NAOMI CHIMA celebrates International Women’s Day by highlighting female creatives who have achieved significant professional milestones.
1. Agbani Darego
In 2001, model Asenite ‘Agbani’ Darego made history by becoming the first African woman to win the renowned Miss World competition.
Darego won the event, which took place in the Sun City Entertainment Centre in Sun City, South Africa, over 93 competitors from various cultural backgrounds.
Prior to that historic success, the model, who is from Rivers State, had already distinguished herself by winning the ‘Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria’ pageant that same year, allowing her to represent her country on a global scale.
Following her Miss World victory, Darego cemented her place in the global spotlight by finishing seventh in the Miss Universe competition, becoming the first Nigerian to reach the top ten semi-finalists.
Throughout her modeling career, she has collaborated with well-known figures in the worldwide fashion business, including Naomi Campbell, as well as prominent brands such as L’Oréal.
2. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele, often known as Jenifa, is a prominent actress, filmmaker, and politician with a successful career.
She recently achieved a huge milestone with her blockbuster film ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, becoming the first Nigerian producer to break the billion-naira barrier in global sales.
The film was released on December 15, 2023, and it is presently the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.
Akindele’s incredible road to cinematic glory began with her breakout series, ‘Jenifa’, which catapulted her into the spotlight in 2009. Over the years, she has constantly delivered hits, like ‘Omo Ghetto: The Saga’ and ‘Battle on Buka Street’, demonstrating her versatility as an actress and producer.
Notably, the 46-year-old entertainer entered politics in 2023, running for Deputy Governor of Lagos State on the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party.
In addition to her work in the entertainment sector, Akindele is a humanitarian who is committed to developing young girls in Nigeria.
Her accomplishments extend beyond the silver screen, demonstrating her dedication to making a good difference in society.
3. Mo’ Abudu
Mosunmola Abudu, also known as Mo Abudu, has established herself as a visionary entrepreneur and leader in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
As the founder of EbonyLife TV, the Ondo State native created history as the first Nigerian woman to own a media company and cimema. Since its beginning in 2013, EbonyLife TV has grown its presence throughout Africa and the United Kingdom, providing a varied range of programs geared toward a global audience.
EbonyLife Films has created successful films, including ‘The Wedding Party’ and ‘Òlòtūré’. Her collaborations with multinational institutions like as Netflix and the BBC have solidified her position as a powerful force in the business.
4. Kafayat Shafau
Kafayat Shafau, often known as Kaffy, has contributed significantly to the Nigerian entertainment business as a dancer, choreographer, and fitness teacher.
Her ground-breaking success occurred in 2006, when she achieved the Guinness World Record for the longest dance party, demonstrating her incredible talent and stamina.
Since then, Kaffy has continued to captivate audiences with her spectacular performances, choreographing for a number of superstars and presenting on global platforms including MTV.
Aside from her contributions to dance and entertainment, she has written best-selling memoirs and books, sharing her knowledge and experiences with aspiring dancers.
Kaffy, the creator of a fitness company, promotes health and wellbeing by encouraging active lifestyles and physical fitness. Her business spirit and global fame demonstrate her influence on the entertainment industry.
5. Chimamanda Adichie
Chimamanda Adichie is a groundbreaking figure in Nigerian literature. She made history as the first Nigerian female writer to deliver the inaugural BBC Reith Lectures in 2022, drawing inspiration from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous ‘Four Freedoms’ address. Her literary prowess has earned her numerous accolades, including membership in the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences in October 2017 and the PEN Pinter Prize in 2018.
Adichie is from Enugu State and has been recognized as a key figure among a new generation of critically acclaimed novelists, with her work resonating particularly in the United States of America. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her short tales, including being shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing in 2002 and receiving the David T. Wong International Short Story Prize in 2003.
The creative prodigy from Enugu State has an effect that goes beyond her writing achievements. She has received 16 honorary doctoral degrees from colleges around the world, solidifying her position as a beloved figure in global literature.
