The HerStory Women
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Adesuwa Ifedi
Africa Senior Vice President, Heifer International
Adesuwa Ifedi
Adesuwa Ifedi is a highly accomplished leader in sustainable development, agriculture, and economic empowerment. With over 30 years of experience, she currently serves as Africa Senior Vice President for Heifer International, leading programs that impact over 800,000 smallholder farmers and create job opportunities for over 200,000 youth.
Key Achievements
- Secured over $78 million to drive agricultural transformation and youth empowerment across nine African countries
- Driving large-scale agricultural and economic empowerment across Africa by securing major funding, innovating youth programs, and reshaping development finance models
Chief Diana Chen
Chairman/ CEO, GAC Motor Nigeria
Chief Diana Chen
Chief Diana Chen is a visionary business leader and investor shaping Africa’s industrial and automotive sectors. As Chairman and CEO of GAC Motor Nigeria, she oversees the company’s expansion in Africa under Choice International Group (CIG), a conglomerate with diverse business interests.
Key Achievements
- Secured over $2 billion in investments and fostered economic ties between China and Africa through her role with the China-Africa Business Council (CABC)
- Pioneered LAGRIDE
HE Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq
Founder, Ajike People's Support Center Chairperson, Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum
HE Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq
Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq is a distinguished diplomat, humanitarian, and gender advocate, serving as the First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum. Born in 1967, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, with honorary doctorates recognising her contributions to governance and social empowerment.
Key Achievements
- First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, championing gender equality, women’s and children’s rights.
- Founder of the Ajike People Support Center
- Distinguished diplomatic career, serving in London, Pretoria, and Paris, and playing key roles in presidential visits and international forums like the UN General Assembly and the World Economic Forum.
- Recipient of the Sun Newspaper First Lady of the Year 2023 Award and recognition from the United Nations Global Women Foundation
Nabila Aguele
Chief Executive of Nigeria Malala Fund
Nabila Aguele
Nabila Aguele is a legal and policy expert with over 20 years of experience in governance, gender equality, and sustainable development. As Chief Executive, Nigeria at the Malala Fund, she leads the organisation’s strategy, operations, and external affairs, working to drive policy change and expand access to education for girls across the country.
Key Achievements
- Played a pivotal role as Special Adviser to Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s Integrated National Financing Framework and advocating for gender-responsive fiscal policies
- Former faculty member at American University Washington College of Law, co-leading the Glushko Samuelson Intellectual Property Law Clinic, and experience in high-stakes civil litigation
- Serves on the boards of Women for Women International, INSEAD, and Girl Rising, where she chairs the Nominating & Governance Committee
- Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for Global Development and Senior Fellow at the African Center for Economic Transformation
- Holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, Juris Doctor from American University, and an MBA from INSEAD, where she was Valedictorian
Nadia Verjee Executive
Director, Expo City Dubai Strategy and Geopolitics
Nadia Verjee Executive
Nadia Verjee is a strategic leader in governance, global partnerships, and sustainable development. With over 20 years of experience, she has played a key role in advancing the UAE’s global influence through leadership positions in complex national and city projects.
Key Achievements
- Serves on the UN Global Compact Network UAE Board, championing responsible business practices and advocating for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Brings over 20 years of experience in governance, global partnerships, and sustainable development, driving national and city projects to enhance the UAE’s global influence
- Combines cultural intelligence and strategic vision, with Kenyan and Indian heritage, shaping urban development and international diplomacy
Neya Kalu
CEO of Basecoat, Chairman of The Sun Nigeria
Neya Kalu
Neya Kalu is a serial entrepreneur, business executive, and philanthropist with over 12 years of experience across various industries. She holds a Law degree and an MSc in Financial Services Management from the University of Buckingham, UK, and has built a career shaping business strategies and driving growth.
Key Achievements
- Chairman of The Sun Nigeria and Sun Heavens Hotels and Resorts, leading businesses in media, hospitality, and beauty.
- Founder of the Neya Kalu Foundation and OUK Foundation
- Recognised as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Journalism by the Women in Journalism Africa initiative in 2024 for her leadership at The Sun Newspaper
- Advocate for women’s networking and economic empowerment, speaking at high-profile events such as the African Women in Leadership Conference and HER Summit 2022
Olori Atuwatse III
Her Royal Majesty, Queen consort of Warri kingdom
Olori Atuwatse III
Olori Atuwatse III is a visionary leader, philanthropist, and advocate for education and women’s empowerment. As Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, she is dedicated to transforming lives through community development, entrepreneurship, and healthcare initiatives.
Key Achievements
- Founder of The Royal Iwere Foundation (RIF), which has launched several transformative programmes, including: Teacher's Training Programme, STEM and Innovation Lab, Love Garden Project, and Wuwu Ore (focusing on education, vocational skills, and economic empowerment)
- Founder of the RIF Skills Institute (RIFSI)
- Member of the High-Level Advisory Committee on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender, collaborating with the Nigerian government to address systemic inequalities and promote gender equality
- Global advocate and sought-after speaker, addressing major platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly, Oxford University Saïd Business School, and the African Achievers Awards
- Recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) and recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women by Avance Media