The marginalisation of women has been a longstanding issue throughout history. Women have historically had less of a frontline role in society compared to their male counterparts. However, in the 21st century, women have shattered traditional expectations.
Today’s women can adeptly juggle personal and professional duties, they are self-reliant, competitive, entrepreneurial, and capable leaders. Women have made significant strides towards inclusivity, becoming indispensable contributors to economies worldwide.
In honour of the upcoming International Women’s Day below are 10 prominent female business leaders in Nigeria.
- Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala
Dr Ngozi is a global finance expert, an economist and international development professional with years of experience working in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America.
She has held major positions and is currently the director general of the World Trade Organization(WTO). She became the first woman and African to occupy the office of the director general. Her accomplishments are a historic breakthrough for African women.
- Owen Diana Omagiafo
Owen is a business executive and strategist. She is the president and Group CEO of Transnational Corporation Nigeria plc a diversified conglomerate with interests in power, hotels, and upstream oil and gas assets.
She is the first female and youngest person to attain the position of CEO at Transcorp Group. Owen has actively participated in women empowerment advocacy.
- Mosunmola Abudu
Mosunmola Abudu popularly known as Mo Abudu is one of the most powerful women in global media. She is the founder and CEO of the media house “Ebony Life Group” which is responsible for numerous blockbuster projects in the entertainment industry.
She has been described by Forbes as “Africa’s most successful woman”. She aspires to continue shaping and preserving Nigeria’s and Africa’s rich culture in the industry.
4. Tara Fela Durotoye
Tara Fela Durotoye is a beauty entrepreneur and lawyer. She founded the popular makeup brand and bridal directory ‘House of Tara’ which has become a trailblazer in Africa.
She is considered a major force in the Nigerian female entrepreneurship community and serves as a powerful role model for women in businesses.
5. Folorunsho Alakija
Folorunsho Alakija is one of the most successful businesswomen in Nigeria. She started the Fashion brand ‘The Rose of Sharon Prints and Promotion’.
She later on ventured into the oil business with an oil prospecting licence granted to her under her company’s name ‘Famfa Company Limited’ she is the company’s executive chairman. Folorunsho is regarded as one of the most powerful women on the continent.
6. Yasmin Belo Osagie
Yesmin is an entrepreneur who has worked in high-profile companies. She is a partner at Métis Capital Partner and She is also a co-founder of the social enterprise ‘She Leads Africa’ (SLA), a digital platform that helps women grow in their careers and build businesses.
She has a passion for uplifting women in the society and has been successful in doing so.
7. Adenike Adebola
Adenike Adebola currently serves as the Diaegeo PLC’s innovation director a leading beverage company before that she was the marketing and innovations director at Guinness Nigeria.
She started as a brand manager in the restaurant business and quickly set herself up for success by being very good at whatever challenges were thrown at her. She is an embodiment of hard work to young African women in the corporate world.
8. Hajia Bola Shagaya
Hajia Shagaya is a businesswoman and a fashion enthusiast. She is the patron of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN).
She is also the founder and CEO of Bolmus Group International, a conglomerate with holdings in real estate, oil and gas, banking and photography. She is one of the most influential women in Africa.
9. Oluwatomi Somefun
Oluwatomi Somefun is an accomplished financial services professional. She currently serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Unity Bank plc.
She is a distinguished figure in the banking sector of Nigeria having worked and contributed to many other banks. She is also a member of several professional bodies. Oluwatomi has always been phenomenal at whatever she does leading her career to this level.
10. Ibukun Awosika
Ibukun Awosika is one of the leading female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. She founded her furniture manufacturing company named ‘Queebees’ now known as ‘SOKOA Chair Centre Limited’, one of the best companies in the furniture industry.
As a result of her professionalism and business knowledge, she sits on the board of several companies like; Cadbury Nigeria plc, Convention of Business Integrity and Digital Jewels Limited. She is a force to be reckoned with in the business world.
Women who are heads of organisations serve as an inspiration to other women who wish to take charge of leadership roles either in a formal or an informal business setting. They are proof that through resilience and hard work, nothing is impossible.
‘There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish’ – Michelle Obama.
