New African magazine recently revealed its annual list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023, with individuals who have greatly impacted the continent and the world across various sectors.
It is worth noting that seven highly accomplished and distinguished Nigerians have been able to secure their positions on a list that is considered to be one of the most prestigious lists in the world.
The list spans various categories such as Politics and Public Service, Business, Science and Academia, Environmental, Creative, Media, and Sports, which further highlights the diverse range of talents and skills that these Nigerians possess.
The fact that these individuals were able to make it on this list is a pointer to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional achievements in their respective fields.
Akinwumi Adesina
Akinwumi Adesina is a highly respected Nigerian economist who has made a huge impact in the field of agricultural economics and rural development. He currently serves as the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), a position he has held since 2015. Prior to this, he was Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, where he implemented key policies that helped to transform the country’s agricultural sector.
Adesina has also held several high-profile positions in international organisations, including the Rockefeller Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). He is widely recognised for his expertise in agricultural development, having received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a highly accomplished Nigerian economist who is currently serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She has had an illustrious career in public service, having previously served as the Finance Minister of Nigeria on two separate occasions, from 2003 to 2006 and from 2011 to 2015. Prior to that, Okonjo-Iweala spent 25 years at the World Bank, where she held various key positions, including Vice President and Corporate Secretary.
Throughout her career, Okonjo-Iweala has made commendable contributions to the fields of economic development and international finance. She has been a leading voice on issues such as poverty reduction, debt relief, and trade. She has been recognised for her expertise by numerous organisations and institutions around the world. In 2005, she was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, and in 2014, she was awarded the prestigious David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award. Okonjo-Iweala is widely regarded as one of the most influential and accomplished women in the world of international economics and finance.
Bola Tinubu
Bola Tinubu, who currently serves as the President of Nigeria, is a highly respected politician who was once the Governor of Lagos State. He is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian politics, and his contributions to the country’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have earned him a reputation as a political powerhouse.
Tinubu’s political career spans over two decades and has seen him occupy several prominent positions in both the public and private sectors. His commitment to the development of Nigeria and his tireless efforts to promote good governance have made him a highly respected figure both in Nigeria and beyond.
Olugbenga Agboola
Olugbenga Agboola is a highly successful and well-known Nigerian entrepreneur who has made a name for himself as the co-founder and CEO of Flutterwave, a global payments technology company that has revolutionized the way people send and receive money all around the world.
With his keen business acumen and innovative thinking, he has helped to position Flutterwave as a leader in the African fintech industry, where he is widely respected and admired for his contributions to the field. His dedication to his work and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world have earned him a reputation as one of the most influential and inspiring figures in the business world today.
Professor Benedict Okey Oramah
Professor Benedict Okey Oramah is a highly acclaimed Nigerian economist who has made great contributions to the field of economics. He is currently serving as the President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), a major financial institution that promotes and finances trade within and outside Africa.
With over 30 years of experience in economic policy, research, consulting, and banking, Prof. Oramah is widely regarded as an expert in African trade and development. He has authored several articles and books on trade and finance, and has received numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to the development of Africa’s economy.
Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote, born on April 10, 1957, is a Nigerian business magnate, investor, and philanthropist, and is currently the chairman of Dangote Group. The company is one of the largest conglomerates in Africa and has interests in various fields including cement, sugar, salt, flour, and more.
Dangote’s company is also involved in real estate, telecommunications, and oil and gas exploration. He is one of the wealthiest individuals in Africa with a net worth of $9.5 billion as of January 1, 2024. Dangote is a prominent figure in the global business community, with several honors and awards to his name, including the Forbes Africa Person of the Year award in 2014, the Clinton Global Citizen award in 2015, and the Bloomberg 50 in 2017.
Shola Akinlade
Shola Akinlade is a highly respected Nigerian entrepreneur, who has been key in the Nigerian tech startup ecosystem. As the co-founder and CEO of Paystack, a leading online payment platform in Nigeria, he has played an indispensable role in bolstering the way online payments are made in the country.
Under his leadership, Paystack has become one of the most successful and fastest-growing tech startups in Nigeria, attracting huge investment and recognition from both local and international organisations. With his impressive track record and deep understanding of the Nigerian tech scene, Shola Akinlade is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the country’s growing tech industry.
