As the International Women’s Day is getting closer, it’s time to honor the women who helped Nigeria get to where it is now. Female in Nigeria has contributed to every sphere of life, from politics to economy and from culture to the international recognition of Nigeria. Let us celebrate 8 March, Women’s Day by remembering the Nigerian women who made a great input into the development of Nigeria.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Nigerian literature is full of prominent female writers, but not many of them have managed to achieve the level of success set by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her novels and nonfiction books have repeatedly made the bestselling lists, her stories have been adapted into incredibly popular movies, and her work has been praised by Beyonce and other celebrities of the world.
Mosunmola Abudu
The media industry has been unwelcoming to women for a long time, but Mosunmola Abudu became one of the famous Nigerians who have changed this situation. Having been born, raised and educated in the UK, Mo soon became a leader in many industries, including Human Resources and television. Mosunmola Abudu is now an example for young Nigerian girls who dream of a big career.
Chinelo Anohu-Amazu
Chinelo Anohu-Amazu recieved outstanding education in the legal field and specialized on computer and communications law. After receiving her degree in the late 1990s, Chinelo held a number of valuable and highly coveted positions. Her latest one is at the National Pension Commission, where she works as Director-General since 2012.
Colette Otusheso
Colette’s name and face may not ring any bells if you’re used to seeing celebrities on TV and in media, but her achievements speak for herself. Colette Otusheso currently works in Viacom Africa as the Head of Marketing and Communications, which means she is one of the driving forces of Nigerian entertainment and the person behind your favorite things in media.
Patience Jonathan
The former First Lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, has been instrumental to the development of the country in a number of ways. First, she made a great contribution to Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential campaigns, helping him secure his position. Second, she devotes a lot of her time to helping fight HIV and AIDS, helping children with heart diseases, and caring about girls and young women.
Folake Folarin-Coker
The Nigerian fashion scene is filled with prominent female designers, and Folake Folarin-Coker is among the most famous ones. Her fashion brand, Tiffany Amber, dates back to the late 1990s and is best known for its feminine and floaty clothing that is considered to be a must-have by many fashion magazines and experts, as well as celebrities who love the Tiffany Amber style.
Folorunsho Alakija
Folorunsho Alakija is not only the richest woman in Nigeria and one of the wealthiest women in Africa; she is also among the richest women of the world. Having started as an Executive Secretary in the 1970s, Folorunsho soon moved on to the fashion industry. Later she added an oil company to her business assets, which helped her cement her position as Nigeria’s wealthiest woman.
Aisha Buhari
Aisha Buhari started out as a beautician and cosmetologist, where she achieved remarkable success. However, being married to Nigeria’s current president, Muhammadu Buhari, has put her alongside the most outstanding women of the country. She is determined to protect the children and young women from the threats like early marriage, abuse, and human trafficking.
Chioma Ude
Chioma Ude is best known as a powerful figure in Nigerian film business. Perhaps, her biggest achievement is founding the Africa International Film Festival, which over the years became a significant annual event in the movie industry and has attracted hundreds of internationally famous celebrities.
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, or Omotola, as she’s affectionately called by fans, is one of the biggest stars of Nollywood. Her interests and activity, however, span way beyond movie making – Omotola is also a renowned philanthropist and activist. Her filmography includes over 300 well-known titles, and in 2013 she made the Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World list.
