5 Most Globally Recognized Nigerian Women Under 40 and Why They Rock

Here are a few globally recognized Nigerian women:

1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – author and feminist
2. Funke Akindele – actress and filmmaker
3. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – economist and development expert
4. Oyinkansola Alabi – engineer and entrepreneur
5. Tolu Ogunlesi – digital strategist and writer
6. Bukky Shonibare – lawyer and human rights activist
7. Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti – political activist and women’s rights advocate
8. Nkem Owoh – actor and comedian
9. Toyin Ojih Odutola – contemporary artist
10. Linda Ikeji – blogger and media entrepreneur.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: She is an internationally recognized and award winning novelist. According to her recent interview with Vogue magazine, Chimamanda disclosed that she had a dream to make a name for herself. A name she made indeed from her tireless efforts and hardwork. She published her first book Purple Hibiscus at age 26 and she has since then published more award winning novels some of which are recognized in higher institutions as modern day literature.

Oluchi Onweagba: She is a popular Nigerian supermodel, television personality and entrepreneur. She is 33 years of age and looking even more beautiful than we first saw her in 1998 when she participated in the inaugural edition of the M-Net face of Africa. She is a girl who overcame the obscurity of her looks as a young girl to pursue a dream in modeling. An opportunity that skyrocketed her career and she has since then established her own modeling outfit to create opportunities for others like herself. 

Agbani Darego: This 32 year old model and beauty queen is a native of Abonnema, River State. Nigeria. Her name became a household name when she became the first sub-saharan African to win Miss World in 2001. As a teenager, she aspired to become a supermodel. Even after she failed to make the final cut at the M-Net face of Africa competition, it did not deter her efforts at attaining her goal. A goal she eventually achieved and exceeded her own expectations. She has since worked with numerous international brands and designers and gone ahead to establish her own fashion brand as well as a style and fashion reality show.

Genevieve Nnaji: She is a popular actress; model and singer who got into the lime light as a child actress and has since then become a household name. She has bagged numerous awards both home and abroad for her outstanding contributions. In a bid to give back to society, she launched her own clothing line “St Genevieve” and donates a proportion of her earnings to charity organizations. In 2009 she became the first Nigerian actress to be profiled by the Popular US-Based talk show host, Oprah Winfrey. She is currently rumored as the most sought after and highest paid actress in Nollywood.

Omotola Jalade-Ekinde: This 37 year old ageless beauty is a Lagos born actress, singer and philanthropist and she thrives successfully in all these roles. She has debuted in about 300 movies, sold millions of movie copies and bagged numerous high profile awards. Her contributions to the movie industry and her notable humanitarian efforts have been highly commended. With a view to impact positively in the lives of youths, Omotola established her own NGO (the Omotola youth empowerment project). This project not only favors the youth, but extends to widows. This achievement earned her a nomination for the best charity/cause in 2012. She is also associated with several other causes such as; save the children UK, Enough is Enough, Amnesty International (to mention but a few).

All 5 Women have one thing in common; the drive to make something of their selves and in turn, give back to society. It took a dream for these women to get to where they are today in the global scene. So, follow through with that dream. Don’t give up until you reach it.