- List also recognises Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Burna Boy and Anthony Joshua
- Award winners include Mo Abudu, Tom Ilube and Eva Omaghomi
- Late CEO of Access Holdings Plc., Dr. Herbert Wigwe honoured with a posthumous tribute in the new publication: The Global List, 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide
For Immediate release:
London, July 22nd, 2024: The first Global List of 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide named Professor Benedict Oramah as the world’s most influential Nigerian at a glittering VIP ceremony held at London’s luxury Peninsula Hotel on Friday evening.
Professor Oramah, President of African Export-Bank (Afreximbank), was joined on the inaugural List’s Top 10 by business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and global music superstar Burna Boy.
Produced in partnership with lead sponsor ProvidusBank, The Global List was launched to honour the remarkable achievements of Nigerians worldwide across various sectors, including business, technology, the arts, and philanthropy, showcasing the immense talent from the Nigerian diaspora.
The new List and awards are the brainchild of Powerful Media, the organisation behind the annual Powerlist, which has celebrated the 100 most influential individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage, annually, for almost 20 years.
Also sponsored by Premier Invest Inc., the list includes heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, Tope Awotona, Founder of Calendly, and singer and actress Tiwa Savage.
The full Top 10 Global List of 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide is as follows:
- Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank
- Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Dangote Group
- Adebayo Ogunlesi, Founding Partner, Chairman and CEO, Global Infrastructure Partners
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organisation
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author and Advocate for Women’s Rights
- Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu), Music Artist
- Bennet Omalu, Neuropathologist
- Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
- Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Group
- Allen Onyema, Founder, Air Peace
A delighted Professor Oramah said: “I am deeply honoured to be recognised among such distinguished individuals. This award is a testament to the collective achievements of my team and the unwavering support of my family and colleagues.”
In addition to unveiling the Global List, the following awards were also presented on the night:
Community Empowerment Award:
Tunde Onakoya, Chess master with a Chess marathon record of the Guinness World Records
Excellence in Public Service Award:
Eva Omaghomi, LVO, PhD (h.c) Director of Community Engagement to King Charles III and The Queen
Excellence in Finance Award:
Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank
Philanthropist Award:
Tom Ilube CBE, CEO/Founder Crossword Cyber Security, Chair, England Rugby, Chairman, African Gifted Foundation, Non Executive Director, WPP, Chair, The Prince’s Trust
Media and Entertainment Award:
Presented to: Mo Abudu, CEO EbonyLife
Publisher and CEO of Powerful Media, Michael Eboda, said: “The Global List and these awards reflect the global impact and excellence of Nigerians in various fields. It is an honour to celebrate their achievements and highlight their contributions to the world.”
A spokesperson from ProvidusBank said: “We are delighted to be the lead sponsors of the Global List. Congratulations to everyone on the list and to all the award winners. We look forward to a continued partnership and supporting the recognition of outstanding Nigerian talent worldwide.”
The event was held at the newly opened 5-star, £1billion pound Peninsula Hotel, which has already established itself as one of London’s most prestigious new venues.
ENDS——————————————————————————————————-
MEDIA INFORMATION
For further information please contact:
Eva Simpson
Director ESPR
07801184016
launch@es-pr.co.uk/eva.simpson@es-pr.co.uk
——————————————————————————————————–
Notes to Editors:
1. The Nigeria Global List Awards 2024 was selected by an independent judging panel.
——————————————-
The Global List: 50 of the Most Influential Nigerians Worldwide
Top 10
- Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, African Export-Import Bank
- Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Founder; Chairman; CEO, Dangote Group
- Adebayo Ogunlesi, Founding Partner, Chairman and CEO, Global Infrastructure Partners
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organisation
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Author and Advocate for Women’s Rights
- Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) Music Artist
- Bennet Omalu, Neuropathologist
- Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank
- Mo Abudu, CEO, EbonyLife Group
- Allen Onyema, Founder, Air Peace
The list below is not ranked:
Business, Corporates, Entrepreneurs
Mike Adenuga, Entrepreneur
Tony Elumelu, Entrepreneur, and philanthropist
Samad Rabiu, Businessman and philanthropist
Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and Anap Jets
Haresh Aswani, Managing Director at Tolaram Group, Africa
Austin Avuru, Executive Chairman, AA Holdings
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO, Fidelity Bank PLC
Technology
John Obara, Founder and CEO, SystemSpecs
Sola Akinlade, Co-Founder and CEO of Paystack + Ezra Olubi, Co-Founder and CTO, Paystack
Tope Awotona, Founder and CEO, Calendly
Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne
Mitchell Elegbe, Founder, Interswitch
Olugbenga Agboola, Founder, Flutterwave
Arts & Media, Entertainment
Pearlena Igbokwe Chairman of Universal Studio Group
Nduka Obaigbena, Founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel
John Momoh, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Channels TV
Yinka Sonibare, Artist
Funke Akindele, Film-maker and Actress
Adesegun Adeosun Jnr and Obi Asika, Co-founders, Afro Nation
Don Jazzy, Founder and CEO Mavin Records
KSI, Social Media Influencer, Professional Boxer, Musician
Tiwa Savage, singer and actress
David Oyelowo, Hollywood Actor
Law
Gbenga Oyebode, Co-Founder, Of-Counsel of Aluko & Oyebode
Olisa Agbakoba, Founder Olisa Agbakoba and Associates, Human Rights Lawyer
Wole Olanipekun, Founder, Wole Olanipekun & Co
Oghogho Akpata Founder and Managing Partner, Templars Law
Hairat Balogun, Founder and Senior Partner, Libra Law
Public & Third Sector
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations
Sir Ken Olisa, Entrepreneur; Chair, BusinessLDN; Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London
Science, Medicine, Engineering
Anthony Adegbulugbe, Chairman and CEO of Green Energy International Limited; Climate and Energy Policy Expert
Olufunmilayo Olopade, haematology oncologist; director, University of Chicago Hospital’s Cancer Risk Clinic; Cancer risk assessment expert
Charles Rotimi, Scientific Director, the National Human Genome Research Institute; leading genetic epidemiologist; genomics researcher
Akin Abayomi, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Lagos State
Sport
Victor Osimhen, Professional Footballer
Anthony Joshua, Professional Boxer
Tobi Amusan, World record holder, 100m hurdles
Mike Emenalo, Director of Football, Saudi Pro League
Tunde Onakoya, Founder, Chess In Slums Africa
Nwankwo Kanu, Former Professional Footballer and Philanthropist
Hall of Fame
Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate and Literary Icon
The Global List Award winners:
Community Empowerment Award
Presented to: TUNDE ONAKOYA
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to community development through the teaching of chess.
Sponsored by ProvidusBank.
Excellence in Public Service Award
Presented to: EVA OMAGHOMI, LVO PhD (h.c)
In recognition of her exceptional dedication and impactful contributions to the community.
Excellence in Finance Award
Presented to: Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina
In recognition of his exceptional leadership, innovation, and outstanding contributions to the field of finance. His commitment to excellence sets a benchmark for all.
Philanthropist Award
Presented to: Tom Ilube CBE. CEO/Founder Crossword Cyber Security, Chair, England Rugby, Chairman, African Gifted Foundation, Non Executive Director, WPP
In recognition of his philanthropic works as founder of the African Science Academy, which is the first all-girls science and maths school in Africa.
Media and Entertainment Award
Presented to: Mo Abudu
Recognising her transformative work in reshaping Africa’s narrative through exceptional film and TV production.