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We are thrilled to celebrate 25 inspiring and extraordinary young African female leaders who are breaking barriers, leading boldly, creating change, redefining narratives and transforming society for good! These young women also model our strongest values as a movement of personal transformation, visionary leadership, ethical excellence, and outstanding impact across 7 distinct categories.
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The Forward Female™ 25 Under 25 Awardees will be honoured at the Forward Female™ 25 Under 25 Awards Gala 2023 - a night of celebration, inspiration and glamour. These women will be featured in the Future-Forward Female™ Folio 2.0, as a breathtaking photo-documentary which showcases the work of these inspirational young women as well as tells their compelling stories.
For more information about each category, click here.
Founder, Elevate Development Foundation
Age: 24 Years
Abiola Adebiyi believes that the progress of Nigeria lies in the hands of servant leaders. As such, she is passionate about building the people and systems that will change the nation for good.
Through social impact leadership, mentorship, and public speaking, she is enabling young people across all economic strata to become agents of change in their communities.
At the age of 16, she founded the Elevate Development Foundation, a non-profit repositioning youths in slum communities onto the path to economic prosperity. Thus far, its projects have reached over 7295 people, by improving access to quality Education, and tackling unemployment.
Abiola is a Forensic Accountant, and a graduate of the prestigious University of Sussex, where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Development.
Abiola is a firm believer that public policy holstered on equity, justice, and relevance can radically transform Nigeria; particularly for the under-served populace, and she is dedicated to being at the core of this.
Founder of the Global Eagle's Digital Academy (GEDA) & The Eagle's Foundation
Age: 22 Years
Gloria O. Akanni (also known as Gloria Eagle) is a young, vibrant entrepreneur, transformation speaker, and a social impact advocate.
She is the founder of The Eagle's Foundation, an NGO, and Global Eagle's Digital Academy (GEDA). She founded GEDA in 2020 and through this institution, she has trained over 15,000 youth on diverse digital and entrepreneurship skills in Nigeria and across 12 other nations.
Best-selling author, podcast host, ministry gift
Age: 24 Years
Krimkat Dalang is God's promise kept to the world. In maximizing the tools of podcasting, coaching, prophetic scribing and teaching Krimkat leads men to the truest expressions of themselves in every facet of life, which answers to the most pressing questions of humanity.
Krimkat hosts the podcast Relationship Recipes with Krymkat - a podcast that brings pragmatic wisdom relevant for building relationships. She is the Team Lead at Nigeria Intercessory Camp - an intercessory gathering of believers where she leads a group of intercessors in prophetic intercession as they partner with God for the fulfillment of His prophetic destiny for Nigeria. At The Sanctified Community, Krimkat oversees a non- denominational Christian ministry, where believers are raised to honor God through consecrational living and leverage that as the foundation for advancing the frontiers of the kingdom of God. This vision is achieved through spiritual discipleship, ministry training, publications and missions.
Public Health Practitioner & Director at IYAFP
Age: 23 Years
Peace Umanah is a dedicated Public Health Practitioner with a strong passion for making a positive impact in the field of health. She currently works as the Director of Communications at IYAFP, a youth-led organization that focuses on advancing young peoples sexual and reproductive health rights and Justice (SRHRJ).
As part of her achievement, she was selected as a Youth Trailblazer by the International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP), Youth Champion by Strong Enough Girls Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) and a Young Leader by the LEAP Leadership Institute for Young Women in Africa.
Peace holds a degree in Physiology and is currently pursuing a masters in public health (MPH) at Bingham University, Nigeria.
For more information about each category, click here.
Social Entrepreneur and Impact Consultant
Age: 23 Years
Funmilayo Oyekanmi is an advocate for education and decent jobs, a budding lawyer, and a management consultant. She has 7 years of experience volunteering for social impact projects advancing health, gender equality, education, decent jobs, climate change, and zero hunger in 4 African countries.
Since 2020, Funmilayo has prepared students for the future of work through skills training, coaching, and mentoring, and, as a result, built a community of over 50,000 youths. She has also engaged over 5,000 youths through physical and virtual dialogues on career development, sustainability, social innovation, gender equality, financial literacy, and education.
Founder, Isrina Schools
Age: 22 Years
Amuzie Grace, a visionary educator and founder of Isrina School, embodies the spirit of transformative learning and sustainable impact. With a resolute belief in equitable education, Grace established Isrina School in 2015, pioneering an innovative partnership with African Clean Up Initiatives and other stakeholders. This collaboration ingeniously employs plastic bottle collection as a means of tuition payment, fostering both education and environmental responsibility.
Under Grace's guidance, Isrina School has provided over 160 children from marginalized backgrounds with termly scholarships, vocational training, and feeding support. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she coordinates projects such as the 'green footprint' campaign, emphasizing environmental consciousness. Recognized for her contributions, Grace has received accolades like the Savvy Prize for Impact-Driven Entrepreneurs.
Executive director, Build A Child Initiative
Age: 25 Years
Janet Isesele is a leading Brand Strategist, Author, and Activational Speaker with over four years of experience empowering Children and Youth across Africa. She's the Founder/Executive Director of Build A Child Initiative, a nonprofit shaping purpose-driven leaders.
Janet also convenes The Future is Now conference, guiding secondary school students to become change-makers. Passionate about UN SDGs 1, 4, and 8, she's recognized among Ekiti state's top young influencers by Mission Trybe.
Creative Director of Book O’Clock & Team Lead of The Book Drive Bayelsa
Age: 21 Years
Ude, Ugo Anna is passionate about academic learning, quality education, and supporting youth activists. She has led The Book Drive Bayelsa (a youth-led non-profit providing books to children in low-income homes in five Nigerian states) for three years.
As an English Major at the University of Lagos, she weaves outside-the-classroom tutelage with providing social education to first-year students as a mentor. Ugo is currently a Co-host in the Community-based Learning Global Action Circle with YouthxYouth and the Creative Director of Book O’Clock.
For more information about each category, click here.
Founder, Stylecentric | Brand Influencer & Lifestyle Creator
Age: 24 Years
Ibukun Akinkuotu is the Founder of STYLECENTRIC, a newly launched fashion brand that offers high-quality clothing for women who are looking for an out-of-ordinary experience.
She is an award winning Brand Influencer, Lifestyle & Beauty Content Creator with over two years of experience. She is the bridge between brands and their target audience.
CEO of Solasoles, Lead Coach at Startupspaceng, Founder of The Radiant Tribe
Age: 22 Years
Omirin Aderinsola is a multi award winning entrepreneur, a sociologist , esteemed mentor, and inspiring author driven by her passion for empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and unlock their true potential.
As the CEO of Solasoles, a handmade footwear brand, she redefined footwear by creating unique footwear designs for women, kids and orthopedic shoes for people with special needs.
Entrepreneur, Home Fragrance Expert and Coach
Age: 25 Years
Naomi Bominuru, a creative entrepreneur and home fragrance enthusiast, is the driving force behind Anesi Lifestyle. Her passion has transformed into a thriving Nigerian brand that offers more than just scented candles, tealights, and diffusers – it delivers experiences that resonate in homes and hearts. She extends her support to newcomers in the home fragrance industry, offering candle making courses and a comprehensive private label service.
Naomi's footprint stretches across renowned entrepreneurship networks including Tony Elumelu Foundation, AWEC, Access Bank Womenpreneur, and Flourish Africa, along with her journey on ""The Next Titan Nigeria."" Beyond business, she empowers others through training on vision boarding, goal setting, and seizing opportunities, as evident in her content, events, and resource-sharing.
A visionary entrepreneur radiating faith and inspiration, Naomi's growth journey is fuelled by her commitment to personal and business growth. When she’s not making candles, Naomi enjoys journaling, deep conversations, and good food!
For more information about each category, click here.
Marketing Insider at Linkedin
Age: 23 Years
Haoma is an award-winning thought leader, who has helped more than two thousand corporate professionals, talents and business owners, gain visibility and secure the right opportunities on Linkedin. She is currently a member of the Linkedin certified Marketing Insiders network and through her trainings, individuals have secured life-changing jobs, sponsorships and other career related opportunities.
While in Covenant University, she received the United Nations Summer Academy scholarship from the state of north rhine-westphalia Germany. Upon graduation, Haoma received the wings award for social action and development. She was also nominated for the commonwealth youth awards for excellence in development work in 2020.
Idea Launch Strategist
Age: 22 Years
I'm Deborah Ijeoma, a Transformational Voice, Idea Launch Strategist, and Visionary Leader. With a passion for positive change, I ignite visions and innovative ideas through strategies and personal growth. As a transformational voice, my mission is to shift mindsets, ignite productivity, and guide individuals to launch impactful ideas. I believe everyone has the power to create change and live purposefully. Through my work, I facilitate transformation, helping others realize their potential for innovative and impactful endeavors.
Environmentalist -Executive Director U-recycle Initiative Africa
Age: 22 Years
Oluwaseyi Moejoh is a Nigerian Environmentalist and National Geographic Young Explorer, educating the next generation of young leaders about climate action and helping them build the knowledge and skills they need to proffer innovative solutions to environmental issues.
Through her NGO, U-recycle Initiative Africa, Oluwaseyi and her team have impacted over 10,000 young people across Nigeria and Africa. Their projects have been funded by notable entities such as the National Geographic Society, the Government of Canada, and the Captain Planet Foundation. Oluwaseyi has been featured on various prestigious media outlets, including CNN, AFP, Smithsonian Magazine and NBC News.
Community Development Enthusiast
Age: 23 Years
Meet Modupe Laja, a vibrant 23-year-old with 3 years of content writing and 5 years of dedicated volunteering. She’s part of Millennium Campus Network (MCN) Members and Emerging Thought Leaders in Public Health (ETPH) Alumni network, and won more than 5 awards from student groups and organizations for excellence.
She’s addressed 300+ virtually and volunteered with 15+ groups for personal growth, community health awareness, and community support. Modupe is a community health enthusiast driven by her passion for learning.
For more information about each category, click here.
Founder/ Executive Director Lhaude Africa
Age: 25 Years
Rhoda Aguonigho is a Fashion Consultant and Project Manager with interests in Business and Social Development. She is the founder of Lhaude Africa, a Pan-African institution that creates opportunities for emerging fashion entrepreneurs and start ups in Africa.
The core of Lhaude’s work is Fashion education, Community support, Mentorship, Business development and Digital innovation. As a Business consultant and teacher, Rhoda works with Fashion entrepreneurs, teaching them how to launch their businesses, achieve their brand goals, and hit the ground running. She also consults for local and international agencies and systems seeking to connect and grow roots in the Creative Industry in Africa.
She currently sits on the Advisory Committee of the United Nations Conscious Fashion Lifestyle Network.
Development Professional
Age: 23 Years
Favour Godwill is a development professional with over three years of experience in designing and implementing projects that help tackle rape and sexual assault as a major violent crime against women and girls.
With a keen interest in forensic science, her professional aspirations are centered on preventing sexual violence, improving the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases, improving victim support services, and raising awareness about consent and respect through research, policy, advocacy and practice. Favour leverages education and health as tools to address rape and sexual assault. She also teaches young girls and women how to make reusable sanitary pads, showing the intricate link between education, sexual health, period poverty, water & sanitation hygiene, gender equality, climate and crime.
She is a member of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community, a UNICEF young influencer, Theirworld Global Youth Ambassador and recipient of the 2023/2024 prestigious Chevening scholarship.
Creative Director, DHONEY Adire and Crafts
Age: 24 Years
Doyinmola Paul-Oyewusi is lover of nature and a young entrepreneur with focus on sustainability, culture and climate, and gender inclusivity. Creative Director, DHONEY Adire and Crafts.
Doyinmola was born and raised in Ondo state, where she attended the foremost girl's only secondary school, St Louis secondary school, Ondo and had her tertiary education at Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo state with BSc in Computer Science.
For more information about each category, click here.
Data Engineer & Career Coach
Age: 24 Years
Alexandra is a Data Engineer at Wema Bank, where she brings her expertise to drive innovation and data-driven solutions. As a keynote speaker, mentor, and career coach, she is dedicated to sharing her valuable experience and insights, empowering individuals on their career journeys.
Nutritionist
Age: 24 Years
Precious Babatunde is a Nutritionist and versatile Freelancer. Notably known as that one person you need on your team if you want to build a sustainable brand, as she brings a wealth of expertise to her roles.
She serves on the board of FEES, the Faith Entrepreneurship and Employability Scheme, a capacity-building and career development initiative established to empower young individuals.
Sustainability Advocate & Award-Winning President of Rotaract Club of Medilag Golden 2022-2023 Rotary Year
Age: 24 Years
Esther Kolade is an Award Winning President of the Rotaract Club of Medilag Golden 2022-2023 Rotary Year, an institutional-based club at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, a club dedicated to building youths' leadership skills through service to their community. She has conducted several projects that have impacted hundreds of people in her community.
She is a recent graduate of the Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative 2022-2023, an initiative of the US Consulate General in Lagos that brings together Nigerian youth of exceptional vision, skills, and experience to design and implement projects that positively impact Nigerian society.
Software Engineer | Product Manager | Certified Scrum Master
Age: 20 Years
Similoluwa Sowunmi is a dynamic Global Changemaker with a mandate to bring Healing, Help, Hope and Justice to a generation of women. Raised as a voice, she runs with a vision to birth and build technological solutions to the Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality.
She is a Certified Mediator and Conciliator, and an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, Nigeria. A Law Student at the University of Lagos, Nigeria; she is a member of the Justice Kayode Eso Students Chambers, Unilag and was recently appointed as the Chambers’ Website and Communications Director.
For more information about each category, click here.
Executive Director of The Victor's Talk Africa & Sickle Cell Advocate
Age: 24 Years
Oluwadamilola Precious OYEWUMI (Damiprecious) is a Digital Marketer and the Executive Director of The Victor's Talk Africa - an organisation focused on creating awareness about Sickle Cell and providing a safe space for warriors.
She is a Sickle Cell Advocate and encourages people to know their genotypes so as to make responsible decisions to avoid the pains that come with living with the disease.
Amongst many things, She anchors a podcast for this purpose, it has been streamed in over 18 countries and manages a community of Warriors comprising over 100 members within and outside Nigeria.
She is a Sickle Cell Warrior and this doesn't stop her from wearing so many hats. She often shares her experiences and struggles on her social media platforms. She also moderates virtual engagement sessions that educate people and other related events. She is committed to empowering people and creating a better world for everyone.
Author and Disability Rights Advocate
Age: 21 Years
Anifat Sadu is a Multiple Award Speaker, Author, and Disability Rights Advocate that has inspired thousands of people from several walks of life to build excellent personalities and live purposefully.
She has received multiple awards as a professional speaker and has been invited to speak at different events, both online and offline, One of such is TedX.
President of Precious Seeds Foundation & Disabilities Studies Champion
Age: 24 Years
Atinsola Agnes Oluwafumbi is a native of Oyo State and a Christian. She is currently a student at the University of Jos, in the department of Special education and Rehabilitation science.
She is the president of Precious Seeds Foundation. Through their school outreach initiatives, conferences, and heartfelt home visits, the Precious Seeds Foundation has had the privilege of positively impacting over 1,000 teenagers and 200 individuals with disabilities.
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