The past few years—especially 2023 and 2024—have been a whirlwind of political transformations, creative awakenings, technological leaps, and social consciousness. While vibrant music stars like Burna Boy and Davido captured global audiences, leaders in governance, civil society, healthcare, fashion, sports, and beyond were quietly blazing trails that promise to redefine what it means to be Nigerian on the world stage.
This week, we are casting a spotlight on the individuals who have left an indelible mark in their fields in the last year, forging the path to a more dynamic, inclusive, and innovative Nigeria in 2025.
From leaders challenging the status quo to tech entrepreneurs transforming old systems, these men and women excel in their respective endeavours and embody Nigeria’s resilience and reinvention spirit. They are Culture Shapers—a term that resonates beyond celebrity to encompass people leveraging their expertise for collective progress. Whether their influence is felt locally or resonates around the globe, each figure represents the possibility for a nation whose youthful population and vibrant diaspora continue to push it toward uncharted frontiers.
LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Director-General of the WTO
In 2024, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made headlines once again when she was reappointed for a second term as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Having already served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and coordinated the country’s economy, Okonjo-Iweala carried her reputation for efficiency and reform to the global stage. Her leadership at the WTO places Nigeria at the centre of international trade negotiations, ensuring that African nations are not sidelined but instead become integral contributors to policy formation.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor of Lagos State
No conversation about transformative leadership in Nigeria is complete without mentioning Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State. Throughout 2023 and into 2024, Sanwo-Olu implemented far-reaching infrastructural improvements, modernising Lagos’s public transportation systems and extending housing initiatives in low-income communities. Most notably, 2024 saw the inauguration of two rail projects: the Red Rail Line from Oyingbo to Agbado and the Lagos Blue Line rail system connecting Marina to Mile 2.
Experts believe these achievements are a roadmap for other Nigerian states looking to solve the twin challenges of congested cities and strained public infrastructure. As 2025 progresses, the continued expansion of mass transit systems and urban regeneration projects may position Lagos as a model African megacity, demonstrating effective governance’s role in balancing economic prosperity with sustainable development.
Aliko Dangote
Founder and President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group
Recognised within and beyond Nigeria’s borders, Aliko Dangote has solidified his reputation as a global business leader. In 2024, one of his most remarkable achievements—the Dangote Petroleum Refinery—began contributing significantly to Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency.
This project not only cements Dangote’s status as a cornerstone of African enterprise but also symbolises the potential of private-sector ingenuity to solve pressing national issues. As we move into 2025, economists project that Dangote’s refinery, running at full capacity, will not just compete with European refineries but also pave the way for Nigeria to become a net exporter of refined petroleum products. The ripple effect—improved trade balance, stabilised fuel prices, and job creation—will indelibly shape Nigeria’s economic narrative.
Zacch Adedeji
Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
The tax boss has taken Nigeria’s tax administration from “business as usual” to record-breaking heights. When Adedeji assumed office on September 15, 2023, he found an agency ready for change, though few could have predicted the sweeping reforms he would implement.
Early on, Adedeji restructured the FIRS, fostering an environment of efficiency, transparency, and people-centred service. This overhaul wasn’t merely about meeting revenue targets but establishing a system that worked for both government and citizens. Under his leadership, the FIRS exceeded its 2023 revenue goal of N11.55 trillion in less than a year, collecting N12.36 trillion and setting a new quarterly record of N3.94 trillion in early 2024. These milestones don’t just bode well for the country’s fiscal health; they lay the groundwork for a stable, vibrant economy by 2025.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
Minister of Interior
As Minister of Interior in 2024, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo steered Nigeria’s immigration policies into more efficient territory. Determined to address the notoriously cumbersome process of acquiring international passports, he introduced streamlined systems that reduced wait times and bureaucratic red tape.
One of the minister’s most forward-thinking announcements was the federal government’s plan to launch a contactless passport application service by January 2025. Already piloted successfully in Canada, this service aims to simplify passport applications in four Nigerian states and key international locations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and France. If fully realised, the program will ease the process for millions of Nigerians—both within the country and in the diaspora—who often require rapid travel documentation for business, education, or family emergencies.
Dr. Alex Otti
Governor of Abia State
Taking office with bold promises of transforming Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has quickly made good on his pledge for a “rebuilding process.” Within his first year, Otti tackled core issues such as education, healthcare, and economic stability, galvanising the state’s resources to deliver tangible results. Insecurity, a concern that has plagued many Nigerian states, was addressed head-on with Operation Crush and the Abia Security Trust Fund, strategies that have led to a notable decrease in crime. On the economic front, Otti has formed the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council and introduced incentives for local and foreign investors to enter the state.
Hannatu Musawa
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy
When Hannatu Musawa took on the additional tourism portfolio in 2024, many in the creative and tourism sectors saw an opportunity for Nigeria to reimagine its global image. So far, she has been instrumental in promoting Nigerian film, fashion, music, and the arts—sectors that consistently attract international acclaim.
Among her policy successes is the expansion of funding and training programs for budding creators, a strategy designed to elevate local talents onto the global stage. Through robust collaborations with private stakeholders, Musawa’s ministry is building new platforms to showcase Nigerian art, film, and music. By 2025, experts predict that these initiatives will result in a sizable increase in cultural exports, bolstering tourism revenues and further entrenching Nigeria’s image as a cultural powerhouse.
ENTERTAINMENT AND POP CULTURE
Funke Akindele
Filmmaker and Actress
In 2024, Funke Akindele shattered her own record for the fourth time with yet another blockbuster, Everybody Loves Jenifa, firmly establishing herself as the queen of Nigerian cinema. Over the years, she has consistently proven her ability to connect with a cross-section of Nigerian society through relatable storylines and comedic brilliance.
Her latest project, which is hailed as Nollywood’s highest-grossing movie of all time, signals the global appetite for Nigerian storytelling and cinematic excellence. Beyond box-office success, Akindele’s film productions engage hundreds of actors, crew members, and marketers—injecting life and capital into the local film ecosystem.
Davido
Singer, Song Writer and Producer
Few Nigerian artists have commanded the global stage quite like Davido. His discography—marked by chart-topping hits and collaborations with international superstars—continues to define the Afrobeats genre. Between 2023 and 2024, Davido released multiple hit singles that resonated across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, effectively turning Afrobeats into a universal soundscape.
What truly catapulted Davido to new heights in 2024 was his impressive run of achievements: he was a first-time Grammy nominee, earned multiple global music award nods, and played historic shows at London’s O2 Arena, Paris’s Accor Arena, and Madison Square Garden in New York. These milestones not only spotlight Davido’s artistic prowess but also encapsulate the rising global appetite for African music. By 2025, industry insiders believe his continued success—and collaborations with both African and international artists—will further embed Afrobeats in mainstream music charts, elevating Nigeria’s cultural footprint worldwide.
Rema
Singer
At just 24, Rema (Divine Ikubor) has rewritten the playbook for modern Afrobeats. His fusion of Afrobeats with trap, pop, and R&B elements introduced a new generation of listeners to Nigerian music. By 2024, he had become one of the most streamed African artists worldwide, headlining major music festivals and breaking cultural barriers through genre-bending collaborations.
Rema’s immersive style and futuristic sound reflect his willingness to experiment—qualities that continue expanding Nigerian pop music’s boundaries. Projections for 2025 suggest his sonic innovations could significantly influence the direction of Afrobeats and global pop trends, inspiring a new wave of Nigerian talents to be bolder in their creative expressions.
Burna Boy
Singer and Song Writer
2024 cemented Burna Boy’s status as a global icon. Named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people, he graced the stage at the 2024 Grammys and became the first African artist to headline a show at Citi Field in New York City—an event that sold out.
Known for his socially conscious lyrics and vibrant performances, Burna Boy has broadened the global audience’s understanding of African artistry. With consistent Grammy nominations and high-profile performances, he’s proving that African artists can command some of the biggest stages worldwide. This trajectory is likely to continue in 2025, encouraging more global collaborations and further diversifying the soundscape of Afrobeats.
Jade Osiberu
Filmmaker
As a writer, director, and producer, Jade Osiberu has been behind critically acclaimed projects like Isoken (2017), Sugar Rush (2019), and Brotherhood (2022). Her film Gangs of Lagos, released exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, became the first Nigerian original to achieve such a milestone on a global streaming platform.
Osiberu’s three-year deal with Amazon, signed in 2022, signifies her growing clout in international entertainment circles. In 2024, she released Christmas in Lagos, a lighthearted drama that combined humour with universal themes of family and friendship. By 2025, Osiberu’s continued success could pave the way for even more young Nigerian filmmakers to access international streaming giants, boosting Nollywood’s stature worldwide and opening avenues for global co-productions.
Ayra Star
Singer and Songwriter
Emerging under the Mavin Records umbrella, Ayra Starr catapulted into mainstream recognition in 2023 and 2024 with her distinctive vocals and vibrant fashion aesthetic. Often described as a blend of soul, Afropop, and R&B, her music resonates with teenage and young adult listeners navigating modern life in Nigeria and beyond.
She took 2024 by storm with milestone after milestone. Named the most-streamed female artist in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, she also surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify—a testament to her unwavering popularity. Her second album, The Year I Turned 21, dominated streaming platforms, claiming the distinction of 2024’s most-streamed album in Nigeria.
With multiple global collaborations under her belt, including a viral hit “Santa” alongside Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, the stage is set for Ayra Starr to be a defining voice of Afrobeats in 2025, potentially introducing the genre to an even broader global fanbase.
Femi Adebayo
Film Director and Actor
While many Nollywood stars lean toward English-speaking productions, Femi Adebayo has focused on Yoruba-language filmmaking, reinforcing cultural pride and diversity in Nigerian cinema. His blockbuster movies in 2023 and 2024 brought Yoruba narratives and storytelling conventions to wider audiences, even earning subtitled releases on international streaming platforms.
Adebayo’s approach demonstrates that local languages and traditions can thrive in a globalised world. As 2025 unfolds, more Nigerian filmmakers are expected to emulate Adebayo’s approach, solidifying the multilingual, multicultural fabric of Nollywood.
Mo Abudu
Media Executive
Touted as “Africa’s Oprah,” Mo Abudu has forged a reputation for elevating Nigerian stories globally. As the CEO of EbonyLife Media, she made it her mission to show that Nollywood isn’t just about high-volume production; it can match technical proficiency and storytelling depth with the best in the world. Under her leadership, EbonyLife Media has become a full-fledged ecosystem—encompassing film academies, production studios, and a cinema. The ripple effect of her work extends far beyond EbonyLife, encouraging new production companies to adopt global standards and fueling local talent to think outside the box.
FASHION, ART, AND STYLE
Folake Coker
Fashion Designer
Since founding the iconic brand Tiffany Amber, Folake Coker has remained a pacesetter in Nigerian fashion. In 2024, her brand turned 25, and she orchestrated one of the year’s most talked-about runway shows in Lagos. Her anniversary collections reflected a modern woman who respects tradition yet strides confidently into global fashion conversations. Coker’s success has birthed a wave of female-led fashion houses that emulate her balance of innovation and cultural homage. As we step into 2025, her expansion to international pop-up stores highlights a growing global demand for Nigerian fashion statements.
Chioma Ude
Entertainment Executive
Founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Chioma Ude has consistently championed African storytelling globally. In 2024, AFRIFF’s screenings and panel discussions reached record attendance, spotlighting Nigerian and broader African narratives. By 2025, AFRIFF is expected to further expand its outreach—potentially attracting larger global partnerships that advance the growth of local film industries. Her efforts remain vital in ensuring African talent finds its rightful place on the world’s cinematic stage.
Adedamola Adeyemi
Fashion Stylist
Whether it’s a blockbuster film premiere or the red carpet of a music award show, Adedamola Adeyemi’s styling often takes centre stage. He is known for his work on popular Nigerian TV shows like Ayinla, MTV Shuga, and Desperate Housewives Africa; Adeyemi has also styled high-profile Nigerian celebrities such as Sharon Ooja and Toke Makinwa, along with international stars like Bonang Matheba.
In 2024, his influence spread beyond television and film; he was in high demand for editorial shoots and international collaborations that bridged African style with global trends. Looking ahead to 2025, his unique fashion sensibility could be one of the catalysts for further global recognition of Nigerian style, drawing international designers to Lagos for potential partnerships and propelling African aesthetics to runways worldwide.
Deola Art Alade
Entertainment Executive
Deola Art Alade has firmly cemented her status as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s media and entertainment sectors. As Founder and Group CEO of Livespot360, she is best known for conceptualising and executing large-scale entertainment events—from concerts to brand activations—that deliver immersive experiences. Her entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding the Livespot Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation among Nigerian youths and establishing Entertainment Week Lagos, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together various creative fields for exhibitions, talks, and networking.
In 2024, Alade’s ventures amplified local talents and attracted international brands and personalities eager to tap into Nigeria’s booming creative market. Her strategic vision, backed by years of industry experience, places her in a prime position to cultivate new partnerships and cultural exchanges in 2025.
Emmanuel Okoro (Emmy Kasbit)
Fashion Designer
Marking a decade in the fashion industry, Emmanuel Okoro, the creative director of Emmy Kasbit, celebrated his brand’s 10th anniversary in 2024 with his first ever standalone fashion show that thrilled critics and fans alike. Known for merging contemporary designs with traditional Nigerian textiles, Okoro’s forward-thinking approach, which marries heritage with modern aesthetics, sets a blueprint for sustainable fashion in Nigeria. If he maintains this momentum, Emmy Kasbit could evolve into a global fashion house, further solidifying Nigeria’s reputation as a hotbed of innovation in fashion.
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Omoyemi Akerele
Founder, Lagos Fashion Week
A lawyer-turned-fashion entrepreneur, Omoyemi Akerele is the founder of Lagos Fashion Week, an event now considered to be significant on Nigeria’s style calendar. In 2024, Lagos Fashion Week broke attendance records, featuring designers from across Africa and beyond. Akerele’s curation fosters cross-cultural exchange, celebrating the richness of the African aesthetic while exposing local talent to the global fashion industry. Akerele’s emphasis on mentorship, sustainability, and global networking sets the tone for the future of African fashion. By 2025, Lagos Fashion Week’s influence will likely extend further, attracting even more international buyers and propelling emerging designers to new heights.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND INFLUENCERS
Ruth Erikan James Atere
(aka VeeKee James)
Fashion Designer and Content Creator
Instagram-savvy entrepreneur Veekee James has turned her passion for couture into a thriving business and has used the visibility gotten from this business to become an influencer and content creator. In 2024, she gained widespread acclaim for her designs and her social media presence—featuring behind-the-scenes of her personal life, production and lifestyle tips.
Veekee James has expanded her client base beyond the country’s borders by leveraging social platforms and catering to clients globally. Her success story exemplifies how social media can amplify Nigerian creativity and speaks to the power of digital connectivity in propelling local brands toward global visibility.
Layi Wasabi
Comedian and Content Creator
A comedic force to reckon with, Layi Wasabi capitalised on short-form videos to create a distinctive style of humour that shines a light on Nigerian culture and everyday life. In 2023 and 2024, he soared to new heights, frequently trending across social platforms for his witty takes. Beyond entertainment, Wasabi’s reach has made him a valuable influencer for societal issues. His comedic approach to serious problems helps disseminate critical information quickly and effectively. As 2025 unfolds, Wasabi’s brand of humour will likely continue to shape cultural discussions, reflecting the evolving ethos of Nigerian youth.
Enioluwa Adeoluwa
Social Media Influencer and Content Creator
Known simply as “Eni” to his fans, Enioluwa Adeoluwa uses social media to celebrate individuality and self-love. His content, a blend of personal style tips and uplifting monologues, has created a supportive online community. With his finger on the pulse of youthful trends, Eni’s messaging extends beyond style to broader issues like mental health and body positivity. His upcoming 2025 media projects promise to champion inclusivity further and bridge the gap between corporate advertising and the vibrant realities of Nigerian youth culture.
BANKING, FINANCE, AND TECHNOLOGY
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Access Bank

The banking sector experienced a seismic shift in 2024 with the untimely passing of Herbert Wigwe, the erstwhile Group CEO of Access Corporation. In the wake of this loss, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede stepped up to guide Access Bank through an era of unprecedented expansion. With over 65 million customers, Access Bank is on track to become Africa’s largest financial institution by customer base, extending its reach to various continents within a matter of months, arguably becoming Africa’s largest bank. This rapid expansion, even amidst global economic uncertainty, underscores the resilience of Nigerian financial institutions. As 2025 unfolds, Access Bank’s global presence will likely spur further collaborations, bridging Africa with international markets and validating Nigeria’s prominence as a financial hub.
Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike
Founders, MoniePoint
In 2024, MoniePoint achieved unicorn status by securing $110 million in a Series C funding round, bringing the company’s valuation to over $1 billion. At the helm of this fintech marvel are Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, visionaries who recognised Nigeria’s need for accessible, user-friendly financial solutions.
MoniePoint’s core services—digital payments, small business lending, and personal finance management—cater to a broad swath of previously underserved Nigerians. The platform’s rapid user acquisition in 2023 and 2024 suggests a nationwide appetite for mobile-based financial transactions. By 2025, analysts predict MoniePoint may expand across Africa, levelling the economic playing field for millions in unbanked or underbanked communities.
Gbenga Agboola
CEO, Flutterwave
Olugbenga Agboola, popularly known as GB, has taken the African fintech conversation to a global scale. As CEO and co-founder of Flutterwave, he has spent the last year turning the startup into one of Africa’s most dynamic unicorns—valued at over a billion dollars. Flutterwave’s versatile payment infrastructure has enabled thousands of merchants, from local SMEs to multinational corporations, to process cross-border transactions swiftly and securely.
Under Agboola’s stewardship, 2024 was a year of robust technological upgrades. This progress has effectively demystified international payments for Nigerian businesses, helping them sell products and services to a wider market. The result is a flourishing digital economy that encourages entrepreneurs to think bigger.
SPORTS
Ademola Lookman
Footballer
The year 2024 witnessed Ademola Lookman—a forward for Atalanta and the Nigerian national team—walk away with the African Footballer of the Year award at the CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco. Born in England to Nigerian parents, he embraced his Nigerian heritage by opting to play for the Super Eagles. During the 2023–2024 season, he racked up critical goals for both club and country, earning him a dedicated fan base back home. As 2025 marches on, Lookman’s story continues to inspire budding footballers, reinforcing the belief that international success does not require abandoning one’s roots.
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Football Goalkeeper
In 2024, Chiamaka Nnadozie, goalkeeper for the Super Falcons, took home the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. Celebrated for her agility and commanding presence in the penalty box, Nnadozie’s performance at various international tournaments has elevated the global profile of women’s football in Nigeria.
As 2025 unfolds, her prominence could act as a catalyst for increasing support, sponsorships, and media coverage for women’s sports across Nigeria.