These days inspiration seem scarce and far between, however , this group of women do not fall short in helping to motivate us through their actions, achievements and values. Cutting across several ethnicities, age groups and belief systems, these ladies have stuck to forging the path of excellence and brilliance in the respective fields.

Commiserate with the celebration of the International Girl-child day, we have decided to shine the light on a few of our heroines who have championed the cause of excellence in their various walks of life.

NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala GCON was born on the 13^th of June, 1954 is a Nigerian American citizen. She is revered as one of the most notable who has been serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization since March 2021. Notably, she is the first woman and first African to lead the World Trade Organization as Director-General. She sits on boards of: Danone, Standard Chartered Bank, MINDS: Mandela Institute for Development Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, One Campaign, GAVI: Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, Rockefeller Foundation, R4D: Results for Development, She also previously sat on the Twitter Board of Directors, and stepped down in February, 2021 in connection with her appointment as Director General of the World Trade Organization. She has excelled in her career in the finance industry, setting the benchmark for success even at the highest levels of her field. She is one of our heroes, showing strength of character and bravery even in dispersing her duties.

 

TOBI AMUSAN

Amusan, Oluwatobiloba Ayomide was born 23 April 1997. She is a Nigerian track and field athlete who specializes in the 100m hurdles as well as sprinting.  She is the current World, Commonwealth, and African champion in the 100 m hurdles, as well as the three competitions' record holder. Amusan became the first Nigerian world champion in an athletics event when she won the gold medal in the 100 m hurdles at the 2022 World Championships, setting the current world record of 12.12 seconds in the semifinals, followed by a wind-assisted 12.06 seconds in the final. She won back-to-back Commonwealth and African gold in the 100m hurdles in 2018 and 2022, and she is also a two-time African champion. She overcame obstacles to rise through the ranks through various track competitions.

In the world of track and field, Tobi has proven to be a star in her own right, blazing the trail for younger girl child athletes who yearn for more.

TEMS

Born Temilade Openiyi on the 11^th of June 1995, Tems as she is popularly called is a Nigerian born Singer, songwriter and producer. She is one of the leading female artists currently in the world as she powers through stardom with her ever impressive catalogue of music. The recipient of the RnB album of the year award at the 2022 Headies, Tems rose to prominence after releasing a string of singles which garnered her a small but growing followership. She is credited as a feature artist on Wizkid’s global hit Essence, this catapulted her into superstardom. The Nigerian songstress is a beacon of hope for young Nigerian girls and girls around the world as she promotes gender equality and more awareness around issues confronting the girl child.

FUNMI RANSOME KUTI

Born Frances Abigail Olufunmilayo Thomas on the 25 October 190, also known as Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti, was a Nigerian educator, political campaigner, suffragist, and women's rights activist.

Fumilayo Ransome Kuti was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, and was the first female student to attend the Abeokuta Grammar School. As a young adult, she worked as a teacher, organizing some of the first preschool classes in the country and arranging literacy classes for lower-income women

During the 1940s, Ransome-Kuti established the Abeokuta Women’s Union and advocated for women’s rights, demanding better representation of women in local governing bodies and an end to unfair taxes on market women. Described by media as the "Lioness of Lisabi", she took part in the Nigerian independence movement, attending conferences and joining overseas delegations to discuss proposed national constitutions.

Her tireless work in the fight for gender equality earned her a reputation as one of the leading female figures in Nigerian history.

EMMANUELA SAMUEL

Emmanuella is a Nigerian comedian who began her career when young. The young comedian ventured into comedy when she was only five years old. She stars in the Mark Angel Comedy, which airs on YouTube. Emmanuella's net worth is estimated to be $150,000, making her one of the richest kids in Nigeria. She is a beacon of hope to her peers and younger girls alike.

 

FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA.

Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija is a dynamic Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist. She oversees several business endeavours such as: FAMFA Oil Limited, her family’s oil exploration and production business as the Vice Chairman, seeing to its strategic planning and day to day administration. She is the Vice Chairman of Dayspring Property Development Company Limited, a real estate company with investments in different parts of the world. She is also the Vice Chairman of Digitalreality Print Ltd, a world-class printing company. She has served her country Nigeria, as a member of several committees. She is an acclaimed public speaker and the first female to be appointed as Chancellor of a public university in Africa. She is a prolific writer and has authored several inspirational books, including her autobiography. She is a board member of the Commonwealth Business Forum. She is a recipient of many awards in various capacities both locally and internationally.

Thank you for reading!