Two influential Nigerian women have once again brought global recognition to the country.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife Media, have been named among the world’s 100 most powerful women by Forbes in its 2024 list.
This achievement cements their status as trailblazers in their respective fields, making Nigeria proud on a global stage.
Okonjo-Iweala ranked 89th on the prestigious list, while Abudu secured the 97th spot.
For Okonjo-Iweala, this marks her eighth appearance on the list, a testament to her consistent influence in global economics and governance.
She first made the list in 2011 and has been recognized in subsequent years, including 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023.
Mo Abudu, on the other hand, has been on the list for four consecutive years, starting in 2021.
Her journey on the Forbes rankings reflects her rising influence, from 99th in 2021 to 91st in 2022, 98th in 2023, and now 97th in 2024.
“A Moment of Pride and Inspiration”
Abudu expressed her excitement and humility at being recognized once again by Forbes.
“I am deeply humbled to feature once again on the Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list,” she said.
She described the honor as a moment to celebrate the strides of Nigerian women and their representation on the global stage.
“It is an incredible honor to represent the media and entertainment sector, to stand as a proud Black woman, and to fly the flag for Nigeria and Africa on this prestigious global platform,” Abudu added.
Her comments resonated with many Nigerians who see her as a role model and a champion for African storytelling.
Abudu also extended her congratulations to her fellow honoree, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the other women on the list.
“A huge congratulations to all the phenomenal women on this list! A special shoutout to my dearest sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose unwavering brilliance and leadership inspire us all year after year,” she said.
“Representation Matters”
Mo Abudu emphasized the importance of representation, noting that the presence of women of color and women from developing nations on such a list sends a powerful message.
“Representation matters,” she said.
“When we see women of color, women from developing nations, and women breaking barriers in all industries recognized on a global stage, it reminds us of what’s possible,” Abudu added.
She called on women to continue breaking ceilings, forging paths, and lifting others along the way.
Her words serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting and empowering women to achieve greatness.
Okonjo-Iweala: A Global Icon of Leadership
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s inclusion in the list highlights her extraordinary achievements as the head of the WTO.
She has been a global figure in economic policymaking, championing trade reforms and equitable economic practices.
Her leadership at the WTO has been described as transformative, particularly for developing nations seeking fair trade opportunities.
Okonjo-Iweala’s work has earned her international accolades and solidified her reputation as one of the most influential African women in history.
Her repeated appearance on the Forbes list is a testament to her enduring impact on the global stage.
Celebrating Nigerian Excellence
The recognition of Okonjo-Iweala and Abudu on the Forbes list has sparked widespread celebrations in Nigeria.
Social media platforms have been flooded with congratulatory messages, with many Nigerians expressing pride in their achievements.
Their inclusion on the list is seen as a reflection of the potential and excellence of Nigerian women in various fields.
“Thank You, Forbes”
Abudu expressed her gratitude to Forbes for celebrating the achievements and resilience of women worldwide.
“Thank you, Forbes, for celebrating the power, resilience, and impact of women worldwide,” she said.
She also called for more women to rise and rewrite the narrative about gender equality and representation.
“Here’s to more women rising and rewriting the narrative,” Abudu said.
A Global Platform for Women
The Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women list is an annual ranking that recognizes women making significant contributions in politics, business, media, and philanthropy.
It highlights individuals whose influence extends beyond their professions to inspire change and innovation.
