Trailblazers: Nigeria’s top 15 women of 2025

Trailblazers: Nigeria's top 15 women of 2025

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From politics to sports, boardrooms to entertainment, Nigerian women shattered barriers and shaped national conversations across key sectors in 2025.

Despite lingering gender gaps, they notched trailblazing milestones in governance, business, science, culture, and public life — driving policy shifts, elevating industry standards, and igniting public discourse.

Here is a list of 15 Nigerian women who made waves in 2025.

1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation continued to play a key role in global economic policy discussions, including trade reform, supply chain resilience, and support for developing economies. Her leadership sustained Nigeria’s visibility in international economic governance. Okonjo-Iweala, ranked 92nd on Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful Women list, remains the first woman and African to lead the WTO.

2. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The senator drew nationwide attention following her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The development and subsequent disciplinary actions sparked debates on gender relations, power dynamics, and accountability within Nigeria’s legislature.

3. Oluremi Tinubu

Through the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady implemented empowerment programmes targeting women, youths, persons with disabilities, and displaced persons. Her interventions in health, education, and social welfare expanded the scope of the First Lady’s office in 2025.

4. Funke Akindele

The filmmaker and actress maintained her position as Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer, with projects that dominated the box office and employed hundreds within the film value chain. Her work continued to shape commercial filmmaking in Nigeria.

5. Mo Abudu

The founder of EbonyLife Media strengthened Nigeria’s presence on global streaming platforms through international partnerships. Her company’s collaborations with Netflix and other global studios further positioned African storytelling as export-ready intellectual property.

6. Tems

The singer sustained her global profile through music releases, international tours, and collaborations. Her continued success reinforced Nigeria’s influence in global pop culture.

7. Hilda Baci

Following her Guinness World Record achievement, the chef expanded her brand through food festivals and culinary events that promoted Nigerian cuisine, tourism, and youth entrepreneurship.

8. Asisat Oshoala

The football star made headlines with her transfer from Bay FC in the United States to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Women. She scored on her debut, marking a significant moment for African players exploring emerging leagues.

9. Tiwa Savage

The Afrobeats star was honoured with the Media Icon Award at the 2025 Forbes Women Africa Summit, recognising her influence beyond music and her role in shaping the global Afrobeats movement.

10. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The author remained influential through her writing and public engagements, contributing to global conversations on feminism, identity, and Nigeria’s social realities.

11. Bamidele Abiodun

The Ogun State First Lady was among Nigeria’s top women recognised for her public service initiatives and philanthropic interventions focused on grassroots development.

12. Oyin Olugbile

She won the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature for her debut novel Sànyà, becoming one of the few first-time authors to secure the prestigious award.

13. Rena Wakama

The basketball coach made history as the first female coach to win the Women’s Afrobasket, ending 57 years of male dominance in the competition.

14. Rasheedat Ajibade

The Super Falcons winger played a key role in Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title and later secured a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, with a contract running until 2027.

15. Opeyemi Alaka Hamidat

Hamidat, a graduate from the University of Ibadan (PhD), was named a 2025 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents awardee for her research on Nigerian medicinal plants and Alzheimer’s treatment.

Hannah, a journalist with over a year of media experience, writes engaging content for social and digital media

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