In 2025, Nigerian women made remarkable strides across politics, business, science, sports, culture, and public life, reshaping national conversations and setting new benchmarks of excellence. Despite persistent gender gaps, their achievements influenced policy, expanded industries, and inspired a new generation.
Below are 15 Nigerian women whose leadership, courage, and innovation stood out in 2025, as compiled by Hobnob News.
1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation continued to shape global economic policy, championing trade reform, supply-chain resilience, and support for developing economies. Ranked 92nd on Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful Women list, she remains the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
2. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
The senator drew national and international attention following her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The case ignited critical debates on gender relations, power dynamics, and accountability within Nigeria’s legislative space.
3. Oluremi Tinubu
Through the Renewed Hope Initiative, the First Lady expanded empowerment programmes targeting women, youths, persons with disabilities, and displaced persons. Her interventions in health, education, and social welfare significantly elevated the scope of the First Lady’s office.
4. Funke Akindele
The actress and filmmaker sustained her dominance as Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer. Her films not only topped box office charts but also created employment across the film value chain, reinforcing Nigeria’s commercial filmmaking capacity.
5. Mo Abudu
Founder of EbonyLife Media, Abudu strengthened Nigeria’s global entertainment footprint through strategic international partnerships. Her collaborations with major global streaming platforms further positioned African stories as globally competitive intellectual property.
6. Tems
The Grammy-winning singer maintained a strong global presence through new music, international tours, and high-profile collaborations, reinforcing Nigeria’s influence in global pop culture.
7. Hilda Baci
Building on her Guinness World Record achievement, the chef expanded her brand through food festivals and culinary initiatives that promoted Nigerian cuisine, tourism, and youth entrepreneurship.
8. Asisat Oshoala
The football star made headlines with her move from Bay FC in the United States to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Women. She scored on her debut, marking a significant milestone for African players in emerging women’s football markets.
9. Tiwa Savage
The Afrobeats icon received the Media Icon Award at the 2025 Forbes Women Africa Summit, recognising her influence beyond music and her role in driving the global Afrobeats movement.
10. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The celebrated author remained a powerful voice through her writings and public engagements, shaping global conversations on feminism, identity, and Nigeria’s social realities.
11. Bamidele Abiodun
The Ogun State First Lady was recognised for her public service and philanthropic initiatives, particularly those focused on grassroots development and community empowerment.
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 literary 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 pivotal 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
A PhD graduate of the University of Ibadan, Hamidat 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.
Together, these women exemplified leadership, resilience, and innovation in 2025—proving that Nigerian women continue to be powerful drivers of national progress and global influence.
