The HerStory Women

Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes

Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes is the Founder and CEO of Aruwa Capital Management, one of the few women-owned and managed growth equity and gender-lens funds in Africa. With over 15 years of experience in investment banking and private equity, she has worked with global institutions such as J.P. Morgan, specialising in emerging markets.

Chief (Dr.) Folashade Okoya MON

Chief (Dr) Mrs. Folashade Noimat Okoya (MON) is a renowned business leader, industrialist, and philanthropist who has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s manufacturing industry. As the Deputy Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Ltd, she has led the company’s expansion into large-scale production of consumer and industrial goods, ensuring innovation, efficiency, and high-quality standards. With a background in Banking and Finance from Lagos State Polytechnic and Sociology from the University of Lagos, she combines strategic business acumen with operational expertise, making Eleganza one of the leading manufacturing brands in Africa. Her leadership has driven job creation, industrial growth, and economic empowerment, positioning her as a key figure in Nigeria’s business landscape.

Dr. Sarah Amana

Dr. Sarah Amana is a transformational leader and financial expert committed to empowering individuals—especially women—toward financial independence. As the founder of Rich Aunty Finance Limited, she has helped thousands build wealth through strategic financial education, mentorship, and investment guidance.

Folasade Balogun

Folasade ‘Sade’ Balogun is a visionary entrepreneur, real estate developer, and philanthropist, transforming Nigeria’s luxury property landscape. As Chairman and CEO of Redbrick Homes International Limited, she is the driving force behind the Amen Estates Group, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious real estate developments.

Lanre DaSilva

Lanre Da Silva is a renowned Nigerian fashion designer and founder of the Lanre Da Silva Ajayi (LDA) label. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Coventry University and a master’s in Finance from the University of Leicester. Since launching her brand in 2005, she has become a force in the fashion industry, known for her fusion of vintage couture with modern, cutting-edge designs.

Lola Omolola

Lola Omolola is a global advocate for women’s empowerment, community architect, and social impact leader. In response to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirl kidnappings, she founded Female IN (FIN), a private Facebook community that has grown into the world’s largest safe space for women, with 1.7 million members across 100+ countries.

Mary Akpobome

Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu

Moji Hunponu-Wusu is a distinguished businesswoman, investment banker, and philanthropist with over 25 years of experience in finance and wealth management. As the Founder and CEO of Woodhall Capital International, she has been instrumental in raising over $5 billion in international funding for governments, corporations, and financial institutions.

Nelly Agbogu

Nelly Agbogu, widely known as NaijaBrandChick, is a powerhouse entrepreneur, business strategist, and digital commerce pioneer. As the founder of NaijaBrandChick, NBC Trade Fair, Dominate Sales & Influence (DSI), Nellies Nigeria, and Come Again Foods, she has revolutionised the SME landscape in Africa, helping thousands of businesses scale and dominate their markets.

Nkiru Achukwu

Nkiru Achukwu is a fashion entrepreneur, creative director, and advocate for accessible luxury in African fashion. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Zephans & Co, a leading Nigerian ready-to-wear (RTW) fashion brand known for its elegant, high-quality designs that blend African heritage with modern aesthetics. Her work focuses on making stylish, sophisticated clothing accessible to women without compromising on quality or affordability.

Obehi Ekhomu

Obehi Ekhomu is a Nigerian chef, restaurateur, and visionary entrepreneur redefining modern West African cuisine. As the founder and executive chef of ONA and Ona Cloud Rooftop Bar & Lounge in Lagos, she has created a space where heritage meets innovation, storytelling meets technique, and food becomes an immersive experience.

Onyeka Michael-Ugwu

Onyeka Michael-Ugwu is a globally recognised medical aesthetician and entrepreneur revolutionising the beauty and wellness industry through her brand, Hello Perfect Aesthetic and Laser Clinic. With clinics in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, Hello Perfect is known for cutting-edge aesthetic treatments that empower and transform lives.

Pamela I. Emmanuel

Pamela I. Emmanuel is a global leader in international development, women’s economic empowerment, and Kingdom advocacy. Her career spans finance, fashion, entrepreneurship, and ministry, reflecting her commitment to economic and spiritual transformation.

Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani

Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani is an award-winning energy and finance executive, business anchor, and board director, renowned for mobilising over $8 billion in investments across energy, climate, and infrastructure projects. With over 17 years of experience, she specialises in helping companies scale, raise funding, and expand into high-growth African markets.

Sophia Momodu

Teju Abimbola

Teju Abimbola has over 20 years of experience in advisory and financing across emerging markets, with a track record of delivering measurable social and development impact at scale. She has spent 14 years at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group's private sector arm, where she has held progressively senior roles spanning business development, investments, portfolio management, and strategic leadership. She currently serves as Climate Business Lead for Africa Infrastructure.