Still in the mood of the recent International women’s day celebration, we cannot but celebrate women that have made Nigeria proud.
Wednesdays are also used to celebrate women that have done well in various fields and career on social media platforms, it is therefore important to celebrate women that has made the most populous black nation i.e. Nigeria.
Women have played their parts in a male dominated society like Nigeria. Many have been outstanding in various fields which include politics, entertainment, sports, education, and so on.
They have now been a role model/mentor to female child in different parts of the world.
Here are 10 Women That Have Made Nigeria Proud Globally
This compiled list of Nigerian women are listed in no particular order.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: The current DG of WTO (World Trade Organization) is undoubtedly a model for women all over the world. She is the first woman (and of color) to hold the prestigious position. Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian-American economist has worked with the world bank (Managing director) as well as the Nigerian government (Finance Minister). She is a figure of hope for the girl child and has made Nigeria proud.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Prolific and award-winning writer, Chimamanda Adichie is another woman who has made Nigeria proud. She has put Nigeria on the world map through her literary works as well as speaking up for the girl child all around the world as a feminist.
Folorunsho Alakija: The Nigerian billionaire businesswoman, Folorunsho Alakija has inspired a lot of women all over the world. She is listed among the 100 most powerful women in the world. The richest woman in Africa made her fortune through fashion, oil, real estate and printing industries.
Sade Adu: Nigerian-born British singer, songwriter, and actress, known as the lead singer of her eponymous band, Sade Adu, is one of Nigeria’s finest music export to the world. She is regarded as one of the most successful British female artists in history, she is often recognised as an influence on contemporary music. Born in Ibadan, Sade is a recipient of the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) (2002) for services to music.
Chioma Ajunwa: In the world of sports, especially athletics, Chioma Ajunwa is second to none in Nigeria. After various setbacks in her career she achieved fame when she became the first athlete in Nigeria to win an Olympic gold medal (1996) and to date remains Nigeria’s only individual Olympic gold medalist. Before taking part in the track and field event (long jump), Chioma Ajunwa had also played football for the Nigerian women’s national team, ‘Falcons’.
Genevieve Nnaji: Genevieve is one of the outstanding women in the Nigerian movie industry that has put Nigeria on the world map. A recipient of the Nigerian national awards (OFR), Genevieve Nnaji’s movie, ‘Lion Heart’ is the first Nollywood movie to be submitted for the prestigious Oscars Award.
Stella Ameyo Adadevoh: Nigerian physician, Dr. Adadevoh is a name that cannot be forgotten in the medical field especially among Africans. She is credited with having curbed a wider spread of the Ebola virus in Nigeria by placing the patient zero, Patrick Sawyer, in quarantine despite pressure from the Liberian government.
Asisat Oshoala: In the world of the round leather game, Asisat is undoubtedly the biggest African player. The FC Barcelona Femeni star has been crowned Africa’s female player of the year four times. She is the Lionel Messi of female football in Africa. No wonder she plays for the same football club as the Argentine superstar.
Blessing Okagbare: Sprint star, Blessing Okagbare is the finest woman that has put Nigeria on the world map in the track and field event. A long jumper and sprinter, Okagbare is a Olympic and World Championship medalist in the long jump, and a world medalist in the 200 meters. She also beat sprint star, Usain Bolts to a Guiness world record as she has the most appearances in the athletic Diamond League.
Tiwa Savage: Another Nigerian music export to the world is singer, Tiwa Savage. The former Mary J. Blige and George Michael backup singer is a multiple award winner. She is one of the biggest female African artiste and had her works featured in Beyonce’s ‘Lion king’ project as well as the recently released Hollywood movie, ‘Coming to America 2′.