International Women’s Day is an important day that celebrates the social, economic, and political achievements of women around the world. It also serves to recognize the struggles that women have faced throughout history in order to gain equal rights and recognition.
Nigeria is home to some of the most inspiring women in the world. From entrepreneurs, activists, and politicians to scientists and educators, Nigerian women have made huge strides in advancing their country’s development. These inspiring figures have been an integral part of Nigeria’s growth over the past decades, paving a path for future generations to follow.
These are some of the most inspiring women in Nigeria.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She has served two terms as Nigeria’s finance minister under former president Goodluck Jonathan and also held several senior positions at The World Bank Group, where she worked for 25 years before returning home. Her appointment by the WTO marks a major milestone for African women since it makes her the first female director general ever elected into office by 164 member countries, making her one of Africa’s most influential leaders on the global stage today!
Aisha Yesufu
Aisha Somtochukwu Yesufu, born on December 12, 1973, is a Nigerian activist and businesswoman. She co-founded the #BringBackOurGirls movement, which brings attention to the April 14, 2014, abduction of over 200 girls from a secondary school in Chibok, Nigeria, by the terrorist group Boko Haram. Yesufu has been a prominent member of the End SARS movement, which began in 2017 and draws attention to police brutality in Nigeria.and draws its name from a controversial police unit in the Nigeria Police Force called the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). A photograph of her wearing a hijab at an End SARS protest became an iconic symbol of the movement. Yesufu has said of the End SARS protests, “I will not be an irresponsible parent and leave this fight for my children. I am ready to sacrifice my life for my children’s lives. I brought them to this world, and I need to fix the world I put them in. Yesufu was among the BBC’s 100 women in 2020. Yesufu was included in a list of the Top 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine in 2020.
Folorunso Alakija
Another inspirational figure from Nigeria is Folorunso Alakija, who founded Famfa Oil Ltd., which now produces more than 200 million barrels per day from its offshore oil fields near Lagos State, making her one of the wealthiest self-made billionaires not only in Africa but across the entire globe! In addition to being a successful entrepreneur, she also serves philanthropic causes through the Rose of Sharon Foundation, which provides financial assistance and educational resources to disadvantaged children throughout the country so they can pursue better life opportunities themselves someday too!
Aishatu Jibril Dukku
Aishatu Jibril Dukku is a Nigerian educationist and politician from Gombe State. She served as Federal Minister of State for Education during the presidency of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua. Since then, she has served as a parliamentarian in the Nigerian National Assembly. She is currently an honorable member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing Dukku and Nafada Federal Constituencies, Gombe State, Nigeria.
She has had an impressive career as both an educationist and politician, with a particular focus on improving educational opportunities for girls, empowering women and youth, and reducing poverty through skills acquisition programs.
Funke Feyisetan-Ladimeji
Funke has over 30 years’ experience in banking and finance. She has managed a variety of banking businesses across markets and corporate finance businesses, across multiple jurisdictions in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), North America, and Asia, and across multiple functional areas, including financial control, complex product accounting, technology, business operations, and human capital.
Funke’s extensive experience in banking and finance, managing businesses across multiple jurisdictions and functional areas, is truly impressive. Her leadership in developing an African investment bank and overseeing radical growth and change at FBNQuest Merchant Bank Group demonstrates her ability to drive business success and innovation. Her qualifications as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales and her degrees in economics and globalization from Queen Mary and Brunel Universities, respectively, provide a strong foundation for her work in the banking and finance industry.
As Executive Director and Executive Compliance Officer at Coronation Merchant Bank, Funke is responsible for a broad range of critical functions, including compliance, information technology, centralized operations, customer service, administration, and global trade. With her extensive background and expertise, Funke is well-positioned to lead these important areas and contribute to the continued success of Coronation Merchant Bank.
