Top Female Achievers In Corporate Nigeria Series 1

STELLA Erhuwuoghene Okotete, the Executive Director, Nigerian Export Import Bank (NEXIM), is not only a boardroom stallion, but also a pathfinder; driving the participation of youth and women in mainstream business,
governance and politics.

Saddled with the responsibilities of planning and overseeing new marketing initiatives, pitching products and services, ensuring timelines for deliverables for core banking operations, the astute and innovative leader is always on her toes, expanding the coast of her bank, driving revenue, securing new
businesses and supervising old and new
ones for optimum performance.

Not resting on her laurels, Okotete
initiated the Women and Youth Export Development facility to give low-interest loans to women and young people in the export value chain, while reorganising her company’s business directorate to act professionally in line with the President’s anti-corruption cru-
sade.

To boost export, the business developer
initiated and designed the Nigerian Export-Import Bank Academy (NEXA), a certi-
fied digital online academy, to disseminate information on how to import goods into the country and equally to export some of our agricultural produce to different countries across the globe.

With a first degree from Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Edo State; a master’s in peace and conflict resolution studies, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN); and other trainings from Columbia Business School, New York, USA; University of Oxford, United Kingdom and different professional
certificates from notable institutions including, the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN); New Models of
Business in Society, University of Virginia; INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France; Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Boston, USA, she ventured into politics and
was in 2023 nominated a member of Tinubu-Shettima transition/inauguration committee and later in the same year, made
secretary, Election Planning and Monitoring (EPM) of APC 2023 Presidential Campaign Council (PCC). She has since then handled different portfolios for the party from various local councils to states and at the federal level.
For the love to serve and humanity, she volunteered to serve in Starlight Initiative, where she was appointed a coordinator.

The group through its ‘2009 Project Feed’ catered for over 10,000 people across different segment of the society. Three years after, she became the volunteer coordinator, 2012 Delta State Flood IDP, before volunteering to be part of the Volunteer Aid Assistance of Maiduguri and Abuja IDP Camps in 2015.

Becoming a Councilor/House Chairman on Education Ughelli North Local Council from 2009 to 2011, Okotete worked with various departments, divisions and agencies to im-
prove on the State Government Free Education Programme in Agbarho, Ughelli, Orogun, Ogor, Agbarha and Uwheru, all within Ughelli North local council and also organised and managed different programmes on the Girl Child Education in the council.

To make sure that pupils go to school and partake in the state free education initiative, she sponsored the bylaw on “War Against Loitering And Hawking During School Hours in Ughelli North Local Council.” The war was a boost to school enrolment in the area.
She equally co-sponsored a bylaw that did not only abolished female circumcision, but also declared the practice illegal in her local council.

Okotete is one of the very few Nigerians that have the magic wand to turn anything they touch into gold. From 2011 to 2015, the pathfinder became Special Assistant on Millennium Development Goals (MDG) to the Delta State Government, she spearheaded the development of a comprehensive MDG Alignment Plan, aligning existing government policies and programmes with specific MDGs to ensure a coherent and integrated approach to sustainable development, designed and implemented targeted interventions to address critical challenges hindering MDG achievement, such as poverty alleviation programmes, access to quality education
initiatives and healthcare improvement projects, among others.

Co-founding, Erhuvwuoghene Girls Right Foundation (E’Girls Foundation), Warri, Delta State in January 2000, Okotete as the national coordinator of the not-for-profit organisation
till November 2017, used the platform to advocate for the girl child rights, empower women and young people on human capacity development.

In her pursuit to make women be in the mainstream of national politics and governance, Okotete developed a plan and strategy to train over 20 million women across the country for public and political offices within 10 years, conceptualised the Progressive Women Trust Fund to avail the needed financial support to intending APC women who desire to partickipate in governance and political offices and as well initiated and organised APC National Progressives Women’s Conference in 2021, the first-ever large gathering of APC women members.

For her many groundbreaking projects, service to humanity and industry, the boardroom amazon has a shipload of awards attached to her name. They are: Icon of Humanitarian Service: All Middle Belt Youth Forum (2019), Integrity Award of Excellence – Nigerian Women in Politics and Good Leadership (2018), Most Influential Women in Business and Government – Africa’s Most Influential Women (2017), Young Ambassadors for Peace: MDGS Ambassadors of Peace (2017), Humanitarian of the Year – African Humanitarian Initiative (2012), Outstanding Women Philanthropists in Nigeria (WESHNET) ( 2022), Conceptualising Nigeria Export Academy (NEXA) (2021), Initiated the Women and Youth Export Facility (WAYEF) (2021), Modelled and initiated the Small and Medium Enterprise Export
Facility (SMEEF) (2021) and Outstanding Female Public Servant of the Year – Nigerian Society of Engineers (Spouses Forum) 2020, among many others.

Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta: Mogulette And Queen Of Real Estate Marketing

It was Alexander Pope in his Essay on Criticism (1709), who said: “No place so sacred from such fops is barr’d … Nay, fly to altars; there they’ll talk you dead; For fools rush in where angels fear to tread”.

For Dr. Ololade Valentina Abuta, she is not afraid to walk where angels failed to thread. She is a go-getter. A beauty to behold, she has a Midas touch and knows when to prospect for gold. Anything she touches in the real estate business often yields good dividend little wonder many consider as a real estate king.

The modest lady, who doesn’t seek attention or admiration, is the GMD/ CEO of Gracias Group, and also, founder of Real Estate Connect and Real Business Network.

A mogulette and dynamic goal achiever in real estate marketing, she is passionate about providing affordable property for the citizenry. She is one of the ideal women every society needs: a woman who is not afraid to lead, work, to excel, to love, to laugh, to cry and to dance.

The go-getter in marketing of affordable and luxurious properties, land banking, construction, estate development, and management, Abuta is a serial entrepreneur who strives to service the spectrum of exclusive clients in Nigeria and diaspora.

Aside from her real estate business, she is into other businesses, thereby, making her transform the company into a group of companies with subsidiaries in construction, energy, hotel and hospitality services, property investments, property development, business consulting, lease of construction equipments, farming, haulage, logistics and other private businesses.

She is an international entrepreneur. Her real estate business portfolio extends beyond Nigeria. She also does real estate businesses in the United Kingdom and United States with her international business partners and associates.

To boost her entrepreneurial profile and skills, she has done several executive courses from business schools such as, Oxford University, London Business School, Lagos Business School, to mention but a few.

As a result of her super business zeal, she opened several businesses that have created numerous jobs, thereby, adding value to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and for this, she was honoured as one of the ‘50 Most Impactful And Award Winning CEOs’ who have contributed to Nigeria’s GDP growth.

The University of Lagos graduate is a vessel of knowledge and this has given her privilege to grace, speak and participate in several notable programmes, which extend beyond Nigeria. She was, in fact, invitated to the Africa Global Economy and Development Summit to speak on the role of women in the implementation of economic diversification in Africa.

She has empowered several youths, and was honoured with the title of West Africa Youth Ambassador. She was also awarded the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award for excellence and integrity.

Appointed as a Mayor of Peace by the United Nations (UN-POLAC), Abuta has been honoured for her positive contributions to the construction industry. In 2019, the Senate / Award Committee of the European American University found her worthy and conferred on her, the first honorary doctorate degree, Doctor of Science (D. Sc. Hons) in Construction Management and Estate Development. She has also been honoured with other doctorate degrees, afterwards. She has also bagged over 50 merit and recognition awards, awards of excellence, and still counting.

Abuta was the publicity secretary of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) Lagos chapter between 2020 and 2024.

Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru: The Physician Defining Activism, Gender Space

Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru is a specialist healthcare physician who is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through medical practice, social activism and wider public advocacy against gender-based violence.
Professionally, she is a consultant specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as a public health physician, with over 20 years’ experience in private practice. She is also the founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), a non-profit organisation that addresses the prevalence of gender-based violence, rape and the trafficking of young girls and women across Nigeria.

WARIF is one of Nigeria’s foremost organisations tackling sexual violence. In addition to drawing the world’s attention to rape and gender-based violence, WARIF takes a holistic and survivor- centred approach to helping affected girls and women, as well as launching preventative initiatives to successfully tackle the issue’s root causes. Dr DaSilva-Ibru’s goal is to bring about a world in which all women and girls can live their lives free from gender-based violence.

DaSilva-Ibru’s medical and academic career has spanned across three decades and three ontinents. She graduated from the College of Medicine, University of Lagos before completing her postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) at Howard University, Washington DC and obtaining a master’s from the Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.

She has also taken other postgraduate medical courses in various specialties, and is an alumna of the Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. She is currently undertaking a PhD in gender-based violence at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

On what has been her greatest passion, she says, “it is addressing the needs of women and girls across the Nigeria and Africa with a focus on gender inequality and women’s rights and combating gender-based violence (GBV) that affects. My work is rooted in my extensive experience as a healthcare professional, being a public health physician who is also a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology. While attending to the harrowing effects of rape and sexual violence I witnessed firsthand in communities with strong cultural and social drivers, this led to an appreciation for safer environments and a structured framework to assist. This motivated me in establishing the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) in 2016 – a leading non-profit organisation tackling the prevalence of GBV in Nigeria, Africa.”

WARIF is the Women at Risk International Foundation, one of the foremost non-profit organizations addressing the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria and Africa. WARIF adopts a unique holistic approach with the provision of free medical care, counseling, legal aid, and offers preventative initiatives with the implementation of educational and community based programs across the country. The Foundation aims to create global awareness, reduce the incidence of violence and ensure the safety, rights and well-being of women and girls.

Through WARIF, various measured impactful initiatives aimed at both the intervention and prevention of GBV with a focus on health, education, and community service have been implemented. The drive and passion is to raise awareness and educate; to reduce the incidence of violence against women and girls and ensure all survivors receive essential services and are treated with the dignity and the care they deserve.

“As every woman and girl deserves to live in a society free from violence and discrimination,” she revealed.

On how more award-winning CEOs can emerge in the country, she said there must be purpose-driven leadership. For the social activist, “successful CEOs often lead with a clear and compelling vision that aligns with their passions and societal needs. By focusing on issues that have a profound impact on their communities, they can inspire change and garner recognition.”

She also raised the need for commitment to social impact initiatives. She said: “Beyond profit, CEOs should strive to make a positive impact on society. Whether through corporate social responsibility initiatives or founding organisations that address pressing social issues, leaders who prioritise social good are more likely to be recognised.”

She said award-winning CEOs are often those who think outside the box to solve complex problems. Embracing innovation and creativity can set a leader apart, especially when addressing long-standing societal challenges.

According to her, building collaborative networks is essential. “Successful leaders often build and nurture strong networks of collaboration. By partnering with other organisations, governments, and communities, CEOs can amplify their impact and extend their reach.”

She equally encourages continuous learning and adaptation. To her, “the business landscape is constantly evolving, and CEOs who stay informed and adapt to changes are more likely to lead successfully. Continuous learning, seeking feedback, and being open to new ideas are crucial traits for any aspiring award-winning leader.”

DaSilva-Ibru also called on CEOs to empower others. She said: “Great leaders understand the importance of empowering their teams and creating an environment where others can thrive. This not only fosters innovation within the organization but also builds a legacy of leadership.”

She believes that by embodying these principles, more CEOs in the country can achieve recognition for their leadership and contributions to society, much like Dr. DaSilva-Ibru.

Speaking on positive discrimination, often referred to as affirmative action, involves taking specific measures to improve the representation of underrepresented groups in various sectors, she said these “initiatives are important in leveling the playing field, especially in environments where historical biases have prevented equal opportunities. By offering targeted support and opportunities, positive discrimination can help bridge gaps, promote diversity, and foster a more inclusive society. However, it is also important to ensure that these initiatives are implemented thoughtfully, focusing on merit and long-term sustainability to avoid any unintended consequences.”

While there has been progress in the inclusion of women in leadership positions, DaSilva-Ibru believes there is still a significant gap, especially in higher executive roles. She said, “in both the public and private sectors, women often face systemic barriers that limit their access to top positions, including gender bias, lack of mentorship, and work-life balance challenges. Although some women have broken through these barriers, many are still marginalised by male-dominated leadership structures. This marginalisation is not always overt but can be seen in the form of unequal pay, fewer opportunities for advancement, and limited representation in decision-making processes. To address this, organisations must actively work towards creating an environment that supports and promotes women’s leadership.”

According to her, “the use of social media platforms is a double-edged sword when it comes to its impact on society, especially concerning gender issues. On one hand, it amplifies awareness of sexual abuse and provided a platform for survivors to share their stories and report and seek support and information. On the other hand, social media can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes, objectify women, and expose young girls to predators. The accessibility and anonymity of social media can make it easier for abusive behavior to proliferate. It is important to recognise that social media platforms are not inherently negative; it requires responsible use and robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly young girls.”

As a woman, she has been able to manage her home and office as well as other social responsibilities and still maintain a successful career. She noted that “balancing a successful career with home life and social responsibilities requires careful planning, prioritisation, and support.”

She added, “for me, it’s been about setting clear boundaries and being intentional with my time. At work, I focus on being efficient and delegating tasks where possible. At home, I ensure quality time is spent with my family and shared responsibilities with my husband. It’s also important to also have a strong support system of family, friends and professional networks, to help manage the demands of both personal and professional life. Self-care and time management are essential, as they allow me to stay focused, energised, and effective in all areas of my life. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for you.”

Over the years, she has received awards such as the Outstanding Service to Humanity Award (2018) – Presented by the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) for her remarkable contributions to addressing gender-based violence through her work with WARIF. She has also received Her Network Woman of the Year (HNWOTY) Award (2018) – In the healthcare category, for her dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in Nigeria.

In 2019, the BBC, in its “100 Women” list, acknowledged Dr. DaSilva-Ibru as one of the most inspiring and influential women globally for her efforts in combating sexual and gender-based violence.

She received the Social Impact Award (2020) – Presented at the Eloy Awards, recognising her significant impact on society through the work of WARIF, TIME Magazine’s Next Generation Leaders (2021) – she was featured in recognition of her role in leading efforts against gender-based violence in Nigeria and beyond.

Also in 2021, WARIF was selected as the Charity of the Year at the first world of glamour exhibition. The Lagos State Domestic And Sexual Violence Agency equally honoured DaSilva-Ibru during the 16 days activism. She was also honoured with the Woman of the Year category for two consecutive years with a Gold Award at the prestigious Women Changing the World Awards ceremony between 2023 and 2024.

Her awards also include WIMBIZ’s ‘Top 100 Most Influential Women’ in 2017, Leading Ladies Africa’s ‘100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria’ 2018, Orange Active Citizen, 2017, 25 People Pioneers Brands, International Women’s Day 2018, recognition by British Council in Nigeria, Exceptional Women Past and Present, Woman of the Year 2019, Her Network. Nominated in 2020 as one of the 50 African Women in Development, she was also recognised as a CNN COVID Heroes & Newsmaker and received an Award of Excellence by National Council of Women Affairs, Nigeria in 2022.

More recently, Dr. Dasilva-Ibru has been recognied on the 2024 Forbes 50 over 50 Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) List.

Her professional memberships include the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the American Medical Association, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, the Association of Public Health Physicians Nigeria, the Faculty of Public Health, UK and the American Public Health Association.

She is also a member of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria.

Princess Gloria Akobundu: Strategist, Reformist Championing Success-Driven AUDA-NEPAD/APRM

Princess Gloria Akobundu is the Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD/APRM, Nigeria. She is a sound managerial executive with high sense of professionalism and humanity. Before her appointment as National Co-ordinator/ CEO of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, she had been the Business Development Manager, ENKA Construction, an international construction company with Head Office in the United Kingdom (UK).

As a social worker who has learnt what it takes to give back to humanity through service, Akobundu is currently spearheading the ongoing reform of the agency from NEPAD to AUDA-NEPAD, APRM 2nd Peer Review Process in Nigeria and Smallholder Farmers Initiative Project.

Princess has wormed her way into the hearts of many, especially, the indigent in society through humanitarian gestures and other social activities. She is the founder, Greater Initiative for Peace and Development (GIPAD) through which jobs have been created for many in the society, especially women, youth, and children as well as the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) scattered all over the country.

Akobundu had her academic training at the University of Port Harcourt, where she bagged a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. She holds a master’s of science degree in business administration from the National Open University. She also holds a master’s degree in art on peace and conflict resolution, University of Ilorin. Currently, she is a Ph.D candidate in leadership and strategic studies, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

A strategist that repositioned AUDA-NEPAD, established APRM National Structure, and led the successful conduct of Second Country Self-Assessment (SCSAR) Nigeria Second Review Report. The Chief Executive has over 15 years of managerial experience among the top hierarchy as:
Founder/President, C.P Golden Ltd, a construction company and former Senior Special Adviser to Imo State Government on governance/ investment / liaison matters.

Her core area of specialisation is administration, management, development, governance, project management, policy formulation and Reform with excellent communication, problem-solving, innovative skills.

For professionalism and standardisation, Akobundu was spurred into membership of various professional bodies both national and international, among which are: Chartered Fellow, National Institute of Security Studies of Nigeria, on Peace and Security (FSI), Fellow, Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development (ILAD) Nigeria; Chartered Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM), Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), Fellow, Institute of Export Operations and Management (IOEM), Member, International Christian Chamber of Commerce, (ICCC); and Full Member, Society for Peace Studies & Practice (SPSP), Fellow, occupational Health and Safety, London.

With her wealth of experience, the CEO served at various capacities in both national and international level, which includes: Member, AU-NEPAD Reform Committee; Member, AU-NEPAD Steering Committee; Member, AU-APRM Steering Committee; Member, AU-APRM Bureau of National Secretariat; Member, AU-APRM COVID -19 Task force on good governance; Chairperson, AU-APRM Taskforce; Member, AU Bureau of Credit Rating; Secretary, National Governing Council, AU- APRM Nigeria; Member, AU-Committee on Agenda 2063 implementation; Member, AU- NEPAD Committee on Implementation of AfCFTA; Member, AU-NEPAD Committee on African Medicine Agency (AMA) and Member, AU APRM Search Committee.

Her leadership experience include being, focal point for the AU-NEPAD Reform, focal point for the Second Review of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, focal point for Agenda 2063 in Nigeria, focal person for the coordination of AFR100 Climate Resilience in Nigeria and focal person for the Revitalisation AU-APRM in Nigeria.

Under her watch, Nigeria has made tremendous progress in the underlisted areas in line with AU Agenda 2063: Successfully reformed NEPAD to AUDA-NEPAD and established a viable structure for better service delivery and accelerated sustainable economic development.

Akobundu successfully coordinated the Second Review of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Second Country National Programme of Action (NPoA), rating Nigeria as the first member state in the ECOWAS sub-region to be peer reviewed for the second time.

An astute worker, she oversaw the successful revitalisation of the African Peer Review Mechanism in Nigeria with establishment of its national structure in Nigeria in promoting best practices, standards and codes; produced policy documents to serve as a guide to government in the key areas of governance and development in line with human capital and institutional development.

She successfully coordinated the implementation of the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative AFR 100 in Nigeria in line with the agency’s flagship on natural resources and land governance.

A community leader, women and young people activist, devoted Christian and optimist in the Nigerian Project, Princess Gloria Akobundu successfully coordinated the smallholder farmers project and climate smart agriculture in tandem with the agency’s mandate on food systems.

She, as well, coordinated the implementation of climate resilience, decarbonisation and ecosystem in line with the agency’s flagships on environmental sustainability and the agency’s expanded mandates that includes tracking, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on the implementation of Agenda 2063 in the country.

Her agency is also championing the mainstreaming and coordinating of the implementation of Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Programme Development (CAADP) in Nigeria. It, in fact, established AUDA-NEPAD Academy and Learning Centre for building capacity and human capital development, designed a monitoring and evaluation template for effective reporting on implementation of Agenda 2063 at the national, states and local governments and initiated numerous developmental and governance programmes/projects, among others.

Her competency and exemplary leadership have earned her numerous recognitions, both local and international, which includes but a few: Special Award Winner, London 2023; Great Achievers Award, 2023 in recognition of her efforts in youth and community development; Award of Excellence 2023 in recognition of outstanding performance and dedication to human development and women empowerment; Winner of Best Public Servant of the Year, 2023; FCTA Partnership Award 2022 Award of Excellence for upliftment of humanity.

Over the years, she had also won Africa Achievers Award, 2021 in recognition of outstanding commitment in promoting Pan Africanism and the Vision of African Renaissance; Award of Excellence for Best Performing CEO of the Year 2021; Award of Excellence 2021 in recognition of her contribution to humanity and development; Best CEO Award 2021 for the Most Efficient and Respected Federal Government Agency; Africa Achievers Award 2017 in recognition of outstanding commitment to Promoting Pan Africanism and the Vision of African Renaissance; Pan-African Prize of Excellence for Hardwork & Dedication to National Service 2017 and Ambassador for Peace in recognition of an outstanding role in promoting peace and security through early warning mechanism.