The Nigeria Women Annual: 100 Leading Women has once again highlighted the outstanding contributions of women to the development of Nigeria and the world. Among the distinguished women recognized in this prestigious biographical compendium are Khadijah Abdullahi Iya, Oluremi Tinubu, Nana Shettima, and Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim. Their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to social transformation have earned them well-deserved places among Nigeria’s foremost leaders.
Tammie Edet Kammonke, Co-Editor and Executive Director of Gender Perspective, emphasized the importance of this year’s list, describing it as a sterling mix of accomplished professionals, tech experts, pastors, politicians, teachers, activists, development practitioners, and corporate leaders. She stated, “In publishing this compendium every year, we envision that we will continue to contribute to gender equality and women empowerment advocacy efforts towards filling the yawning gender gap in the leadership of Nigeria.”
Kammonke further highlighted the significance of Oluremi Tinubu’s inclusion, recognizing her notable accomplishments as a politician who served in the Nigerian senate for three consecutive terms and contributed immensely to legislations that have shaped Nigeria. She also acknowledged Tinubu’s role as the country’s First Lady, underscoring her multifaceted leadership and impact on the nation.
Khadijah Abdullahi Iya’s journey is characterized by her relentless pursuit of positive change and her dedication to addressing social challenges. As a social entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable communities, she has established a group of social enterprises dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations. Her unwavering determination to make a difference led her to become the first female Gubernatorial Candidate in Niger state during the 2023 elections, breaking gender barriers and inspiring others with her resilience and bravery. Additionally, her nomination as the Vice Presidential Candidate for the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) party in 2019 underscored her ability to empower and inspire others through her exceptional qualities and capabilities.
The inclusion of Nana Shettima and Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim in this esteemed list further highlights the diverse contributions of women leaders in Nigeria. Their accomplishments in politics, advocacy, and public service serve as inspirations for women across the country.
Khadijah’s impact extends beyond her immediate surroundings, earning her global recognition for her dedication to social transformation. She has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Award for Global Excellence in Mentorship and Community Development from Leaders Without Borders Development Centre in London. Her commitment to promoting peace and sustainable communities has also earned her nominations for the Prize of Peace Award in the categories of Creative Non-Violence and Sustainable Communities.
Khadijah’s dedication to her community is evident through her tireless advocacy for literacy and quality education, earning her the distinguished Award for Excellence from the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA). Her ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy of social impact that transcends generations, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
In addition to her advocacy work, Khadijah is also the curator of Tatsuniyya Network, a platform focused on documenting African culture and values through animated storytelling. She believes that preserving one’s heritage is essential for shaping a better future.
With a background in Public Policy and Governance, Khadijah approaches challenges with insight and innovation, offering pragmatic solutions to complex problems. Her values, represented by the acronym HERS (Humanity, Empathy, Responsibility, and Service), serve as the foundation upon which she builds her endeavors.
Khadijah Abdullahi Iya’s inclusion in the Nigeria Women Annual: 100 Leading Women is a testament to her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society. Her story serves as an inspiration to readers, especially young girls and boys, encouraging them to strive for excellence and pursue their dreams despite any obstacles they may face.
