In a dazzling ceremony held at Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi, on October 8th, 2023, Veuve Clicquot celebrated women who have defied the norms of the business world. The 2023 Bold Woman Awards in Nigeria recognised two exceptional women for their remarkable contributions to entrepreneurship, innovation, and ethical leadership.
Ndidi Nwuneli, the co-founder of AACE Foods, took home the prestigious 2023 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. A beacon of sustainability, she is the second recipient of this coveted award in Nigeria. Ndidi’s remarkable journey epitomises her tireless efforts to build a sustainable food business that benefits local farmers, communities, and the environment. Her dedication to ethical leadership has brought her recognition and advanced sustainable practices in the agribusiness sector.
Tarebi Alebiosu, the founder of QShop, was awarded the inaugural Bold Future Award, becoming Nigeria’s first recipient of this accolade. Her entrepreneurial spirit is marked by invention, an attribute that inspires those around her. Tarebi’s pioneering role in creating an innovative e-commerce platform reflects her commitment to advancing business practices in Nigeria’s digital landscape. Her award recognises her promise for a future where invention and ethical leadership drive the business world.
Both awardees represent the marriage of sustainability and innovation in their unique ways. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for Ndidi Nwuneli; it’s a core principle that guides her company’s mission. Tarebi Alebiosu’s innovative spirit is a driving force behind her venture. They envision a future merging sustainability and innovation, shaping a more prosperous economic landscape through collaboration.
“The Bold Woman Award is more than an accolade; it’s a catalyst for entrepreneurial revolution. It spotlights women who excel in their fields while championing ethics and inclusion. Their stories inspire future generations to fearlessly innovate. And today, we celebrate Madame Clicquot’s vision and the determination of these remarkable women, committed to fostering a future where female entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond break barriers and transform industries”
Carole Bildé, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Maison Veuve Clicquot, LVMH.
The importance of this recognition extends beyond the two remarkable women celebrated. It sets a precedent for Nigerian women to see their achievements acknowledged and honoured. The Bold Woman Award aligns with the recent findings of the 2023 Bold Barometer study, which highlights the strong and growing presence of female-owned businesses in Nigeria. However, these businesses often operate within sectors that offer limited income potential.
Recognising and supporting sustainability and innovation within female entrepreneurship is vital in a country where women’s contributions to the business world are growing. Ndidi Nwuneli’s and Tarebi Alebiosu’s stories inspire future generations to keep growing fearlessly.
