The PowerWoman 100 - 2024 Annual Nominees
Introducing the 2024 PowerWoman 100!
Join us as we celebrate an incredible group of women who are boldly reshaping industries and igniting change in unprecedented ways. These extraordinary leaders are breaking barriers, making an impact, and their outstanding accomplishments deserve to be recognized.
Prepare to be inspired—meet the remarkable recipients of the PowerWoman Network 2024 #PowerWoman100 below.
See More About Our 2024 PowerWomen 100
Abimbola Craig
Abimbola Craig was recently appointed as the Vice President of Production at Nile Media Entertainment Group, a production and distribution studio. Prior to that, she had embarked on a successful career in law, practicing for a span of seven years. She gained valuable experience at esteemed law firms such as Webber George Egbe Solicitors and Stream Sowers & Kohn, where she worked as an associate. However, her passion for acting eventually took center stage in her life.
Abimbola’s talent as an actress came to the forefront when she secured the role of Tiwalade in the popular web series, ‘Skinny Girl in Transit.’ Produced by Ndani TV, the series revolves around the comedic journey of a young Nigerian woman striving to lose weight. ‘Skinny Girl in Transit’ garnered immense popularity, and its first episode premiered in 2015. Abimbola’s portrayal of Tiwalade’s character earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Actress in a comedy at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2016.
Abimbola is a charismatic leader of teams and people, she has an innate ability to build and maintain functional relationships.
She is creative and passionate about TV, film, entertainment and African storytelling.
Abiola Adelana
Abiola Adelana serves as the Tourism and Creative Art Business Manager at Sterling Bank, where she focuses on revitalizing tourism within Nigeria and establishing a sustainable model for utilizing finance in domestic tourism development. With over 15 years of experience in risk management, strategy, and retail banking, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
Abiola is a member of the Domestic Tourism and Economic Development Working Committee for Nigeria, coordinated by the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission. She holds a degree in Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, an MBA in Finance, and has completed executive education programs on sustainable business at Harvard Business School. Passionate about contributing to the growth of local tourism in Nigeria, Abiola has led Sterling Bank’s Tourism Business Desk to win multiple awards nationally and internationally. Personally recognized for her contributions to tourism promotion, she has received awards such as the ATQ Africa Travel Best Promoter of Tourism in Nigeria and the 100 Culturatiiii Most Influential Personalities Award.
Abiola is dedicated to seeing Nigeria emerge as the prime tourism destination in Africa and actively participates in various advisory boards and initiatives related to tourism development and climate action. She is married with children and enjoys music, cooking, and fostering meaningful relationships.
Abosede George - Ogan
Abosede George-Ogan is the Founder of the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN) where she is working to inspire a shift to gender-balanced leadership across all Levels. Abosede is a tri-sector leader with over 20 years of experience across the non-profit, private and public sectors.
Her journey as a development professional began at ActionAid International Nigeria. She coordinated and led CSR and Sustainability for Keystone Bank, FirstBank and Samsung Electronics West Africa. As the pioneer Director of Strategy, Funding and Stakeholder Management at Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Abosede contributed to job creation in Lagos.
Abosede has managed programs focused on improving the health, education, and economic outcomes in over 30 Nigerian States and Five West African cities.
Adebola Iginla - Sukurat
Adebola Surakat, is the Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, poised to revolutionize the insurance landscape. With nearly two decades of industry expertise and a deep understanding of key operational areas, Adebola is perfectly positioned to drive the company’s mission to simplify insurance and boost adoption.
Throughout her remarkable 19-year tenure at AXA Mansard, Adebola has showcased her exceptional leadership and technical prowess, excelling in various roles. Most recently, she served as Chief Fulfillment Officer, overseeing claims administration and microinsurance technical processes. Her previous roles include Head of Claims Services, Reinsurance, Technical Risk Survey, and Fraud & Insurance Procurement.
In her new role as CMO, Adebola will spearhead the strategic direction of AXA Mansard’s marketing, communication, and sustainability initiatives, aligning with AXA’s overarching strategy to empower customers with the confidence to progress.
Adeife Adeoye
Adeife Adeoye, a daring social media strategist and content creator revolutionizing personal branding and online business growth. With a strong foundation in long-form content writing for B2B SaaS brands, Adeife embarked on a bold new journey in 2023, diving into social media and content creation. In just one year, she amassed a following of over 250,000 across platforms, built a thriving community, and doubled her income.
Adeife’s impact extends beyond numbers; she delivers proven results through her Done-For-You social media strategy and content creation service. Notable achievements include helping CreditCliq gain 20,000 sign ups in under 90 days, Rwazi achieve 6,000 app downloads in two days, and Mainstack attract 1,000 new users in under 48 hours – all through innovative content strategies on TikTok and Instagram.
Adeife Adeoye’s story embodies courage, innovation, and resilience, serving as a testament to the power of bold moves and forging one’s own path to success.
Adenike Fajemirokun
Dr. Adenike Fajemirokun is a renowned risk management and insurance specialist with over 18 years of diverse experience. As the Group Executive Director, Special Duties, for the Office of the President and Group Chief Risk Officer at the Dangote Group, she manages and coordinates the Executive Office of the Group President while also overseeing the risk management functions for the Group and its various businesses.
With a B.Eng. in Civil, Structural and Fire Engineering and a Ph.D. in Risk-Informed Engineering from the University of Manchester, UK, Dr. Adenike has a proven track record of developing and implementing risk management strategies in financial, engineering, manufacturing, and other industries. She is a Fellow of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and a Specialist member (SIRM) of the Global Institute of Risk Management.
Dr. Adenike’s previous roles include serving in top management positions at Deutsche Bank AG, UK and working as a front office quantitative analyst at Goldman Sachs in London and New York. She founded and headed AFRisk Management Consultants Limited, where she developed enterprise risk management frameworks for major institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, First Bank Nigeria, and AIICO Insurance Plc.
Adenike Macaulay
Adenike Macaulay, the Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, Nigeria, is an accomplished leader with experience in the travel industry. She has been leading commercial activities for the company since July 2021 as Chief Commercial Officer and was appointed CEO in January 2023. Mr. Bayo Adedeji, the Group CEO of Wakanow, Nigeria Group, said Macaulay’s appointment was an invaluable addition to the management of Wakanow, Nigeria. She has been instrumental in consolidating the company’s growth trajectory in Nigeria.
Currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow.com, Africa’s leading travel agency and travel technology firm. Prior to joining Wakanow, was the first female and first African General Manager Sales for Lufthansa Group in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
A Choiseul 100 Africa Laureate ranked among young African leaders called to play a major role in the economic development of the continent. Named as one of 100 most influential women in Africa by Focus Africa series, and as one of Nigeria’s 100 most inspiring women by Leading Ladies Africa, amongst many other honors.
Adenike Ogunlesi
Adenike Ogunlesi is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader, best known for founding Ruff n Tumble, a leading clothing brand in West Africa. With over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, she has established herself as a pioneer in children’s clothing and a champion of entrepreneurship in Africa.
Adenike holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and has honed her skills in entrepreneurship, business strategy, leadership, marketing, and brand management. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence a new generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders in Africa.
Through her work, Adenike has demonstrated a commitment to empowering others and promoting entrepreneurship in Africa. She is a highly respected business leader and entrepreneur, known for her innovative approach to business and her dedication to making a positive impact in her community.
Adeola Sessi - Traore
Adeola Sessi-Traore is the Chief Executive Officer, Lemonytouch Events, a events planning and management business grown from her passion to take stress off people and build lifetime relationships with her clients.
She is the convener of TALMAD (Touch A Life, Make A Difference), an annual charity program of over 6 years which aims to give back to and celebrate the underprivileged people in the society by putting a smile on their face especially at Christmas. TALMAD has been opportune to work with over 6 orphanages (with about 150 children), Makoko community, Agege community, etc. ,She is the Author of the book “Help Don’t stress The Bride ” A book that helps the bride to manage said stressors, how loved ones around the bride (who mean well) may be stressors without intending to and how they can help the bride achieve her dreams of a beautiful and successful wedding day.
She has been invited to share from the wealth of her knowledge and experience at the following events – Event Market Nigeria Meet and Greet 2022, Ikorodu Event Conference 2022, My Grand Event 2022, to mention a few. She was also nominated for the 2022 BEA Awards as Emerging Event Professional of the Year.she was recently awarded event planer of the year by Blingz Awards .
Adia Sowho
Adia is an experienced global executive who synthesizes her background in engineering, consulting, and product development to build and operate leading category-defining businesses. With deep expertise spanning technology, telecommunications, and finance, she has successfully designed, built, and scaled tech-driven platform companies in emerging markets valued at over USD $100+ million.
She was the CEO at Thrive Agric, one of Nigeria’s largest agri-tech startups. Prior to her current role, she was the VP of Growth and Managing Director, Nigeria for Migo, a machine learning-powered instant credit platform. At Migo, she grew the company’s user base to one million users and led its expansion to Brazil.
Sowho has had an impressive career journey, becoming the first female CMO of MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecommunications company. During her tenure, MTN Nigeria’s Consumer Business achieved “consistently” over 20% YoY growth, while the data business experienced record growth (50% YoY) and became the first Nigerian telco to launch 5G.
Adia currently serves on the board of Hover and Sankore Investments. She holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Sheffield.
Affiong Williams
Affiong Williams is a pioneering entrepreneur and CEO/Founder of ReelFruit, Nigeria’s largest fruit processing, packaging, and marketing company. Founded in 2012, ReelFruit has revolutionized the industry with its innovative approach to adding value to local produce. Under Affiong’s leadership, the company has achieved remarkable success, including winning an international Women In Business Competition in the Netherlands and being recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the most promising ’30 under 30′ entrepreneurs in 2015.
With a strong passion for agribusiness and entrepreneurship, Affiong has established a complex supply chain across four countries, ensuring year-round availability of products. She has also successfully registered ReelFruit products, leveraging AGOA and reducing transport costs by 30%. Affiong has managed several mid-sized export sales to various countries and has led a team of over 50 staff members, as well as external consultants.
Affiong holds a postgraduate diploma in Business Administration from Wits Business School and has participated in the Stanford SEED Transformation Program. She has also worked for Endeavor Global, a global non-profit that supports small to medium enterprises in developing markets. With a strong passion for entrepreneurship, agriculture, and politics, Affiong is an avid runner, having completed over 15 marathons and raising funds for charity in the process.
Ayisat Bubaram
She was appointed Group Executive, Commercial Banking North Division, FirstBank in January 2023, bringing over 26 years of experience in the banking industry. She has held several leadership positions and is a certified Accountant of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria and Honorary Senior Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
She serves in various capacities, including Alternate Chairman of the FirstBank Women Network, Alternate Chairman of First-Academy Governing Council, Chairman of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (CRS) of FirstBank & Subsidiaries, and Chairman of the FirstBank Annual Merit Award (FAMA) Steering Committee. She has also been nominated to serve on the Board of FirstBank Guinea, subject to approval.
Outside her professional career, she founded Hearty Hands Humanity Foundation, where she is a member of the Board of Trustees and Co-Chairman. The foundation focuses on improving the lives of underprivileged citizens, especially women and children, with a special emphasis on malnourished children, child education, and capacity building for women. She is happily married with twin children.
Amaka Nwaokolo
Amaka, who was a senior programs manager and head of the FATE Institute, has consistently demonstrated leadership, innovation, and excellence skills, propelling The FATE Institute to greater heights.
Amaka brings to the role 15 years of professional work experience across private and social sectors with deep expertise in thought leadership, ecosystem mapping, and policy advocacy particularly within the small and growing business space and the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
She has led the research, policy, and advocacy work of the Foundation over the last eight years. In her new role as Director of the FATE Institute of the FATE Foundation, she will lead and implement the strategy to enable innovative thinking and creating platforms that facilitate idea exchange and problem-solving around entrepreneurship nationally and regionally.
Amaka also represents the Institute’s advocacy efforts across critical stakeholder groups in Nigeria, such as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), where she serves as the Co-Facilitator on the MSME Community of Practice and works with ecosystem stakeholders around Access to Funding, Capacity building and Business Support, Access to Markets, Policy & Regulation.
Amina .J. Mohammed
Ms. 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, Ms. Mohammed served as Minister of Environment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where she steered the country’s efforts on climate action and efforts to protect the natural environment.
Ms. Mohammed first joined the United Nations in 2012 as Special Adviser to former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with the responsibility for post-2015 development planning. She led the process that resulted in global agreement around the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the creation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Ms. Mohammed began her career working on the design of schools and clinics in Nigeria. She served as an advocate focused on increasing access to education and other social services, before moving into the public sector, where she rose to the position of adviser to four successive Presidents on poverty, public sector reform, and sustainable development.
Asisat Oshoala
Asisat Oshoala is a gifted footballer who has been named African Women’s Player of the Year four times. Her exceptional success earned her a place in the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list in 2020. Asisat Lamina Oshoala MON is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Bay FC and the Nigeria women’s national team. She is widely regarded as one of the best female players in women’s football and her generation.[3][4] She is one of the most celebrated African female footballers of all time, having won African Women’s Footballer of the Year a record six times.
In July 2023, after her group stage heroics against Australia in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Oshoala saw a massive increase in her Instagram followership which made her become the first African female footballer to have a million followers on the social media platform.[9]
Asisat Oshoala, a two-time Ballon d’Or nominee and six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, stands as a modern-day women’s football icon. The former Barcelona Femini star, now dazzling for Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), has lit up some of the game’s greatest stages for both club and country.
Atinuke Smith
Tinu Smith is multiple award winning Nigerian Based fashion designer, and the Chief Executive Officer of Datina Designs Fashion House and Fashion School.
She has managed her fashion designing business for over 30 years. She manages Datina Designs Fashion Retail outlet stores in Ibadan and Lagos Nigeria, which showcases her unique clothing line and her two brand labels Datina Designs and Tinu Smith.
Tinu Smith is a thought leader and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Corporate Mentoring and Coaching Nigeria. She is an inspirational speaker for women, business and relationship conferences. She is a Girls and Women Speak Ambassador with IAWPA in collaboration with the United Nations.
She is the convener of South West Fashion Summit, Founder of Datcore Business Coaching Academy, Founder at She Grows Africa and Co-Founder at She Tech Alliance Africa.
She runs Treasures Refuge Foundation, a social enterprise focused on mentoring young women .
Ayishat Olanrewaju
Ayishat Olanrewaju is a Brand & Communications Expert with several years of experience helping individual and corporate brands effectively communicate with their target audience. She’s a certified brand manager with a focus on strategy, professional writing, digital marketing, and digital media. She has also worked with both individual and corporate brands globally. Ayishat is the Founder of Corporately Lucid, a Digital Media Agency in Africa.
Banke Kuku - Lawson
Banke Kuku is the founder and creative visionary behind the eponymous label Banke Kuku – the brand is upbeat and contemporary, innovative and forward-looking. Lagos-based and lifestyle-driven, Banke Kuku is part of a global group of change-making contemporary brands shaping New Luxury with a distinct focus on rich African textile heritage.
Banke Kuku is a strong female fashion designer intent to share her designs with the world. Known for her unique take on luxury loungewear, Banke takes inspiration from the culture of her years spent in London and Lagos, which has heavily influenced her bold patterns, resulting in statement prints with captivating impact.
At 18, Banke attended Central St Martins College and then Chelsea College of Art and Design,
graduating with a bachelor degree in Textiles.Prior to launching her eponymous label Banke Kuku from Lagos Nigeria, Kuku worked at a number of international fashion houses such as Burberry, serving in Christopher Bailey’s team and with the leading interior company, Designers Guild, assisting with fabric design for the Royal collection which showcased at Buckingham Palace.
Banke Meshida Lawal
Banke Meshida Lawal is the CEO of Nigeria’s Leading Make-Up brand- BMpro. BMPro has 65 products in the Nigerian market as well as distributors all over Nigeria, the UK, Ghana and Canada. The brand also has a training school, a beauty advisory and an online magazine. The success of the brand is based on the acceptance of its quality all over the world. A creative connoisseur, Banke has created looks for the runway including MBGN, Miss Nigeria, Tiffany Amber, House of Marie, Odio Mimonet; has created looks for editorial cover pages/fashion magazines including This Day, Elan, Genevieve, The Sun, Vanguard among others. She has also created stunning looks for over 2000 brides within and outside Nigeria.
She is the Chief Curator of the BMPro Cover Girl Editorial series. The series celebrates African women excelling in different spheres of endeavors. For her contributions to the Nigerian Beauty Industry, she has won a plethora of awards including Makeup Artist- The Nigerian Event Awards 2012, Makeup Artist of The Year- FAB AWARDS 2010, Makeup Brand of The Year- ELOY AWARDS 2009, Makeup Artist of the Year- Appoemn Awards 2017 among others.
Biola Sokenu
Biola Sokenu is the Group Executive Director at Nile Group
Biola Sokenu, an accomplished Financial Controller and Production Accountant, brings over two decades of experience across the UK, Nigeria, and the USA to her new role at Nile Group. Sokenu’s career is a testament to her expertise and versatility in the entertainment industry, having worked on over 27 titles, including acclaimed independent films like “Eyimofe,” “Nigerian Prince,” and “Half of a Yellow Sun.” Her portfolio also extends to popular TV shows such as “MTV Shuga,” “Louie Season 1 & 2,” and “Grand Designs.”
Before joining Nile Group, Sokenu played a crucial role at Fleet River Productions Ltd, where she managed the financial operations for Netflix’s “The Diplomat S2.” Her proficiency in both on-site and remote environments was previously demonstrated during her tenure on Netflix’s “The Pentaverate,” ensuring seamless financial management across complex projects.
Bukola Adebayo - Ogunwale
Bukola Adebayo is a passionate advocate for personal and professional growth, leveraging her diverse background to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. As a certified coach, she creates customized development plans that target personal growth, business expansion, and organizational advancement, helping her clients experience breakthroughs in various aspects of their lives.
With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Bukola co-founded Fitness Gyms, the fastest-growing fitness chain in Nigeria, and has firsthand experience of the power of a lifestyle of wellness. This fuels her commitment to promoting well-being across communities. She is also a published author, with works that delve into the realms of wellness, healthy living, and fostering a deeper connection with God, aiming to inspire and equip readers with the tools they need to live their most fulfilling lives.
Bukola’s proven track record in corporate, commercial, and forensic law provides valuable insights for her clients. Having served as legal counsel, company secretary, and a board member of various companies, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in the business world. By partnering with her, individuals and organizations gain access to a wealth of experience and a collaborative approach tailored specifically to their unique goals, bridging the gap between personal growth and professional achievement.
Bukola Abosede Onuegbu
Bukola Abosede Onuegbu is a highly accomplished professional with extensive expertise in sustainable finance, demonstrating a profound commitment to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into financial decision-making processes. Over a decade, Bukola has collaborated with various stakeholders, including financial institutions, corporations, and policymakers, to advance sustainable investments and promote responsible capital allocation.
With a Master’s in Public Administration from the esteemed University of Regina and a B.Sc. in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, Bukola boasts a diverse educational background. Furthermore, she has earned several prestigious professional certifications, including Sustainability Certifications, Chartered Professional Accountants, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA-UK), and the New York State Society of CPAs. Bukola has a unique proficiency in aligning financial strategies with long-term sustainability objectives, showcasing her extensive experience in ESG risk management, impact investing, green bond issuance, and carbon accounting.
Bukola is fervently dedicated to advocating for the transition to a low-carbon economy and consistently provides advisory services on projects prioritizing sustainability without compromising financial returns. Her contributions have been pivotal in the formulation of sustainable finance frameworks, spearheading responsible investment initiatives, and advocating for the adoption of global ESG standards.
Outside of her professional engagements, Bukola is a prominent figure in industry conferences, frequently sharing her insights regarding sustainable finance. She is deeply engaged with non-profit organizations, actively championing enhanced transparency and accountability in sustainable finance. Additionally, Bukola has been featured in leading financial publications, highlighting her thought leadership in the field. As a committed mentor, she is integral in nurturing the next generation of sustainable finance leaders.
Bukola Smith
Bukola Smith became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FSDH Merchant Bank in April 2021. She brings 29 years of progressive experience in the banking industry 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 banks over 200 branches across the country, Public Sector, Business Banking, Agriculture and Transaction Banking Divisions. Under her leadership, 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).
Bukola’s other banking experience include Treasury Operations, International Trade Services, Foreign and Local Currency Trading, Bond Trading, Correspondent Banking and Relationship Management of Non-Bank Financial Institutions and Private Banking Clients.
She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Nigeria (ICAN) and Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. She holds an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester U.K, and a B.Sc. Economics from the University of Lagos.
Bukola currently sits on the board of Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), the Toyin Oni Foundation (NGO for cancer awareness) and serves as mentor to several young women within and outside these networks.
Bunmi Onabanjo - Kuku
Bunmi Onabanjo Kuku holds a B.Sc. in Finance from the University of Illinois (2000) and immediately proceeded to an MBA in International Finance and Strategic Management from DePaul University which she rounded up in 2004.
During her four-year MBA course, Mrs. Kuku served as Assistant Vice President (AVP), Finance/Senior Financial at the Bank of Montreal, showcasing her early aptitude for financial leadership.
In her most recent role as Vice President and head of Visa Consulting Analytics – Sub-Saharan Africa, she positioned herself at the vanguard of driving growth strategies and fostering digital innovation in the financial services sector. With a tenure of one year and two months, she applied her expertise to navigate the intricacies of the industry, marking a significant chapter in her distinguished career.
Between July 2011 and 2014, Kuku served as the Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister, of Strategy and Infrastructure Development at the Federal Ministry of Aviation. Her responsibilities during this period were substantial, including advising the minister on infrastructure development projects, contributing to the Aviation Sector Roadmap, and playing a pivotal role in the National Carrier Project.
Earlier in her professional journey, she gained valuable experience at Ernst & Young and Deloitte, where she held managerial positions in business advisory services, finance, and performance management. Notably, she served as Assistant General Manager (AGM)/Head of Business Unit Strategy at Bank PHB Plc, further solidifying her footprint in the corporate landscape.
Kuku’s diverse and extensive experience across various sectors positions her as a dynamic leader poised to navigate the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) through the challenges and opportunities that
Cherry Eromosele
Cherry Eromosele is the EVP, Marketing & Corporate Communications at Interswitch. Cherry has over 20 years of experience in the field of marketing and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Recognized as ‘Marketing Personality of the Year’ (2015) in Nigeria by Marketing Edge, one of the top 50 Marketing Professionals in West Africa at the annual Marketing World Awards in Accra, Ghana and most recently ‘Top-50 Female Marketing Professional in Nigeria’ in May 2020, Cherry has built, developed and led marketing teams across industry-leading organizations: Beverages and consumer goods, telecoms and technology sectors – Diageo/Guinness, MTN, Glaxo Smithkline (GSK) and Interswitch.
She currently lead the Group Marketing and Communications function at Interswitch, the leading African integrated digital payments and commerce player, were I have responsibility for creating and implementing innovative marketing strategies towards building the entire Interswitch brand portfolio, spanning both the corporate (Interswitch) and consumer segments of the business; including the flagship Verve and Quickteller brands.
Chinenye Uwanaka
Chinenye is a Lawyer and Public Policy Expert who is passionate about Nation building and fighting extreme poverty and Injustice in Africa. In line with this she supports businesses that create wealth and lift people out of poverty.
She is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Firma Advisory (TFA) – a Pan African Law and Consulting Firm with clients across the world. The Firma Advisory is developing technology to boost cross border trade and outsourcing of top talent and services to clients across Africa, Middle-east, Europe and America.
Chinenye is very passionate about Impact Investing and she facilitates investments in Agriculture (The Firma Foods Ltd) and Renewable Energy (The Firma Energy Ltd) in unserved and underserved areas.
She is the Co-Chair of the Advisory Board of the ‘Nigeria Youth Futures Fund’ a 5 million dollar fund seeded by MacArthur Foundation and Ford Foundation and managed by Leap Africa.
Chizor Malize
Chizor is an African business leader, currently serving as the Director-General of the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), a leading West-African, innovation-led, management consulting and advisory organization, providing business advisory and executive capacity development programs to publicly listed companies and executives of multi-billion dollar institutions on the continent.
Chizor has over 20 years of professional experience in the financial services sectors with a Pan Afria footprint across 7 African countiries. She has experience in banking, business and marketing consulting, sustainability, financial inclusion, product marketing, research and customer segmentation.
Her remarkable achievements won her several awards such as The Marketing Personality of the Year (2016), The African Leadership Excellence Award (2017), The Most Outstanding Female Brand Personality Award (2018).
She sits on the Board of FITC, Truevine Foundation and previously served on REBRAND™ Jury Board, the world’s leading resource for brand transformation, based out of the USA.
Daisy Danjuma
Daisy Ehanire Danjuma is a Nigerian politician who was the senator representing the Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State at the Nigerian Senate.
Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma is a law graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.
She began her career as a State Counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice (Department of Public Prosecutions) and was a pioneer Legal Counsel to the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria before working for the investment bank Nigerian Acceptances Ltd. (NAL). She spent the next decade as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) before moving into private practice.
In 2003 she was elected as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where she served on numerous committees, most notably as Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Women and Children’s Rights Committee and Senate Committee Chairman on Women Affairs and Youth Development. Following her legislative tenure, she held the position of Executive Vice Chairman of SAPETRO until December 2023 when she was appointed as the Executive Chairman.
Damilola Sonayon James
Damilola is a sustainability specialist with expert skills in critical analysis and interpretation of sustainable actions to meet global best practice. She has hands-on experience in Technical Governance, Strategic planning, Project Implementation, Social Policy Formation and Review, Community Engagement Analysis and Assessment.
She has led several social initiatives through private sector partnerships, her non-profit Organisation to drive socio-economic Development and also created sustainable initiatives that have driven ESG policy and sustainability actions in the Public Sector Governance. In 2020, she joined a team of social policy practitioners to review the Lagos State Youth Policy and the Thematic Areas in alignment with the United Nations Youth Framework to foster practical change in youth inclusion.
Damilola is strongly interested in using a risk- based approach to improve ESG Practice and sustainability actions that will protect the climate and preserve our heritage for the next generations.
Damilola Ogunbiyi
Damilola Ogunbiyi is the CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (UN SRSG) for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. She is also the recipient of the Energy Institute President’s Award for 2023 and has been recognized as a trailblazer in her field by numerous publications and globally-respected lists.
With Damilola at the helm, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) has entered into working relationships with over 200 partners, supported over 90 countries globally, and secured commitments of more than $1.3 trillion in energy finance. This has been achieved through programmes such as Universal Energy Facility, Powering Healthcare, Women and Youth at the Forefront, Cooling for All, and Clean Cooking; and innovative initiatives such as UN Energy Compacts, Energy Transition Plans, Universal Integrated Energy Plans, the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI), and the Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative (REMI) among many others. Through her leadership, SEforALL has grown its global influence and country support providing clear pathways to accelerate progress towards universal energy access, ending energy poverty, and advancing the global just and equitable energy transition.
She is a global leader and advocate for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is passionate about achieving SDG7, which calls for access to reliable, affordable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030.
Dr. Adeola Adeyemi
Dr. Adeola Adeyemi is a Psychiatrist, a Psychotherapist experienced in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Training, as well as a Mental Fitness Coach.
She is driven by a vision to help build a society where mental health is normalized, and emotional wellbeing is prioritized. This passion led her to found, ‘Talk Mental Health,’ in 2018, an organization that aims to help individuals live healthier and more fulfilling lives through innovative mental health interventions.
Dr. Adeola Adeyemi is a Board-Certified Mental Health expert, a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (FWACP), a Member of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), and the Royal College of Psychiatrists London (MRCPsych). She received further training from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Washington.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Adeyemi is deeply committed to advancing leadership and management in health, with a particular focus on women’s mental health and combating gender-based violence. Her dedication to global advocacy is evident through her voluntary work with the United Nations, where she actively champions the rights of women and girls.
Dr. Aisha Nabila Wanka
Dr Aisha Nabila Wanka is a managing partner at Débbo Africa. Ado Wanka is an accomplished Anatomic Pathologist and Cytopathologist who has a special interest in breast, gynaecological and prostate pathology. She is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, University College London (UCL) and a fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. While still in medical school, Ado Wanka developed an interest in cancer biology and epidemiology, particularly in how cancer presents in the African population, the disparities in cancer biology amongst black Africans and other races, and how to make cancer diagnosis more accessible to patients in our communities. She subsequently pursued a master’s degree in Cancer where she focused on molecular alterations in soft tissue tumours and how they can be used to detect cancer in patients non-invasively.
Her residency program was in Anatomic Pathology where she specialised in Forensic, Cytopathology and Histopathology. As the Chief Resident, she was responsible for supervision of the training of junior residents and interns, and was the lead in tumour boards and other clinicopathologic meetings.
Dr. Chioma Nwakanma - Akanno
Chioma Nwakanma is a Nigerian board-certified doctor and public health physician-in-training, writer and public speaker with over 4 years of experience in health communication, advocacy, leadership and project management in healthcare.
She is also the founder of SMILE With Me Foundation, an NGO leveraging digital health technology to reduce mortality rates from preventable diseases in low-middle income African communities using health education and health aids as tools.
The core of her work is in cancer prevention and treatment, sexual and reproductive health and Maternal and child health. She is a childhood cancer ambassador for Dorcas Cancer foundation and she is currently leading the campaign as a 2019 appointed Ambassador for the Pink October Walk in Lagos “Sporting for Pink”. A project supported by U.S. Consulate Lagos, for Project PINK BLUE to create cancer awareness in local languages, engage communities in sports, and medical screenings.
Popularly known as Dr Zobo on social media, she is bridging the healthcare gap through her health tech communications company Medically Speaking Africa, by her creative use of digital and social media tools for health promotion and advocacy. Her influence and impact can be seen in the significant turn around in the health-seeking behaviour of over 10 million Nigerians who she reaches weekly via social media. In 2019, she worked with the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (a coalition of 22 NGOs in Nigeria, advocating for increased Health funding), on a campaign #FundMyHealth2020 to get Nigeria’s Federal Government to provide 15% of her total budget to health care, a campaign that got the FG’s attention.
Dr. Olubukola George - Taylor
Bukky George-Taylor is an Author, Strategic Communications & Special Events Expert, Public Speaker, and Entrepreneurial Coach with over a decade of experience in both Corporate America and Canada. She founded ‘The Bobby Taylor Company’ in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada, which has evolved into a prominent household African Strategic Communications agency known as “Robert Taylor Media.” Bukky is also a Director of “The Lagos Today Newspaper” and the founder of Africa’s #1 Social Calendar App, CRAWL, aimed at boosting tourism in major African cities.
Bukky’s dedication to telling positive African stories, both from the corporate and hospitality & lifestyle perspectives, has earned her recognition in Forbes Africa, BusinessDay CEO Magazine, and other notable publications. Her expertise in Strategic Communications, Media Relations, Project Management, Advisory & Crisis Management, Brands Strategy, Competitive Analysis, and Special Events Management has seen her work with local and global brands such as the British Council, Meta, Dubai Tourism, Pernod Riccard, Moet Hennessy, Fela! On Broadway, ONE Org., WARIF, Cece Yara, Lagos Social Media Week, GT Fashion Week, Eterna PLC, British Petroleum, and Estee Lauder to name a few.
Bukky is a graduate of the Nellie Quander Leadership Institute and a Fellow of the Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, The Canadian Public Relations Society, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and sits on the board of Silver Lining for the Needy Initiative. Bukky is also a director of strategic partnerships at The Luxury Network and a member of various organizations such as BoardRoom Africa, Valence Community, and The Gathering Spot Atlanta.
Dr Osasuyi Dirisu
Osasuyi Dirisu is the Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre and Senior Fellow, Nigerian Economic Summit Group where she oversees behavioral and policy interventions in health, governance, gender and social inclusion in Nigeria.
She was formerly Research Director at the Population Council and in that role led research and interventions in Maternal Newborn and Child Health, Family Planning, Female Genital Mutilation, HIV and Gender-Based Violence.
She led the development of the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Dashboard (https://reportgbv.ng/#/), an
innovative data visualization platform for the collation of validated, real-time GBV data in Nigeria.
In 2022, she pioneered the Gender and Development certificate course and led the convening of the first National Gender and Inclusion Summit which has now been institutionalized as an annual event.
She holds an MB; BS degree from the University of Ibadan; an MPH from the University of Lagos, an MBA from the Pan-Atlantic University and a PhD from the University of Leeds.
She is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School and the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
Osasuyi is a widely sought-after speaker and is listed as one of the top 100 career women in Africa.
Dr. Zara Modibbo
Dr Zara Modibbo is a managing partner at Débbo Africa. She is an award-winning Laboratory Medicine Specialist, a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians and a Clinical Microbiologist who has contributed to African healthcare and medical research for almost two decades. She is a graduate of the University of Maiduguri, Borno medical school in Nigeria, and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine UK. She has also received training in Global Health and Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health Boston, MA and is a member of the Global Virology network.
In her last role at 54gene, she served as the Vice President of laboratory operations, overseeing the setup of its laboratories including COVID-19 testing centres in several locations across Nigeria. She is a visiting consultant at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano state where she sets up and coordinates global studies in areas of antibiotic resistance and other areas of infectious diseases, and a board member for Clean Tech Hub, a renewable energy innovation centre.
In the last few years, Modibbo has partnered with global researchers at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Cardiff and Oxford University in the UK to successfully set up and conduct international studies focused on infectious disease research with particular emphasis on the spread of antibiotic resistance across African and South-East Asian countries.
Dr Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri
Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri popularly referred to as “THE CELEBRITY SHRINK,” is a multiple award winning Neuro-Psychiatrist & Mental Health Advocate with almost 20years experience.
She is the only Nigerian with the 14Ps..Physician, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Practitioner(NLP, NFB, BFB), Published Author, Public Health Advocate, Producer(movies), Proficient Coach, Public Speaker, Parent, Philanthropist, Purpose driven, and Passionate about God and life.
She is the Medical Director and Psychiatrist – In – Chief at Pinnacle Medical Services, Nigeria’s leading and foremost Psychology and Mental health clinic prominent in the application of innovative clinical approaches in the management/treatment of a wide range of psychological,emotional, and behavioral related disorders.
The Executive producer of award winning movies, Pepper soup (focused on drug abuse) and Little Drops of Happy (focused on depression, postpartum depression and suicide) and creator of the most innovative mental health app in Africa, HOW BODI.
Elizabeth Okonji
Elizabeth Okonji (Chartered FCIPD) is a seasoned HR leader with over 2 decades’ corporate
HR experience, after pivoting early from a career in IT.
She is the Founder of TGL Labs – a Business Coaching company. She also serves as Fractional Chief People Officer and Strategic Advisor to a couple of tech startups. Her passion for helping people and teams develop a culture of growth drives her to partner with businesses and individuals to unlock their full potential, offering tailored solutions for growth and personal development.
Elizabeth’s fresh and daring approach to optimizing people and culture for organisations undergoing transformation, has earned her recognition as a trailblazer in People & Culture leadership.
Some of these recognitions include Ph.D., a feature among the Top 20 Disruptive People Leaders in Nigeria, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and most recently, an international feature among the Most Visionary Women Leaders in HR. Her journey to becoming an accomplished C-Level HR Leader included serving at organizations such as Renmoney, Afriglobal Group, Interswitch Group, MTN Nigeria, and Resourcery Plc., consistently delivering measurable results across geographies and industries, driving strategic business initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Elizabeth is a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), an international speaker, a certified learning experience facilitator, and a certified management consultant. Her other credentials, apart from her Masters in HRM, include Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD); Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Leadership Management & Manpower Development (ILMMD) and Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC). She is a member of the Certification Faculty and Experts’ Council of Hacking HR and serves as Lead Ambassador for Transform Global’s Lagos Chapter.
Beyond her professional achievements, Elizabeth is deeply committed to giving back to society and continues to empower others to reach their full potential through career mentoring and education funding
Elizebeth Solaru
Elizabeth Solaru is an author, an international keynote speaker and award-winning entrepreneur. Formerly a Scientist and Headhunter, she has honed her expertise in understanding luxury clients having successfully set up and run the world-renowned and multi-award-winning atelier Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium and the Luxury Business Emporium.
Author of the best-selling book, OPULENCIA, Elizabeth is the co-host of the Luxury Business Podcast and Luxury News Weekly Podcast, a humorous and informative news commentary podcast focusing on luxury news and the business of luxury. Creator of the first million-dollar cake NFT, Elizabeth is considered to be a leading expert in the world of luxury selling.
As an international speaker, Elizabeth has spoken in 30 cities around the world. Charming and engaging, she is able to impart her content to her clients with a unique style that is remembered long after the event. She is widely regarded as one of the few people to truly articulate the psychology and buying habits of high-end clients, and she does not shy away from tough questions and also manages sensitive subjects in a professional manner.
Emem Usoro
Emem Usoro is a Deputy Governor at the Central Bank of Nigeria. As the Deputy Governor in charge of Operations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emem Usoro oversees banking operations, branch operations, currency operations, currency operations, information technology, and reserve management.
Before her appointment at the CBN, Emem was Executive Director of Nigeria North Bank at the United Bank for Africa, with over 23 years of experience as a retail, commercial, public sector, and corporate banking expert.
Prior to this, she was an Executive Director, North Bank, in the United Bank for Africa (UBA). She was a member of the Board of Directors, collectively responsible for Northern Nigeria, supervising and ensuring market leadership. She championed developing and implementing sales strategies and executive management initiatives in seven regional banks and 151 branches across the Northern directorate.
Preceding this appointment, Ms. Usoro served as a regional executive at Bank PHB Plc (now Keystone Bank), in charge of developing commercial businesses and achieving sustainable growth in revenues, customer base and profitability for the region. Subsequently, she became the regional director for the Lagos Island region, overseeing 32 branches, responsible for developing, planning and implementing strategies whilst maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence.
Emily Wale - Koya
Emily Wale-Koya. She’s an entrepreneur and the founder of The School Of Personal Branding, where she coaches women on upscaling their businesses and earning in foreign currency from the comfort of their homes. She is a renowned entrepreneur and personal branding expert who has achieved significant success in her field. She founded her business, the School of Personal Branding, from her home with a four-month-old baby and minimal initial investment. However, her dedication and passion for empowering African women to be financially capable led to exponential growth in her company.
Today, she helps organizations, professionals, experts, and business owners transition from being unknown and underpaid to becoming wealthy and well-known through personal branding. Her approach focuses on teaching and empowering individuals to build their social and personal capital, enabling them to achieve success and prosperity.
Her success story began when she hosted a two-day training on WhatsApp and sold an audio course for N25,000, generating a profit of N1,000,000 (equivalent to $3000 at the time). Since then, she has dedicated her life to teaching and empowering African women to be financially capable and build their personal brand.
Enifome Ogbimi
Enifome, a force of transformation and inspiration. A dynamic Transformational Coach, Esteemed Communicator, Captivating and Energetic Speaker, Dynamic Event Compere and Fervent Advocate for Resilience and Empowerment.
With an unwavering passion for igniting joy, inspiring change and connecting with people, she is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations thrive in all aspects of life.
Enifome’s journey is fueled by her unwavering faith, commitment to uplifting others and her fervent dedication to creating impactful change. Enifome’s impact extends beyond her coaching, speaking and entrepreneurial endeavors.
As the Managing Director of Fogg Solutions, she pioneers unique and innovative solutions that empower individuals and organizations to thrive authentically and purposefully. She also serves as the Executive Director of the Live Again Foundation and visionary behind the Live Again Shelter—a sanctuary for women seeking healing and renewal.
Ese Brume
Ese Brume MON is a Nigerian athlete who specializes in the long jump. She is the current commonwealth champion and a three-time African senior champion in the long Jump and holds a personal best of 7.17 m. She currently holds the commonwealth games record, African junior record and African record in the event.[6] She’s a two-time medalist at the world athletics championship, an Olympic bronze medalist and also a five-time African junior champion in athletics.
She is also the only athlete to win three consecutive Long Jump titles at the African Championships in Athletics as well as the first African to win two Long Jump medals at the World Athletics Championships.
Brume was the long jump gold medalist at the 2013 African Junior Athletics Championships, 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2014 African Senior Athletics Championships and 2015 African Junior Athletics Championships. She also represented Nigeria at the World Junior Championships in Athletics in 2014.
Brume represented Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games, where she placed 5th in the Long Jump final with a leap of 6.81m. Brume won the bronze medal in the Long Jump event at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, with a jump of 6.91 m and at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, with a jump of 6.97 m. In 2022, she became the first African woman in history to jump four legal marks over 7.00m.
Esther Eruchie
Esther is the Founder & CEO, FriendnPal. As a visionary entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, Esther is revolutionizing mental health support through FriendnPal, a pioneering AI-powered mental health app in Africa. With a passion for innovation and mental health advocacy, she’s dedicated to harnessing technology to drive positive social impact.
With a proven track record of successfully launching tech solutions from concept to market, Esther excels in product management. She leverages her expertise in AI to break barriers and foster mental wellness, making a significant impact in the lives of many.
As a seasoned leader, Esther has led cross-functional teams in product development, aligning tech solutions with user needs and societal challenges. Her experience spans various sectors, including Education, Banking, Commerce, and EdTech, where she has honed her skills in SaaS, PaaS, B2B Marketing, and customer support.
Esther’s achievements are a testament to her innovative spirit and leadership. She pioneered the development and launch of Africa’s first AI-powered mental health app, FriendnPal, redefining mental health support in the digital age.
Ezinne Kalu
Ezinne Kalu is a basketball player who plays as a point guard for Landerneau. Born in the United States, she represents Nigeria at international level. In the 2017, 2019 and 2021 Afrobasket events, she represented D’Tigress, Africa’s highest-ranked side and won three straight championships for them. She was named 2019 Women’s Afrobasket Most Valuable Player (MVP).
After graduating from Savannah State, Kalu spent two seasons in the Portuguese Championship. In 2015, she signed with Clube Desportivo Torres Novas (22.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists). At the end of her first season in Portugal, she signed for Olivais Coimbra (21.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists).
In 2017, Kalu signed with Hungarian club Vasas Akademia for one season (17.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists).
In November 2018, she signed with German club Keltern. She helped Keltern qualify for the final of the German Championship (13.6 points and 2.5 assists).
In 2019, she joined the French side Landerneau BB, averaging 15.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists in the 2019-2020 season.
Favour Ofilli
Favour Chukwuka Ofili is a Nigerian track and field sprinter who competes in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4×100 meters relay races. Ofili made her Olympic debut for women’s 200m on 4th August, 2024 at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. In 200m, She remains in top 3 overall for both preliminary and semi-final rounds, finishing 6th in her Olympic-Final debut as a first-time Olympian.
Favour Ofili Began athletics in 2014. She was just a high school student in Delta State, southern Nigeria, with nothing to her name except a firm belief in her talent, ignited in her by her high school coach, Anne Otutu.Trained in Port Harcourt with coach George Obiano until she moved to the United States.
Favour Ofili was named the female athlete of the meet at the 2019 African Under-18 Championships after winning the 200 and 400 metres with new personal bests in both. Still16, she represented her country at the World Relays in Yokohama a month later, running in the 4 × 100 m and 4 × 400 m relays.She won the 200 m and finished second behind Patience George in the 400 m at the Nigerian Championships in July, running under 52 seconds at the longer event for the first time. Ofili bettered this mark at the African Games a month later, finishing second with 51.68 s and qualifying for the World Athletics Championships in Doha. She also anchored the Nigerian team (Kemi Francis, Patience George and Blessing Oladoye) to a gold medal in the women’s 4 x 400 m relay at the Games. This secured a second senior medal for the young athlete. As the youngest athlete at the World Championships in September, she improved her 400 m personal best to 51.51 s but was eliminated in the semi-finals.
Folake Coker
Folake Coker is an award-winning fashion designer and entrepreneur. She is the founder and creative director of a notable fashion and lifestyle brand, Tiffany Amber. Folake Coker is the pioneer of ready-to-wear outfits in Nigeria and has risen to a respected height in the fashion industry.
With over 20 years of hard work, she has and is still giving African Fashion the recognition it deserves internationally. She is the first African fashion designer to showcase her collection at the New York Mercedes Fashion Week two years in a row.
Tiffany Amber is a fashion and lifestyle brand that has a global appeal with an innate sense of glamor. Every collection is timeless, feminine and effortlessly stylish with a touch of African heritage.
Ten years after the launch of the brand, Folake made her first major international debut in New York. She showcased her collection at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The organizers of the shows were blown away by Tiffany Amber collections; which got her a second invite. This act made Folake Coker the first African fashion designer to showcase her collection at the New York Mercedes Fashion Week two years in a row. Ever since then, she has staged several shows in Africa, Europe, and the United States.
Folake Soetan
Folake Soetan is the Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric Plc, the largest electricity distribution company in Sub-Saharan Africa. She is a visionary leader spearheading a team of over 3,500 talented individuals, pioneering the advancement of Nigeria’s power sector through innovative electricity distribution strategies and cutting-edge technology integration. Folake began her career in the Aviation Sector working for British Airways and Virgin Nigeria as the Head of Sales. She joined Sahara Group in 2009 and worked in one of its key entities, SO Aviation in Ghana as the Vice President, Downstream – West Africa and led the expansion of the downstream market share beyond the shores of Nigeria and into Ghana, one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.
Folake commenced her transformational journey at Ikeja Electric when she joined as Deputy Chief Commercial Officer and soon rose to become the Chief Commercial Officer. She commenced what will become one of the most transformational changes in the distribution end of the power sector in Nigeria. Her achievements helped elevate her to the position of Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she was responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase customer growth, reduction of energy losses and aligning the major operating departments of the business towards a common strategy.
Folake became CEO in 2020, leading a team of over 3,200 employees in the next phase of power sector transformation, which involves increased power distribution, technological transformation, and digital monetization. She has continued to lead the industry in loss reduction, metering, innovation, and sustainability.
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is a renowned Nigerian filmmaker, actress, director, producer, and politician born on August 24, 1977, in Ikorodu, Lagos State. She first gained recognition for her role in the sitcom “I Need to Know” (1998-2002) and later became a household name with her lead role in “Jenifa” (2008), which earned her the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Akindele’s career has been marked by numerous successes, including her work on “The Return of Jenifa” (2011), “Jenifa’s Diary” (2015), and “Aiyetoro Town” (2019), a spinoff of “Jenifa’s Diary.” Her cinematic directorial debut, “Your Excellency” (2019), received critical acclaim. She has also produced and directed several high-grossing films, notably “Omo Ghetto: The Saga” (2020) and “A Tribe Called Judah” (2024), the latter becoming the highest-grossing Nigerian movie of all time.
“A Tribe Called Judah” became the first ever Nollywood project to gross over ₦1 billion in cinemas in early January 2024, after also grossing a record-breaking ₦113 million in its opening weekend, shattering previous records. This comedy-drama explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery, showcasing Akindele’s mastery of storytelling and her ability to connect with diverse audiences.
In addition to her film career, Akindele has ventured into politics. In 2022, she was nominated as the running mate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 Lagos state governorship election.
Akindele’s exceptional talent, dedication, and innovative approach have earned her numerous awards and recognition, solidifying her position as a leading figure in Nollywood.
Funke Bucknor - Obruthe
Funke Bucknor-Obruthe is a trailblazer in the event planning and management industry. As the founder and CEO of Zapphaire Events, she has revolutionized the industry in Nigeria and beyond with her innovative and elegant event designs.
With a background in law, Funke’s journey into event planning was driven by her passion for creativity and excellence. She founded Zapphaire Events in 2003, marking the beginning of a remarkable career that has spanned over 18 years. Under her leadership, Zapphaire Events has grown into one of Africa’s leading event planning companies, with over 1,500 events successfully led globally.
Funke is a multifaceted entrepreneur, author, speaker, and coach. She has published “The Essential Bridal Handbook,” a comprehensive guide for brides-to-be, and established the Zapphaire Training Academy, where she mentors and trains aspiring event planners. Her expertise has been shared at various conferences and workshops, making her a sought-after speaker and coach.
Beyond her business success, Funke is a champion for women’s empowerment. Through her initiatives, she has mentored over 500 event professionals, many of whom are women, providing them with the tools and confidence to start their own businesses and thrive in a competitive industry. Her commitment to empowering women extends to various programs aimed at providing entrepreneurial skills and opportunities, contributing to their economic independence and professional growth.
Gloria Ojukwu
Gloria Ojukwu is a technical data-driven Product manager/strategist and digital community builder and consultant, with a great knowledge of User Experience and Software Development. She loves to solve real-life problems with Technology and that powers her to help organizations and brands bring their products to life by walking through with them from Product ideation phases to Launch through a user-centered and agile approach.
She has experience across different sectors including IT, SportsTech, EduTech, E-entertainment, E-commerce, and HealthTech industries, and has managed distributed teams across the globe where she has helped organizations bring both their Saas and non-Saas products from ideation to life.
Gloria has practical experience managing and building web and mobile applications using technologies such as Javascript, Reactjs, Vuejs, React Native, Java, PHP, git versioning, etc, Cloud computing(AWS), blockchain technologies, project management tools such as Jira, Trello, Confluence, etc.
When she is not working on products, she is helping youths and women find their foot in Tech via communities, technical content sharing, public speaking and coaching.
Hadiza Bala - Usman
Hadiza Bala Usman is the former managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and has spent many years serving her country in congress and numerous public service roles.
Before her appointment as the first female Managing Director of the NPA in its 63 years of existence, Hadiza worked at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). She was then hired by the UNDP for the Federal Capital Territory Administration as Assistant to the Minister on project implementation. Her wide-ranging impact in these positions culminated in her appointment as the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, again, the first female to be so appointed in that part of the country.
Hadiza is Vice President of the African Region for the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH). In this role she pursued an aggressive 25-year port development plan that would prepare the NPA for the future of the global maritime industry.
A recipient of many awards in the areas of governance, girl child education and women’s emancipation, she is also convener of the BringBackOurGirls Campaign. This is a global campaign demanding the rescue of the 279 young girls abducted from Chibok Secondary School on 15th April 2014 in Borno State, Nigeria.
Hadiza is an alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where she earned a bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in Business Administration, and of the University of Leeds where she obtained a post graduate degree in Development Studies. Her numerous accolades include being named one of the the Financial Times’ Most Influential Women of the Year (2014) and one of CNN’s Most Inspiring Women of the Year (2014).
Hannatu Musawa
Hannatu Musa Musawa is a Nigerian lawyer, politician, and author, currently the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy in Nigeria.
Hannatu holds a degree in law from the University of Buckingham, UK and took a Postgraduate Masters Degree in the Legal Aspects of Marine Affairs from the University of Cardiff, Wales. She also has a Postgraduate Masters Degree in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Aberdeen.
As a qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, she has had a varied and rich working experience both in Nigeria and in the UK. She is completing a Doctorate, which she has been doing part time. She is a qualified Solicitor in England and Wales, UK. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. She has worked as a Litigation lawyer and legal advisor to a number of private Companies. As junior lawyer, she was attached and worked with the law firm of Late Chief Clement Akpamgbo (former Attorney General of the federation) and she also worked briefly with Barrister Bala Na Allah during the Oputa Panel; Human Rights Violation Commission. She consequently went ahead to form the firm of Hanney Musawa & Associates, where she is presently the Principal Partner. From 2003, she has been an active political activist. She fully participated in the political activities of the opposition during the 2003 and 2007 Nigerian elections. She was also one of the lawyers on the prosecution’s leading team in the 2003 Presidential Election Petition between General Muhammadu Buhari and General Olusegun Obasanjo. In the aftermath of the decision of that election petition, she continued to express and voice her views through the medium of print media by maintaining a weekly newspaper column. It is a forum she uses to speak out, without fear or favor, on behalf of Nigerians who have no voice and on issues that border on the premise of peace and justice. She has been a human rights and Women’s rights activist for several years. In 2011, Hannatu Musawa contested for the Federal House of Representatives legislative seat in her home state of Katsina in Nigeria.
Haoma Worgwu
Haoma is an award-winning thought leader who has helped thousands of business owners and corporate professionals gain visibility and secure the right opportunities on the world’s largest professional network, LinkedIn. Recognized as a LinkedIn top voice in the marketing category, Haoma is also a distinguished member of the Global LinkedIn Certified Marketing Insiders network.
She is the founder and lead trainer of the Global “20 Days Linkedin Growth Program with Haoma,” her signature training program, which she has used to directly impact over 5000 people in 30 countries around the world, including the United States, UK, Canada, Kenya, Cyprus, and others. This community is arguably one of the largest communities on LinkedIn worldwide.
According to Favikon, a global AI creator marketing platform, Haoma is the No. 1 LinkedIn growth expert in her country, one of the 20 most powerful women on Linkedin, one of the top 200 LinkedIn creators worldwide, and one of the top 100 LinkedIn creators in Nigeria (no, 2 precisely).
In 2022, she was listed as one of the top 60 African women in development by donors for Africa and one of the 30 most influential young people by the African Youth Development Group. She was also recognised by Selar as one of the top 100 creators on the African continent. Her two books, “Morning Star” and “10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Showing Up on LinkedIn,” have collectively reached a global audience of over 1,500 readers (as of August 2023).
Ifedayo Agoro
Ifedayo Agoro is a digital storyteller on a mission to elevate the voices of women. As the founder of the DANG Community, one of the largest communities for women of color with over 1,000,000 upwardly mobile women, she empowers women to own and share their stories without restrictions. Born out of Africa but now spanning multiple regions in Europe and North America, the community focuses on creating meaningful connections, conversations, and driving empowerment and inclusivity through storytelling.
In 2024, the DANG Women Fest had its inaugural event, gathering over 700 women in a vibrant celebration of the strength found in diversity of womanhood. Through compelling digital content and carefully curated live events, she leverages the stories of women in the community to inspire change, celebrate uniqueness, and champion diversity.
She discovered a gap in the market – a lack of skin care products catering to people with melanin-rich skin – leading to the creation of Dang! Lifestyle Brand, a global skincare and fragrance company catering to melanin-rich skin inspired by the community. As the Founder, she spearheads the management and operations of the business, which has sold over 450,000 units across various countries in Africa, Europe, and North America without any major influencer marketing campaign.
Ijeoma Onwordi
Ijeoma is a Senior HR and Organizational Leader with over fifteen (15) Years’ exposure across multi-sector industries including: Management Consulting, Energy, Not Profit, and Manufacturing.
Nkiruka is skilled at providing Board Level advisory, leading HR transformations, and aligning HR imperatives with strategic corporate objectives and priorities, for SMEs and Multinationals.
Nkiruka has a track record of building organizational capabilities, rethinking workforce transformation strategies, and developing Future of Work (FoW) readiness for Young Professionals in the Workplace.
She is a Lean In Circle Leader, WIMBIZ (Women in Management, Business, and Public Service) Mentor, and serves in various advisory capacities.
She holds both local and international certifications; and is a Senior Professional – International TM ️ from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) USA.
Iruka Ndubuizu
Iruka Ndubuizu is a Negotiations Expert, Strategist and Trainer whose combined experience in legal, project management, administration and healthcare spans law firms, corporations and academia.
She is proficient at translating business terms into legal concepts and uses the law proactively to achieve better business results, balance risks with reward and prevent problems. This mindset fueled a passion for sharing her extensive knowledge via training in both traditional and non-traditional classroom settings. Her ability to engage and connect with people, excellent communication skills, strong business acumen and marketplace knowledge enables her to successfully build teams and maintain effective business relationships with a wide variety of people at all levels. She has successfully negotiated and finalized high level multi party contracts with C-suite executives and other stakeholders.
Itiola Ikudinakin
Itiola Ikudinakin is a seasoned brand, marketing, and strategy expert with many years of experience across brand management and communications.
She is armed with leadership skills and adequate optimization of available human resources and top-notch execution with a proven track record of over a decade in leadership positions across different industries.
Her recent role as the Director, Marketing and Communications at OPay Digital Services led to the brand growth along the following lines; 0.02% consumer app growth via amplified and dedicated marketing approach and customer targeting, increase in gross transaction value and impressive brand management.
Ivana .I. Osagie
Ms. Osagie has over 30 years’ experience in strategy/corporate development, business development and general management functions with multinational companies in Europe and a listed energy/manufacturing firm in Nigeria.
She is currently the founder and Managing Director of PWR Advisory – a leading Africa-focused ESG consulting firm.
She is a member of the Institute of Directors and sits on a number of boards.
Ms Osagie holds an MSc from the University of the West of England, an MBA from the University of Liverpool, and is an alumnus of Insead’s Advanced Management Program
Jadesola Osiberu
Jadesola Osiberu is a Nigerian filmmaker, media entrepreneur, and founder of Greoh Studios. It is safe to say she has become a force to reckon with in Nollywood. She is the producer of Gangs of Lagos, the first Nigerian original film to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
She has directed and produced several films, including the critically acclaimed “Isoken“. Isoken was a box office success and received numerous accolades. In 2017, she started a production company called Tribe85 and made her directorial debut with the romantic comedy “Isoken“. The star studded film starred iconic actors like Dakore Akande, Funke Akindele and Joseph Benjamin. Two years later, she produced “Sugar Rush” and “Ayinla”.
Following this, she wrote and produced Brotherhood which was directed by Ugandan director Loukman Ali and executively produced by Adebola Williams, the chairman of AW Network, in 2022.
In 2023, Jade Osiberu had 3 nominations in the 9th edition of the AMVCAs, in the categories of Best Writer and Best Director for The Trade, and Best Overall Movie for Brotherhood.
Kaosara AbdulKareem
Kaosara is an experienced People & Culture Transformation Leader with a practice spanning 2 decades.
Her expertise cuts across the HR value chain. Over the years, she has developed capabilities in people development, cultural/behavioral change, strategic decision-making, Organizational Development, Competencies/Career, and Performance Management to mention but a few.
Her passion for human resources grew exponentially, fueled the countless opportunities to shape the careers of individuals and enhance the overall functioning of organizations.
Kaosara is currently the Country HR Lead, for a multinational company: Mantrac Nigeria.
She is the Lead Coach and Consultant for Knest Coaching & Learning Academy, a privately owned business that helps individuals win their games through professional coaching, mentorship, and continuous learning.
Kaosara is passionate about personal growth and development. Determined to empower young individuals to navigate the complexities of the professional world, an advocate for young adult transformation.
The joy of witnessing the metamorphosis of these bright souls into confident, capable professionals became the driving force behind her resolve.
Kehinde Ayeni
Kehinde Ayeni is the Chief Operating Officer at LEAP Africa, where she is responsible for developing and driving operational strategy; optimizing resources, process, and people improvement; and translating strategy into actionable goals for optimal performance, growth, and sustainability. Kehinde provides leadership and support in resource planning and optimization, corporate communications, and organizational development. Her core experience in the last 10 years prior to her current role was in Internal and External Communications which covers corporate communications, implementing communications strategies, media relations, corporate branding and PR, and digital marketing. In 2020, Kehinde was recognized among 50 African Women Making a Difference in Development by Donors for Africa.
Kehinde Bankole
Kehinde Bankole has carved a remarkable path as an actress, model, and TV host. From captivating audiences on the silver screen to gracing the covers of prestigious magazines, her journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.
However, Kehinde’s ambitions extended beyond the runway. In 2007, she made her acting debut in Wale Adenuga’s acclaimed family drama, “Super Story: Everything it Takes,” portraying the character Caro. This marked the beginning of a prolific acting career that would see her grace both the small and big screens with her magnetic presence. From iconic roles in productions like “Papa Ajasco” to her memorable portrayal of Kiki Obi in “Desperate Housewives Africa,” Kehinde captivated audiences with her depth, nuance, and emotional resonance.
In addition to her acting prowess, Kehinde also found success as a talk show host, charming viewers with her warmth, wit, and engaging personality. Whether she was leading discussions on “Soul Sisters” or exploring the culinary delights of Africa on “African Kitchen,” Kehinde’s presence illuminated screens and touched hearts across the continent.
As Kehinde Bankole basks in the glow of her latest triumph—the Best Lead Actress award at the African Magic Viewers Choice Awards—her star continues to ascend, illuminating the path for future generations of talent to follow. In a world often fraught with challenges and uncertainties, Kehinde stands as a beacon of hope and possibility, reminding us all that with courage and conviction, the sky is truly the limit.
Kemi Dasilva - Ibru
Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru is a specialist healthcare physician who is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through medical practice, social activism and wider public advocacy against gender-based violence.
Professionally, Dr DaSilva-Ibru is a consultant specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as a public health physician, with over 20 years’ experience in private practice. She is also the founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), a non-profit organization that addresses the prevalence of gender-based violence, rape and the trafficking of young girls & women across Nigeria. Through this work, she has become a recognised thought leader in the field of women’s health internationally, and her 2020 TED talk on the ‘shadow pandemic’ has gained a global audience.
WARIF is one of Nigeria’s foremost organisation tackling sexual violence. In addition to drawing the world’s attention to rape and GBV. WARIF takes a holistic and survivor-centered approach to helping affected girls and women, as well as launching preventative initiatives to successfully tackle the issue’s root causes. Dr DaSilva-Ibru’s goal is to bring about a world in which all women and girls can live their lives free from gender-based violence.
Lolu Desalu
Lolu Desalu is an experienced marketing professional with a track record of success in brand building and strategic partnerships across entertainment, banking, and technology industries.
Currently serving as the Chief Marketing Officer at FilmHouse Group, Lolu leads a successful cinema marketing team, contributing to the growth of the local film industry and expanding cinema culture in West Africa.
Lolu Desalu is a renowned marketing professional. With 13 years of experience in marketing and public relations for multi-million-dollar conglomerates and startups, she developed mastery in using consumer empathy to boost marketing performance.
She was recognized by Endeavor Nigeria as one of the top professionals in the country for her work as Group Head of Marketing for The Filmhouse Group, where she spearheaded marketing across West Africa for Warner Bros., Times Media, and Twentieth Century FOX.
She has worked on digital, traditional, and experiential campaigns with brands around the world, including Mastercard, Nokia, Chanel, Cartier, Hennessy, L’Oréal, Sainsbury’s, Johnson & Johnson, Revlon, and many more. She has been able to translate her passion into a valuable resource that enables her to lead teams towards successful endeavors.
Mayowa Ijisesan
Olumayowa Ijisesan, also known as Pastor May, has carved a remarkable path through the areas of engineering, business intelligence, and ministry. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, innovative thinking, and a deep-seated commitment to empowering others. Her tenure as an Advanced Software Engineer at Altera marked the beginning of a career that would span continents and industries, leaving an indelible mark on technology and community empowerment.
Ijisesan’s impact at Altera was profound, driving software and hardware development, testing, and process automation. Her expertise not only shaped the company’s success but also left a lasting legacy in Silicon Valley. Fueled by her vision, she founded Dyvintel, a Business Intelligence consulting firm, where she led data-driven projects across North America, empowering clients with informed decision-making skills.
As a pioneer, mentor, and visionary leader, Ijisesan’s story is far from over. Her unique blend of technical expertise and compassionate leadership continues to inspire and open doors for others to succeed in a rapidly changing digital world.
Mojibade Sosanya
Mojibade Sosanya, also known as the LadyMC with an M.Sc, is a multi-talented professional with a diverse background in event hosting, TV presenting, corporate communications, acting, public speaking, and influencing. She earned her first degree from Covenant University and further obtained an M.Sc from the School of Media and Communications at Pan Atlantic University, Nigeria.
Throughout her banking career, she earned the endearing nickname “Banker with a mic” due to her exceptional ability to captivate audiences. With her strong educational foundation and dedication to using her voice as an instrument of hope, Mojibade is committed to inspiring people to reach their full potential.
Mojibade’s extensive experience as an Event Host includes serving as a compere for numerous private and public sector events, collaborating with national and international corporations across various industries. She has had the privilege of interviewing distinguished leaders, including political figures, business moguls, religious leaders, and industry captains.
Notable highlights in her career include hosting events for esteemed organizations like the United Nations (UNDP and UNIDO) and AFREXIM Bank, as well as hosting the Lagos Presidential Banquet in honor of Former President Muhammadu Buhari. She has conducted engaging interviews with prominent individuals such as former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, CNN’s Zain Asher, professional footballers; Didier Drogba and Asamoah Gyan, and Dr. Nadeem Khan of the International Association of Ultrarunners, among others.
She is also able to moderate high level fireside chats, panel conversations across various subject matters.
Nneka Okekearu
Nneka Okekearu is the Deputy Director and Head of Gender at the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University. She has a 1st degree in Banking and Finance and MBA and is currently doing a doctorate in entrepreneurship. She has over 25 years experience spanning across banking, telecommunication and consulting. A World Bank Master Trainer and Assessor, Nneka believes in the power of mentoring, capacity building and networks.
As head of Gender and Deputy Director at the Enterprise Development Centre she has had the privilege of supporting women on their entrepreneurship journey. She has implemented, supported and managed various programs on the continent such as the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women; World Bank Women-X Project; Cherie Blair Foundation for Women ‘Road to Growth’ Program; and the MasterCard Foundation ‘Transforming Nigerian Youths’ Program. Over the years, she has aided in providing financial linkages for startups and social enterprises, both locally and internationally.
She has also implemented global programs such as the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) with focus given to enterprising women in business. Nneka sits on the board of Assembly-hub, a catalytic platform aimed at strengthening the capacities of creative entrepreneurs. She also sits on the board of RecyclePoints, an award-winning recycling social enterprise focused on the climate and environment. An avid believer in mentoring as a tool for development, she is also on the Mentoring Committee of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Nwamaka Lasebikan
Nwamaka Lasebikan is a global Oncology leader and renowned researcher, with over 20 years of experience in clinical medicine, cancer care, and research. She has provided innovative solutions and coordinated programs within multi-donor-funded organizations in the public and private health sector in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Over the years, she has honed her skills in connecting gaps and offering solutions for enhanced healthcare service delivery and health systems strengthening across all levels of healthcare. She has spearheaded multi-stakeholder and cross-sectoral partnerships, facilitating the conceptualization and implementation of actionable evidence-based programs and policies. Leveraging her in-depth knowledge of cancer in clinical and research settings, as well as her expertise in health systems innovations, strategic planning, program management, and capacity building, she has developed a track record of guiding multidisciplinary teams toward building effective and excellent systems and strategic frameworks. She leads international collaborations to achieve positive results.
Her core value proposition is centered on designing long-term solutions to barriers affecting the health system as it relates to cancer in SSA, driving conversations and frameworks that influence policies for cancer control, treatment, and survivorship in Africa and Low- and Middle-income countries globally. Currently, she serves as the Director of Oncology at UNTH, where she leads and refines the organizational structure of the oncology center and interfaces with the Ministry of Health on cancer-related matters for the institution. Additionally, she serves as the President of ARCON, engaging with global leaders and industry specialists to achieve diversity and inclusion in policies governing access to quality healthcare services and an integrated approach to cancer prevention and control for all at-risk groups.
Obare Princess Dafiaghor
Obare Princess Dafiaghor is a lawyer with over 10 years experience in active legal practice across all tiers of Nigerian Courts and provider of external solicitor services to major banks and companies in Nigeria, She provides proactive legal and regulatory compliance solutions.
She produced a manual/SOP for NGOs’ AML/CFT and Tax regulatory compliance in Nigeria, and provided training on regulatory compliance for over 400 CSOs under the European Union-ACT/British Council and Global Rights Workshop for CSOs.
Asides law practice, she hosts corporate events excellently and is passionate about helping young Lawyers/Professionals build excellent capacity through continuous acquisition of knowledge.
If you ever wondered what honesty, efficiency, diligence and proactiveness looked like, take another look at Obare Princess Dafiaghor and you have it.
Odunayo Eweniyi
Odunayo Eweniyi is the Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of PiggyVest. She previously co-founded pushcv.com, one of the largest job sites in Africa, boasting the largest database of pre-screened candidates. With 5 years of experience in Business Analysis and Operations, she has established herself as a seasoned professional in her field. Odunayo is a First-Class graduate of Computer Engineering from Covenant University, Nigeria.
Odunayo Eweniyi is a seasoned business development strategist and leader, with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the technology and finance sectors. With over a decade of experience in executing tactics for market penetration and revenue generation, she has established herself as a expert in launching successful products in African markets.
She is a results-driven leader, with a strong track record of achievements. Odunayo has won the Region of the Quarter Award for the First and Third Quarter of 2022, and received accolades as the Highest Growing Region, outperforming South-East Asia, Latin America, and Americas Regions. She also successfully rolled out the MetaMap Africa Partnership Reseller and Channel Partnership Initiatives, scaling businesses with localized institutions in Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, generating an additional 7.7% revenue channel.
Odunayo is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the technology sector, and is committed to empowering women and underrepresented groups to succeed in business and leadership roles. She is a sought-after speaker and mentor, and has been featured in several publications and media outlets for her expertise and achievements.
Odunayo Folasade Adekuoroye
Odunayo Folasade Adekuoroye is a Nigerian freestyle wrestler. She competed in the women’s freestyle 53 kg event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games where she won the gold medal and at the 2015 World Wrestling Championships where she won a bronze medal. She won the silver medal at the women’s freestyle 55 kilograms 2017 World Wrestling Championships.
Adekuoroye participated in Nigeria’s 15th National Sport Festival held in Ogun State, where she won the gold medal in the cadet category. In March 2019, Adekuoroye was ranked 4th in the Women’s 57 kg wrestling class by United World Wrestling.
She participated in the Commonwealth tournament for the first time in 2010, representing Team Nigeria in India. She won the bronze medal in the 48 kg category at the age of 17 years.
In 2014, she defeated Indian Sehrawat Lalita in the final of the women’s freestyle 53 kg category to win her first Commonwealth game gold medal.
In 2018, Adekuoroye participated in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, winning her second Commonwealth gold medal in the Women’s Freestyle 57 kg weight class, defeating Pooja Dhanda of India in the final.
Adekuoroye won a third Commonwealth Games gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, defeating India’s Anshu Malik in the final.
Ogochukwu Onwuzurike
Ogochukwu Onwuzurike is a seasoned business development strategist, skilled in executing tactics for market penetration and revenue generation. With a proven track record of launching successful products in African markets, she ensures financially viable brands with long-term profitability through revenue and sales generation, regional market expansion, and scale-up initiatives. Her expertise spans global B2B, FMCG, Payment Technology, and SaaS organizations.
She has engineered the sales and revenue structure of a Technology company, currently holding a strong market position, and has launched the business in African markets. Her deep understanding of evolving customer needs in volatile environments enables her to innovate go-to-market strategies, ensuring product-market fit in new and existing markets.
Her leadership experience includes heading sales, revenue, and business development functions, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on strategic projects to highlight value, impact, and ROI. She conducts high-level conversations with C-suite executives to reshape market penetration plans and drive successful product campaign outcomes.
Olori Boye - Ajayi
She is an award-winning trade expert with over a decade of experience in trade and investment in the African market. In her current role as a member of the AfCFTA Trade and Industrial Development Advisory Council Continental Working Group, she actively contributes to the development of strategic work plans, policies, and private sector engagements to drive the growth of regional value chains.
As the founder of Borderless Trade Network (BTN), a trade promotion organization, she has built a network of thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa’s multi-sectoral landscape and curated trade facilitation programs for over 10,000 entrepreneurs. Her leadership has secured $1,000,000 in funding to support women in export communities across Africa through collaborative partnerships with AfreximBank, Africa’s largest trade finance bank.
Her value lies in her negotiation skills, ability to identify opportunities in the African market, and extensive network that has enabled her to facilitate trade and investment within the region. She has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions, including:
Honoree, ‘Excellence in Trade and Investment’ category – African Achievers Award (2023).
Omotolani Tayo - Osikoya
Popularly known as Diaryofakitchenlover, Omotolani Tayo-Osikoya, is a Certified Cuisine Chef and accomplished entrepreneur who has captivated the culinary world with her innovative recipes and captivating food aesthetics. With over 1 million followers on her popular food blog, “Diary of a Kitchen Lover,” Tolani’s passion for cooking has evolved into a remarkable journey.
Launched on February 3, 2018, “Diary of a Kitchen Lover” began as a humble Instagram blog, showcasing Tolani’s commitment to sharing recipes and her genuine love for the kitchen. The blog quickly gained momentum, captivating the hearts and taste buds of followers worldwide. Driven by an insatiable desire to deepen her culinary knowledge and professionalism,
Tolani pursued an international certification at the prestigious Italian Chef Academy in Rome, Italy. This pursuit was not merely a credential but a profound exploration of diverse culinary experiences, techniques, and flavors. Tolani’s experiences were further enriched by a scholarship from the Future Foods Academy in Pollica, Italy, promising even more culinary excellence in the future. Today, she extends her expertise through Diaryofakitchenlover Studios and KookandBeyond, platforms that teach and inspire over 500 students on their culinary journeys, both online and offline.
As a sought-after influencer, Tolani has collaborated with over 100 prestigious brands, showcasing her ability to create notable visibility and deliver exceptional results for her partners. Her culinary prowess has caught the attention of industry giants, leading to partnerships with renowned brands such as Jumia, Ayoola, Nestle, Arla, Indomine, Buchymix, Morning Fresh, and more.
Beyond her culinary accomplishments, Tolani is a multifaceted professional with over six years of experience in Aviation and Media. As the COO at TISV Digital, she leverages her strategic expertise in Business Development and Brand Management. A graduate of Accounting from Babcock University, Tolani demonstrated leadership qualities that transcended the culinary realm, serving as Vice President in the Department of Accounting. This unique blend of academic rigor and culinary finesse defines Tolani’s approach to her personal and professional endeavors.
Oluwaseyi Kehinde - Peters
Oluwaseyi Kehinde-Peters is a visionary leader and innovative builder of individuals and institutions, dedicated to empowering people to maximize their potential and catalyzing organizations for success. With a strong passion for addressing the challenges faced by indigenous startups and SMEs, particularly women entrepreneurs, she has built a global ecosystem to support their growth and success.
As a Board Director and Strategic Leader, she contributes to holistic organizational development through strategic oversight and expert guidance. Her leadership style focuses on driving innovation, collaboration, and resilience within diverse teams, and she has led cross-functional and multicultural teams through significant business transformations.
Through her work with PAWEN, she has empowered over 2500 women to start or scale successful businesses and placed over 50 women on boards and in leadership positions. She is also a sought-after speaker and mentor, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, gender equity, sustainable development, and financial inclusion.
With a strong background in process automation and innovation, she has led digital transformation initiatives to optimize business processes and drive financial inclusion. Her vision is to directly impact and empower 1 million people through leadership, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Oluwatobi Ayeni
In 2015, Oluwatobi Ayeni launched MissTechy, a pioneering tech blog designed to demystify complex technology concepts for a broader audience. At the time, she was working at a digital marketing agency, where she successfully managed the Tecno Mobile account, spearheading the brand’s transition from affordable, entry-level devices to premium smartphones competing with industry leaders like Apple and Samsung.
As an undergraduate studying Banking and Finance, Tobi’s passion for technology had already made her the go-to expert among friends seeking solutions for computer and camera issues. Handling the Tecno account was a natural fit, and her enthusiasm for the role was palpable.
The experience, combined with her work on MissTechy, introduced Tobi to the vast potential of content creation. She discovered a thriving community of creators monetizing their content and realized the scarcity of female tech bloggers in the Nigerian market. This observation inspired her to fill the gap, leveraging her expertise to become a leading voice in the industry.
Tobi Ayeni currently boasts of over 200k Instagram followers and 20k+ on Twitter and has partnered with high profile brands including Google, MTN, Nescafe, Microsoft, Oppo, Smoov, and more recently Standard Chartered Bank. She is also the recipient of several awards like YTech100 and Best tech content creator in Nigeria, to name a few.
Oluwatoyin Banjo
Oluwatoyin Banjo is a dynamic leader celebrated for her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes and her remarkable ability to effect positive change. As a recognized global catalyst for change, she embodies a vibrant vision, unwavering focus, and exceptional execution. Her outstanding qualities include a clear sense of purpose, infectious energy, impeccable communication skills, and a research-driven mindset. She is a Certified ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Auditor, a Lagos Business School alumni, a member of Forbes BLK, and currently pursuing a PhD in Development Communications.
With over 14 years of extensive experience spanning Corporate Communications, Brand Management, Strategic Planning, Project Management, and more, Oluwatoyin possesses a versatile skill set. Her proficiency extends to Volunteer Management, Quality Mgt Systems, Research & Development, HR Mgt, Social Innovation, Fundraising, Finance, and Investment, primarily within the Insurance and Development Sectors. She is also well-versed in consulting, problem-solving, analytical abilities, and effective project management.
Orode Uduaghan
Orode is a charismatic solution-based leader with experience of public sector engagement, grassroots politics and human capital development solutions. A critical and analytical thinker with the ability to think across complex issues and create solutions while communicating ideas effectively.
Orode has over 15 years of experience with community development and public service leadership. She is driven by the need for equity and justice and has made substantial contributions to increasing participation of women in policy design, politics and governance.
She has vast experience in designing and implementing programs that improve the daily lives of people, particularly in marginalized areas. Her program design experience spans across various sectors and social development goals (SDGs).
Orode is the former Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Small and Medium Enterprise Development. She is the Zonal Director of The People︎s Democratic Party (PDP) South-South zone, female youth wing. A member of the Delta State Transition committee and currently an Honorable Commissioner and member of the Delta State Executive Council.
Phoebe Dami - Asolo
Phoebe Dami-Asolo is a seasoned business management and brand management expert with over 12 years of experience driving profitable growth and market leadership for top companies. Her core competencies include end-to-end business development, commercial optimization, brand management, and marketing.
Phoebe’s impressive career has taken her to various roles and countries, including her recent position as Senior Operations Director for The Coca-Cola Company in Nigeria. Previously, she made history as the first black woman to serve as Director of Franchise Operations for The Coca-Cola Company in India. Her achievements have earned her recognition as a top 35 under 35 marketing professional by the Brand Communicator Awards.
Throughout her career, Phoebe has demonstrated exceptional leadership and talent, exceeding business deliverables and gaining market share for The Coca-Cola Company in Nigeria. She led an execution project that earned Nigeria the Excellence Cup Award for best business performance in Africa. Her experience spans various roles at The Coca-Cola Company, Reckitt, and Nigerian Breweries, showcasing her versatility and expertise.
Phoebe is an alumnus of prestigious institutions, including Imperial College Business School, University of Manchester, and Harvard University. She is committed to inspiring and raising young talents in the FMCG industry, and in her spare time, she gives back to society through mentorship, career, and life counseling.
Precious Bassey
Precious is a multifaceted individual whose remarkable achievements have garnered recognition. A three-time award-winning hospitality founder, revolutionizing the industry with her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence.
In addition to her entrepreneurial prowess, Precious is a UX designer
Beyond her professional pursuits, Precious is deeply committed to making a positive impact in society. She is very much interested in and actively engages in charity cases involving child sex education, rehabilitation after sexual abuse, and social work.
Pro Bosede Afolabi
Professor Bosede Afolabi is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and current Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, UK, West African College of Surgeons, and National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and has a Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Nottingham, UK.
She wears several hats as the Director for Clinical Trials, Research and Implementation Science (CCTRIS), University of Lagos, the founder and chairperson of MRH (Maternal and Reproductive Health) Research Collective, a community-based maternal and reproductive health NGO and the President of the Association of Fetomaternal Medicine Specialists of Nigeria (AFEMSON). She is passionate about the advancement of women’s health and the reduction of maternal mortality in Nigeria. Her research interests are in maternal medicine but she also practices clinically and is proficient in ultrasound.
Bosede is the Principal Investigator and co-PI of research grants worth more than $15 million USD and has authored more than 110 peer-reviewed publications focusing on maternal medicine and safe delivery, sickle cell pregnancy and health systems research. She was a speaker at the Goalkeepers event during the UN General Assembly in New York, September 2023.
Dr Afolabi chairs the board of the Kensington Adebukola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), Laboratory and Maternity Centre, the Maternal and Reproductive Health Research Collective (MRHRC) and is a member of the board of Redwire Marketing Group
Rena Wakama
Rena Wakama is a Nigerian professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the Nigeria Senior Women’s Basketball Team and an assistant coach at Tulane University.
While she was at WCU, she played for the Western Carolina Catamounts for four years. Immediately, she left college, she joined the D’Tigress where she played for the team at the 2015 Women’s Afrobasket tournament in Cameroon where Nigeria finished third. She also represented Nigeria’s First Bank at the FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Women during her career as a player.
For her first two years at Manhattan College, she served as the director of women’s basketball operations, she became an assistant coach in her third year where she kept on developing talents while serving as the team’s academics and community service liaison.
In 2023, she became the first female Head Coach of D’Tigress, and became the first Nigerian National Female Basketball Team coach to win the FIBA AfroBasket Women competition since it began in 1966. At the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, under her leadership, Nigeria’s D’Tigress became the first African team, male or female, to qualify for the quarterfinals of basketball at the Olympics after beating Canada 79-70. She was awarded the Best Coach of the tournament by FIBA for guiding the Nigerian team to a historic outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Rolake Akinkugbe - Filani
Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani is a seasoned C-level professional, dedicated to addressing Africa’s infrastructure deficit, deepening financial inclusion, expanding universal energy access, and building sustainable infrastructure. With a strong passion for driving positive change, she has established herself as a strategic and adaptable global leader, fluent in English and French.
She possesses strong commercial acumen, deal origination, and stakeholder management skills, complemented by executive presence and superb communication and analytical skills. Her ability to build lasting relationships with private and public stakeholders at national and multinational levels has been instrumental in driving business growth and investment opportunities.
She has consulted on investment strategies, country risks, new ventures, and business expansion opportunities for financial investors, fund managers, and strategic investors across sectors in Africa, emerging markets, and frontier markets. Her expertise has been sought by clients from Europe, MENA, and Asia.
She served in an advisory capacity with the Economic Advisory Board in the Office of the VP from 2017 to 2019 and has held transformational for-profit and non-profit board roles. She is open to non-executive director or independent consultant roles in financial services, asset management, infrastructure, energy, power, renewables, and private equity/venture capital. Her achievements have been recognized through several awards, including Top 275 Global Female Influencer Executives in Energy and Choiseul 200 Young Economic Leaders in Africa under 40.
Ruth Erikan James
Ruth Erikan James popularly known as Veekee James Atere, is a versatile Nigerian entrepreneur, fashion designer, and gospel singer. Originally from Nsit Atai, Akwa Ibom State, she spent her formative years in Lagos State’s Ajegunle neighborhood, where her mother, Esther James, imparted her early skills in clothing design through a family tailoring business. Despite starting a biochemistry degree at the University of Uyo, her innate passion for fashion led her to eventually pursue entrepreneurship full-time, founding her eponymous brand “Veekee James” in 2019.
Her fashion journey has been marked by significant achievements, including expanding her brand’s presence from Lagos Mainland to Lagos Island and diversifying into menswear with “Veekee James Man” and women’s fashion through “Shoprikan.” Veekee’s dedication and innovation in the industry were recognized with numerous accolades, including Best Designer of the Year at the AMVCA and Hercomony Awards in 2022, and multiple awards at the Future Awards Africa in 2023, cementing her status as a leading figure in Nigerian fashion.
Beyond fashion, Veekee James has also ventured into music and media, releasing her debut single “Nothing Less” in May 2023 and launching a podcast titled “Bible Stories With Veekee James.” Her multifaceted approach to creativity extends further with educational initiatives, such as organizing masterclasses that have empowered fashion creatives globally. In her personal life, she celebrated her marriage to Femi Atere in October 2023, blending traditional and vintage-themed ceremonies that reflected her cultural roots and modern outlook on life.
Ruth Kadiri
Ruth Kadiri is a talented and award-winning actress, screenwriter, and film producer with over a decade of experience in the Nigerian film industry. She has established herself as one of the leading ladies of Nollywood, known for her captivating performances and versatility in a wide range of roles.
Ruth has won several awards for her performances, including the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award for Best Actress in a Drama. She has also been nominated for several other awards, including the 2016 ELOY Award for Best Actress and the 2017 Best of Nollywood Award for Best Actress, which she won.
Throughout her career, Ruth has been featured in numerous publications, including Vanguard, The Punch, and This Day Style. She continues to be a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, inspiring fans with her talent, entrepreneurship, and dedication to her craft.
Ruth Osime
Ruth Osime is a Nigerian journalist.She is the former editor of THISDAY Style Magazine, a fashion and style pullout magazine of THISDAY Newspaper.
Osime’s career at THISDAY began with her as a project manager, then she became a writer and style editor in 2003, a position she held till April 2022. She also contributed to the Sunday publication of the newspaper with a column known as Truth by Ruth, before becoming the editor of THISDAY Style in 2005, when the magazine was launched. She is the co-producer of the annual ARISE Fashion Week and headed the panel of judges for the 2020 edition of the fashion show. In 2021, she sat as a judge for Lafarge Africa‘s annual National Literacy Competition for teachers and students.
Osime made it to the list of 25 Most Powerful Women in Nigerian journalism in 2020, coming 12th on the list compiled by Women in Journalism Africa.
Osime is a recipient of the 2021 Embracing All Tone of Women (E.A.T.O.W) Icons Award, in recognition of her contributions to the fashion and style industry.
Sayo Jimi - Oluseye
Responsible for initiatives to support culture, and drive employee engagement, internal communications, HR communications, strategic planning, and corporate responsibility programs. I possess solid leadership, people management, and interpersonal communication skills that boost effective teamwork synergies across diverse functional teams. Technical proficiency in SimpleHR, Xceed365, SAP Success Factor, and Dynamics GP.
Seyi Oluyole
Seyi Oluyole is a filmmaker, choreographer and humanitarian. She is the founder and Executive Director of the Dream Nurture Initiative for girls and women. One of her projects is Dream catchers academy- a renowned project focused on providing access to education and psychotherapy for girls experiencing homelessness, abuse, neglect, and economic hardship.
Seyi Oluyole is passionate about arts education and innovative education. She has worked in the educational sector and creative arts for over seven years and has created lasting economic benefits for children and young adults through her programs. Her innovative work has gotten recognition from Hollywood celebrities like Beyonce, Naomi Campbell, Justin Bieber and many others. She gained recognition from the BBC as one of the twenty Outlook Inspirations for 2018, the same year, Dream Catchers Academy’s project received a recognition plaque from the Governor of Lagos State; the organization and their recipients featured on the CNN African Voices Change Makers series and other mass media platforms like Aljazeera, Yahoo News, ET Canada, to name a few. Ms Oluyole is a recipient of awards from the Nigerian Child Initiative.
Ms. Oluyole has written for African Magic’s Soap Operas- Tinsel, Hustle – amongst others.
She directed and produced her first short film ; Gbera in 2016. The short film was nominated for various awards and went on to win Best Short Film at the Eko International Film Festival 2018.
Sola Adeola Sogebra
With over 16 years of teaching experience and multiple certifications, Sola is a passionate and visionary school leader who ensures a high-quality education for students at Caleb Group of Schools. She oversees the operations, resources, and staff of the school, fostering an environment of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. She also founded The Change Makers platform, a thriving community of over 230 educators who connect and learn from each other.
As an EdTech Guru, Sola leverages technology to enhance learning outcomes, motivate and inspire others, and advocate for digital citizenship. She is a Microsoft certified educator, a content creator, and an author of the book Winning Online. She is also a Product Manager Fellow at Utiva, where she develops and launches digital products that solve real-world problems. Sola’s mission is to empower students and teachers with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future of work.
Stephanie Coker Aderinokun
Stephanie Coker Aderinokun is a multifaceted professional with a passion for storytelling, creativity, and connecting with audiences. With a career spanning several years, she has established herself as a talented and versatile individual, wearing many hats in the industry.
As an award-winning television host and actress, Stephanie has had the honor of hosting and co-hosting remarkable shows such as The Voice Nigeria and Next Titan Reality Show. She has also acted in renowned films like Tinsel and King of Boys. Her talent and charisma have made her a beloved figure on screen.
In addition to her work in television and film, Stephanie is a documentary filmmaker and producer. As the founder of SCA Studios, she has dedicated her career to amplifying the captivating stories of Africans, especially women. Her documentary, “Where the heck is my period?” was a remarkable selection at the 2022 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
Temilade Olanrewaju
Temilade Olanrewaju is an Environmentalist, author, and Marine Biologist with over four years of experience leading various youth-led environmental sustainability initiatives across Nigeria. She is the Executive Director of “EcoChampions”, one of Nigeria’s largest networks of professional environmentalists, leading environmental change through climate education and advocacy, tree planting, and plastic waste management in Nigeria.
Her contributions to environmental policies and practice have been deservingly recognized; having been named as a 2020 Nigeria’s 25 Under 25 Leader on Energy and Sustainability, 2018 LASEPA Ambassador against Pollution, 2018 Ideation Hub Africa Talent of the Future, and a 2018 US Consulate’s Carrington Youth Fellow. She is also a Chevening scholar currently studying in the UK at the University of Sussex, for a masters in Environment, Development, and policy. She serves as the Deputy Chair of the University of Sussex student sustainability committee and a member of the SDG4 YOUTH Network.
She has also written two illustrated environmental books for kids and is currently pushing for Climate Education in Nigeria’s education system. She wears her creative hat on some days through poetry in creating artistic awareness of the need for environmental sustainability and justice.
Tobi Amusan
Having started out as a conventional sprinter, Tobi Amusan took silver in the 100m hurdles at the 2014 African Youth Games. She won the African junior title in March 2015 and then, six months later, the 18-year-old Nigerian scorched to African Games gold in Brazzaville, Congo.
In 2016, she started at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and broke 13 seconds for the first time with a run of 12.83. At the NCAA Outdoor Championships, she finished second behind University of Kentucky’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn. Both women went to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, with Camacho-Quinn representing Puerto Rico, and made semi-final exits.
At the start of 2017, Amusan clocked a career best 12.63. She bettered that at the NCAA Outdoors, running 12.57 to reverse form with Camacho-Quinn from 12 months earlier. At August’s World Championships in London, she would again go out in the semi-finals.
Toyin Puddicombe
She is a medical student turned Human Resources Professional, driven by the discovery of the connection between natural abilities and career fit, and the negative consequences of a mismatch. Her passion is to help professionals find careers that align with their natural talents, develop their competencies, and demonstrate their capacity in the workplace.
With a strong background in human resources, she holds several certifications, including Internationally Certified Senior Professional in Human Resources, Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and Project Management Certification from the Project Management College, UK. She is also a member of the International Association of Facilitators and a Certified Career Analyst.
She partners with organizations to attract and harness top talent, using a multi-faceted approach that includes e-networking platforms like LinkedIn. Her expertise has been successfully applied across various sectors, including Consulting, Insurance, and Broadcast Media, spanning the 6 Nigerian Geopolitical Zones, as well as in an advisory capacity in West Africa and the United Kingdom. Through her work, she helps organizations achieve their business objectives by optimizing the skills of their workforce.
Tumininu Abukpain
Tumininu specializes in the field of Corporate and Commercial Law with particular emphasis in Corporate, project finance and International Banking,Capital Markets and Securities in general and the preparation of the relevant transactional documentation, and the processing of these transactions in compliance with the relevant local and international legal and regulatory framework. She also has in-depth knowledge in the areas of International and Investment Law, Mergers and Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring.
She has extensively advised local and multinational corporate institutions on regulatory, and compliance matters with respect to the relevant regulatory
bodies and government agencies.
She is also a Director at Newhall Training where she heads the Learning and Development Team.
Weyinmi Eribo
Weyinmi Eribo is currently serving as the Director-General of the Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture in Nigeria, Weyinmi is a trained geologist turned development expert with nearly 15 years of diverse leadership experience. Her expertise spans across multiple sectors including oil and gas, extractives, impact investing, gender-focused initiatives, international development, non-profit management, financial inclusion, agribusiness, and entrepreneurship.
She holds certifications as a lead auditor and business development service provider and has built proficiency in critical areas such as strategy development, operations management, policy and systems development, building strategic partnerships to drive enterprise growth and is passionate about promoting women’s economic inclusion.
Weyinmi is an Acumen West Africa ’22 fellow, a StartingBloc ’19 social innovation fellow and Regional Chair, West Africa Alumni, a World Bank Scholar, Orange Knowledge Program Scholar, a Cherie Blair Foundation Alumni.
Winifred Nwania
Winifred Nwania, fondly known as Zeelicious Food, is a multifaceted entrepreneur, culinary expert, elegance coach, and visionary leader. Born with a passion for excellence, Winifred has navigated various industries, culminating in her current endeavors.
As the visionary force behind Zeelicious Foods, Winifred Nwania has made an indelible mark on the culinary landscape. Her flagship cooking show, “My Naija Plate,” has aired two successful seasons on DSTv’s Honey TV, captivating audiences with her unique recipes. Beyond television, Winifred’s influence extends to her YouTube channel, boasting over a million subscribers, where she shares expert cooking tips and techniques. Further solidifying her expertise, she has authored a comprehensive cookbook, cementing her status as a renowned culinary authority..
Expanding her scope, Winifred founded Winnie School of Elegance, an institution dedicated to teaching etiquette, poise, and refinement. This venture stems from her belief that elegance and confidence are essential life skills. Through her school, Winifred empowers individuals, particularly women and children, with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various social and professional settings.
Through her endeavors, Winifred Nwania has received numerous accolades and recognition. Her commitment to excellence and community development has earned her a reputation as a respected business leader and mentor.
Yasmin Obadaki
Yasmin Obadaki is a force to be reckoned with in the world of communication. As a seasoned communication specialist, author, and media manager, she has mastered the art of developing and implementing targeted content for diverse media platforms. Yasmin’s expertise extends to research, writing, editing, and proofreading, making her a one-stop-shop for all media content needs.
Her ability to manage media campaigns and deliver effective public relations and communications plans has earned her a reputation as a creative and visionary leader. With a keen interest in shaping an organization’s image and values through strategic communication, Yasmin has worked with top media houses, including CoolFM, Radio Kano, and Roundtable TV shows, as well as leading indigenous oil companies like Leeds Energy Ltd and London Oil Ltd. What sets Yasmin apart includes her natural leadership qualities with excellent time management and planning skills, proven track record of success in communication and media management, ability to think creatively and outside the box, and passion for storytelling and strategic communication.
Yetunde Bankole Bernard
Yetunde Bankole-Bernard is the Executive Director of Finchglow Group, a Group of 6 companies in the downstream sector of the Aviation, Travel and Tour Industry. She oversees Corporate Communications, Product Design, Customer and Brand Experience.
She is a communications expert who had an illustrious career working in Africa’s leading Brand Activation agency (at the time) EXP Nigeria and TPT Lagos (A PR firm), where she honed her skills in PR and Media relations, working across industries-Finance, FMCGs, Telecomms, etc with multinationals and premium brands like British American Tobacco (DunHill and Saint Moritz), Nigerian Breweries Plc (Heineken and Star), Unilever, Procter and Gamble, Nokia, MTN, NIBSS Oceanic Bank, amongst others.
She is the progenitor of RECALL: an identity coaching Solution for those beginning or at a new beginning, -Workbook, Ebooks, Podcasts, Audio CDs and Events which are a product of over 15 years of experience in the trenches of the Marketing Communications Industry, half of which focused on teaching, training and coaching on Self Awareness, Self Esteem and Confidence as well as building Inner capacity and Human connection.
An Author, Speaker, and Mediator, YBB is a UK certified Life Coach, MBTI practitioner from CAPT. Florida, Relationship/Image Coach, and Corporate Image consultant trained in New York and Las Vegas respectively.
Yewande Bejide
Yewande Yetunde, Bejide is a Dispute Lawyer specializing in Family law, property transactions and Regulatory compliance with government agencies. She is a Team Lead in the Dispute, Conveyancing and Regulatory department in the Lagos office of Pinheiro LP a top tier law firm with over forty lawyers with physical presence in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
She leads the team that liaises with government bodies on behalf of clients be it the Securities and Exchange Commission , State and Federal Lands Registry,etc
YY as she is fondly called is a two time graduate of the University of Lagos with a B.A in History and Strategic Studies, and a Bachelors in Law (LL.B). She is a member of the following bodies :Nigerian Bar Association,Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators and Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (in-view).
YY is driven by two core values- Integrity and love.
Who are we?
The PowerWoman Network is a network of female business leaders and professionals birth with a shared mission of enhancing the growth of women in the corporate, political, and business leadership scenes.
We believe that in every woman is an arsenal of untapped power, strength, resources and resourcefulness, therefore through The PowerWoman Network, we help ambitious women unleash their inner strength and help them with the resources required to access global opportunities and become global leaders.
Our core values
- Leadership
- Respect
- Collaboration
- Excellence
- Growth
Mission
To offer leadership development, mentorship, economic advancement and empowerment for women through job creation, skills acceleration, capacity building, advocacy programs, strategic networking and collaborative practices.
Vision
To enhance the growth of women in the corporate, political and business leadership scenes.
Upcoming events for you
In a bid to unleash the power woman in every woman, we have organized programs to do just that. We look forward to seeing you!