Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mo Abudu via Bella Naija
As the year draws to an end, the much-expected Forbes list of the world’s most powerful women has been released, with 100 excellent and well-deserving women grasping their seats at the table. These women have made their marks in various industries and professional enterprises. They remain the beacons of hope, defying the status quo and defeating the odds against them while inspiring the next generation of young girls and women to change our societies and the world at large.
This year, two Nigerian women in their distinctive areas were well recognised and deserving of their placements on the list.
Sitting gracefully at number 87 (for the 7th time) on the Forbes list of “World’s Most Powerful Women” is the Director-General of the World Trade Centre, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala is a renowned economist and international development professional with 30 years of experience working on various continents. On March 1st, 2021, she resumed office as the Director General of the World Trade Centre, breaking records as the first woman and African to serve in that capacity.
In an acknowledgement post on Twitter, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala shared her deep appreciation for this recognition and a heartwarming message to all the women the magazine recognised.
“Congratulations to all the women on this list who are working hard to make a difference and others who are working hard to change the world even if they are not on the list. Congratulations to my younger sister, Mo Abudu; it is great to have two Nigerian women on this list.”
At 98, we have the outstanding Mo Abudu. Mo is a philanthropist, globally recognised media mogul, and EbonyLife TV (ELTV) CEO. Mo Abudu started EbonyLife TV in 2006. The network began airing in various countries, including the United Kingdom and the Caribbean, catering to a pan-African audience. From EbonyLife TV to EbonyLife Films in 2014, the network grew, cementing Mo Abudu’s place as one of the most influential African media moguls the world has ever seen. In 2021, Forbes recognised Mo’s contribution to the African story by naming her one of Forbes’s 100 Most Powerful Women for 2021.
Mo Abudu Via Instagram
In a post on Instagram acknowledging her second time on the list, Mo expressed deep gratitude for her place while admitting that the recognition is not entirely possible without the challenges that have posed themselves against herself and EbonyLife TV.
“It’s an honour to be on this list, but it does not mean I or EbonyLife are challenged. I am no stranger to challenges, but my major obsession is finding ways to turn my challenges into amazing opportunities. EbonyLife, we move with love.”
As these women work towards making women in leadership the status quo, we applaud their efforts and achievements so far. As the list progresses in the aspect of diversity, we hope to see more Nigerian and African women defying the odds and ringing the bell of power in the years to come. Congratulations to Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and Mo Abudu on this outstanding achievement.
