at the World Bank for 25-years, rising to become Managing Director for Operations from 2007 to 2011. At home, she had served as a three-time Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria— the first woman to beat that record. Okonjo-Iweala has held leadership and advisory positions in scores of international, non governmental, and charitable organisations, and also previously sat on the Board of Twitter.

Amina Mohammed

Amina J. Mohammed is the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group.Prior to her appointment, Mohammed served as Minister of Environment where she steered Nigeria’s efforts on climate action and efforts to protect the natural environment.In the UN, she led the process that resulted in global agreement around the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Chimamanda Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian born and bred author and activist regarded as a central figure in postcolonial feminist literature. She is the author of the novels Purple Hibiscus (2003) which won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize; Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) which gained international acclaim for its depiction of the devastation caused by the Nigerian Civil War; Americanah (2013) and other more recent titles including Mama’s Sleeping Scarf (2023). Her work has been translated into more than fifty-five languages.

Mo Abudu

Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, is the CEO of the EbonyLife Group, one of Africa’s leading media conglomerates driven by a belief to uplift Africa’s image in the media through the dedicated creation of authentic African stories. Mo began her career in Human Resource, then launched her media career with the self-produced talk show ‘Moments with Mo.Abudu is highly sought-after for her knowledge of the African and global creative industry.

Natasha Uduaghan

Though she has barely spent 18 months serving in the Red Chamber, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s impact could pass for a five-year achievement.The senator representing Kogi Central is credited for several impactful projects in her constituency including the commissioning of roads,reconstruction of schools and colleges, reconstruction of Police Station, provision of potable water to several communities, empowerment of youths and women, digitalisation of learning through the distribution of digital learning devices to thousands of public school pupils, provision of scholarships to hundreds of vulnerable tertiary students,rehabilitation of primary health centers, to mention but few.

Tems

Born Temilade Openiyi but known professionally as Tems, the singer, songwriter, and record producer deserves her flowers for bringing pride to Nigeria on the global stage. A two-time Grammy Awards winner and the first Nigerian woman to have two Grammys to her name, the Oscar-nominated singer, songwriter and producer began making a name for herself in 2018 with the release of her self-produced debut single Mr Rebel.

Funke Akindele

Actress, politician, realtor, director and movie producer Funke Akindele has made an unmatched name for herself through her groundbreaking cinematic releases. She is the producer and director of the four highest grossing Nollywood movies of all time; Everybody Loves Jenifa, A Tribe Called Judah, Battle on Buka Street and Omo Ghetto: The Saga.Akindele’s journey dates back to 1998 to 2002 when she starred in the sitcom I Need to Know.

Folorunsho Alakija

Apostle Folorunsho Alakija is a renowned philanthropist, fashion icon, minister of the gospel and serial entrepreneur, who has courageously forayed into uncharted territories.Recognised at one time the richest woman in Africa, Alakija is the Vice President of Famfa Oil, an indigenous oil exploration and production company; the first female Chancellor of a public university in Africa, and has also served Nigeria as a member of several committees. From a humble beginning as an office administrator, and later a banker, she delved into fashion and rose to prominence in the 80s, evolving into the iconic ‘Rose of Sharon House of Fashion’.

Bolanle Austen-Peters

Hailed as the Queen of Nigerian theatre, Bolanle Austen-Peters is an award-winning film and theatre director, producer and executive producer dedicated to showcasing the culture, the experiences and the glamour of Nigerians through art. Her production company, Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions, has produced plays that have been performed on different continents.Austen-Peters is also the Founder and Managing Director of Terra Kulture, an arts and cultural centre in Lagos, and has trained thousands in the arts.She is is the convener of the largest theatre festival in West Africa, the Lagos International Theatre Festival, LITF.

Veekee James

One name that has steadily risen to prominence in the Nigerian fashion industry lately is Victoria James, fondly called Veekee James. Veekee’s journey from humble beginnings in the popular Ajegunle in Lagos State to establishing her own fashion label ‘Veekee James’, and becoming a globally recognised fashion designer is a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to craft.