Words by- Josephine Agbonkhese

As March unfolds, we celebrate Women’s History Month, a dedicated time to honour the remarkable contributions, resilience, and achievements of women throughout history and in the present day. This observance, which runs throughout March, highlights the vital roles women have played—and continue to play—in shaping societies across every sphere: from politics and business to arts, sports, science, and community leadership.

The month culminates in International Women’s Day on March 8, a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments. In 2026, the theme for International Women’s Day is “Give to Gain”, encouraging collective action, generosity, and mutual support to advance gender equality and empower women worldwide. The United Nations observance emphasises “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, calling for equitable justice systems and the dismantling of barriers to women’s rights.
Over the years, women have driven progress through innovation, courage, and unwavering determination—often against formidable odds. Nigerian women, in particular, exemplify this spirit, excelling in entertainment, business, music, and sports while inspiring generations.
As this year’s Women’s History Month takes off today, we celebrate some of the extraordinary women who continue to make indelible marks in their fields.

Funke Ayotunde Akindele

A powerhouse in Nollywood, Funke Akindele is an acclaimed actress, filmmaker, director, and producer. She rose to fame with her iconic role in Jenifa (2009), which earned her the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She holds the record for the most wins and nominations for an actress at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). As a director, she is one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing filmmakers.

Toyin Abraham

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi is another celebrated actress, filmmaker, and entrepreneur who has become a dominant force in Nollywood. Starting her career in 2003, she has starred in and produced numerous hits. Her directorial debut, Oversabi Aunty, released in 2025, grossed over ₦1 billion, marking a major milestone. She has earned multiple awards and recognitions for her box-office success and trailblazing spirit.

Tems

The first female Nigerian Grammy winner, Temilade Openiyi, aka Tems, is a groundbreaking singer, songwriter, and producer who has elevated Afrobeats and R&B to global stages. She gained international acclaim with several songs such as “Essence” and collaborations with Drake in “Wait For U”, which won a Grammy. Her debut album Born in the Wild earned her multiple Grammy nominations—the highest for an African act at the 67th Grammys.

Folorunsho Alakija

The Executive Vice-Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited, Apostle Folorunso Alakija is one of Africa’s most prominent businesswomen and philanthropists—often ranked as one of the richest women on the continent. Through her non-profit initiatives, the Rose of Sharon Foundation and Flourish Africa, she empowers widows and orphans with scholarships, and doles out business grants and supports. Last November, she built and donated a N34 billion naira world-class medical facility, the Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Medical Research and Training Hospital, to Osun State University.

Asisat Oshoala

Asisat Oshoala is widely regarded Africa’s greatest female footballer of all time. Fondly called “Agba Baller”, she is a six-time winner of the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award. The striker has achieved success across top European leagues and with the Super Falcons. From her beginnings in Lagos to global stardom, Oshoala inspires young girls in sports, proving that talent, hard work, and breaking barriers can lead to unparalleled success.

Tiwa Savage

Tiwa Savage, often called the “Queen of Afrobeats,” is a trailblazing singer, songwriter, and actress who has redefined African music on the global stage. Tiwa made history as the first woman to win Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards, and has since then garnered multiple honours. Tiwa continues to inspire with her powerful vocals, bold artistry, and unwavering influence in empowering women through music.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a globally renowned economist and the seventh Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, serving since March 2021 as the first woman and first African in the role. The first Nigerian woman to serve two terms as Finance Minister, she also held senior positions at the World Bank for 25 years. The Harvard-educated economist has been honoured multiple times on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list, Forbes’ Most Powerful Women (seven times), and as Forbes African of the Year (2020).

Amina J. Mohammed

Amina J. Mohammed is the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (since 2017) and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group—the fifth person and first Nigerian woman in the role. A development and environmental specialist with over 30 years of experience, she previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment (2015–2016). She was Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon from 2012–2016. Recipient of numerous global awards, she continues to drive UN efforts on sustainable development, climate resilience, and global equity.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a globally acclaimed novelist, essayist, and feminist icon. Her debut novel Purple Hibiscus (2003) won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, while Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) earned the Orange Prize for Fiction. Americanah (2013) won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction. Her TED Talk-turned-essay “We Should All Be Feminists” (2014) became a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring a generation. In 2025, she published her highly anticipated novel Dream Count, which also earned multiple nominations. A MacArthur “Genius” Fellow recipient with numerous honourary doctorates, awards and recognitions including the TIME 100 Most Influential People, Adichie continues to redefine global literature.

Mo Abudu

Mosunmola “Mo” Abudu is a pioneering media mogul, philanthropist, and founder/CEO of EbonyLife Media. Often hailed as “Africa’s Queen of Media,” she launched Africa’s first global black entertainment and lifestyle network, EbonyLife TV, in 2013. Through EbonyLife Films, she has executive-produced multiple blockbuster hits. Recognised on Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful Women list (including 2025), TIME 100 Most Influential People (2025) and many more, Mo continues to rewrite Africa’s narrative through storytelling and empowerment.

Mercy Chinwo-Blessed

Mercy Chinwo-Blessed is a leading Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and actress who has become one of Africa’s most influential voices in contemporary gospel music. Her soul-stirring music and ministry have earned her multiple accolades, including Best Gospel Artiste at the Climax Awards (2018), Best Gospel Artist at the Trace Awards (2025), and recognition as a top-streaming Nigerian gospel minister on platforms like YouTube. Co-owner of Grace and Truth Nation (GNT Nation), Mercy continues to inspire faith, hope, and worship worldwide.

Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime

Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime is an accomplished legal practitioner, corporate governance expert, and the newly appointed Chairman of the Board of Access Bank Plc, making her a trailblazer as a female leader at one of Africa’s largest banks. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987 after graduating from the University of Benin, she holds an LL.M in Commercial and Corporate Law from the London School of Economics and has completed executive programs at INSEAD, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and others. She actively mentors youths and supports Autism initiatives.

Ejiro Amos Tafiri

Ejiro Amos Tafiri is an award-winning Nigerian fashion designer and founder of the eponymous Ejiro Amos Tafiri (E.A.T) brand, established in 2010. The brand has grown into one of Nigeria’s most sustainable and influential fashion houses. In 2025, during her brand’s 15th anniversary celebrations, she empowered girls and young women in fashion through initiatives like the Ejiro Amos Tafiri Grant, which awarded and supported deserving emerging designers. Via the Ejiro Amos Tafiri School of Design also, she strives to mentor and build the next generation of creatives.

Ibukun Awosika

Ibukun Awosika is a pioneering Nigerian businesswoman, motivational speaker, prolific writer and global leader. She made history as the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria (2015–2021), one of Africa’s oldest banks. Founder and Chairman of The Chair Centre Group, a leading furniture manufacturing and security systems provider, which she established in 1989 as Quebees Limited, she has built a successful enterprise in manufacturing, retail, and services. A recipient of multiple international awards, she is the convener of the International Women Leadership Conference in Dubai, and leads various faith-based initiatives.
Ibukun serves on various boards and continues to empower women entrepreneurs, youth, and communities through leadership training and advocacy, especially via the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy.