Nigerian Women Making the Country Proud Abroad

As the world commemorates International Women’s Day 2024 this month with the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” let’s look into some exceptional Nigerian women shining bright on the global stage. 

These trailblazers are not just breaking barriers but are also inspiring a wave of women across the globe. This year, under the campaign theme “Inspire Inclusion,” let’s celebrate some remarkable Nigerian women who are making significant contributions abroad, across various fields, and setting a standard for excellence and leadership.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a trailblazing Nigerian-American economist who has made significant strides in global finance. As the first Nigerian woman to serve as Finance Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, she played a pivotal role in negotiating a substantial debt cancellation for Nigeria. Okonjo-Iweala’s tenure at the World Bank and her historic appointment as the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization are testaments to her leadership and expertise. Her efforts in enhancing Nigeria’s financial stability and promoting fiscal transparency have earned her international acclaim, making her one of the most influential women in the world.

Ndidi Nwuneli

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is an entrepreneurial powerhouse with over 25 years of experience in international development, particularly in African agriculture and nutrition. As the founder of LEAP Africa and African Food Changemakers, and co-founder of Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd. and AACE Foods Processing & Distribution Ltd., Nwuneli has been at the forefront of social innovation in Africa. Her recent appointment as CEO of the ONE campaign underscores her commitment to fighting extreme poverty and preventable diseases in Africa, leading a global team to drive change and inspire inclusion.

Adejoke Bakare

Adejoke Bakare is a culinary genius from Nigeria who has taken the United Kingdom by storm with her West African-themed restaurant, Chishuru. Located in London, Chishuru has the honor of being the UK’s first black female-owned restaurant to receive a Michelin star, a testament to Bakare’s exceptional cooking skills. Her innovative West African cuisine has attracted a wide clientele and earned a perfect review score in The Sunday Times Magazine. Bakare’s achievements have been recognized by Great British Chefs and the National Restaurant Awards, where her restaurant was listed among the top 100 in the UK.

Abigail Marshall Katung

Abigail Wok Marshall Katung, a Nigerian-British politician, made history as the Lord Mayor of Leeds, becoming the first elected African in the Leeds City Council. Her tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including the successful prosecution in the case of David Oluwale, a Nigerian migrant who tragically died in the UK. As a two-term representative for the Little London and Woodhouse Ward and co-chair of Leeds City Council’s official ‘Food Champion,’ Katung has demonstrated her dedication to community service and social justice.

Simidele Adeagbo

Simidele Adeagbo, a Nigerian-born athlete, has made remarkable strides in the world of winter sports. Competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics, she became the first African athlete to participate in bobsleigh at the IBSF World Championships. Adeagbo’s historic win in the 2022 EuroCup’s women’s mono bob event marked her as the first athlete from Africa to win an international sliding competition. Her dedication to promoting women and girls in sport through the SimiSleighs Foundation and her recognition as an Olympian for Life highlight her contributions to winter sports and the promotion of Olympic values.

Zain Asher

Zain Ejiofor Asher, a British Nigerian news anchor, has become a prominent figure at CNN International, co-anchoring the network’s primetime show One World from New York City. Asher has covered major global events, including the Beirut explosion and the End SARS protests in Nigeria. Her memoir, Where The Children Take Us, inspired by her Tedx talk “Trust Your Struggle,” reflects her journey and her mother’s resilience in ensuring her children’s education and opportunities in England. Asher’s success and influence continue to inspire women worldwide.

Wunmi Mosaku

Wunmi Mosaku, a Nigerian-born British actress, has achieved remarkable success in her acting career. Her powerful performance in Damilola, Our Loved Boy earned her a BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Toyosi Ogunseye

Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye is a Nigerian journalist who broke barriers as the first female editor of Punch Newspaper in its 50-year history. With over 25 media awards, including the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Awards, Ogunseye’s work has had a significant impact. Her leadership roles at the BBC World Service and as President & CEO of the United States Presidential Precinct demonstrate her commitment to delivering impactful leadership programming and supporting emerging leaders.