Women leaders across Nigeria’s development and public service sectors are being recognized for the impact they continue to make in healthcare, education, governance, innovation, gender equality and community development through the “Top 25 Women Voices” initiative.
The campaign, led by the Africa Hub for Innovation & Development (AHFID) in collaboration with Women in Public Health Leadership for Africa (WiPHLA), The Daily Times of Nigeria Plc and Green Girl Company Limited, celebrates women whose work is helping to strengthen systems, improve lives and create long-term social impact across the country.
The initiative shines a spotlight on women who are shaping policy, leading institutions, improving healthcare delivery, supporting vulnerable communities and driving innovation in different sectors. Organizers say the recognition is also meant to inspire younger women and future leaders to take active roles in solving social and economic challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.
Driving Stronger Systems and Community Impact
One of the women recognized is Chief (Mrs) Moji Makanjuola, MFR, a respected broadcaster and pioneer in public health journalism. Through her years at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), she helped bring important health information closer to communities, especially on maternal health and immunization. She currently serves as Executive Director of the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), where she continues to mentor journalists and advocate for stronger health communication.
Rosemund U. Onuoha, Gender and GBV Lead at Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS), was also recognized for her work supporting vulnerable populations and survivors of gender-based violence. Her efforts focus on improving access to care and building systems that protect at-risk communities.
At PEPFAR Nigeria, Margaret Shelleng has played an important role in strengthening partnerships between donors, government and institutions. As Multilateral Liaison Adviser, she has supported efforts aimed at creating sustainable healthcare systems that can continue beyond donor funding.
Public health physician Dr. Olayinka Badmus was recognized for over 15 years of work advancing maternal and child health, immunization, and community health initiatives. Her contributions to outbreak preparedness and risk communication continue to support stronger healthcare responses in Nigeria.
Another honoree, Dr. Batulu Isa Muhammad, has continued to advocate for equitable healthcare and community-centered development through her work with the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN).
Beyond healthcare, the initiative also recognized Prof. Erekpitan Ola-Adisa, a Professor of Architecture at the University of Jos, for her contributions to architecture, research, education and the preservation of Nigeria’s architectural heritage.
At the regional level, ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye (PhD), Regional Director for West Africa at the Ford Foundation, was honored for her work advancing governance reform, gender equality and civil society development across Africa.
Technology and innovation also featured strongly among the honorees. Dr. Njide Okonjo-Udochi, through TRIPARTITE GROUP, is using artificial intelligence and strategic partnerships to develop solutions in healthcare, education and climate change.
Meanwhile, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, continues to use communication and advocacy to improve healthcare accountability and public engagement.
In the technology and empowerment space, Motunrayo Opayinka, Founder and CEO of Womenovate, is helping women gain digital and STEAM-related skills through mentorship, training and innovation programs designed to bridge the gender gap in technology.
Supporting Women, Youth and Vulnerable Communities
The initiative also recognized women leading grassroots and community-focused interventions across Nigeria.
Boladale Akin-Kolapo, Country Director of Girl Effect Nigeria, has led programs focused on youth inclusion, economic empowerment and health systems strengthening. Her work supports underserved populations and promotes sustainable development.
With more than 15 years of experience in development programming, Tine Woji has contributed to the implementation of major Global Fund-supported interventions targeting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria across different regions.
Public health physician Dr. Lilian Anomnachi, Executive Director of TAConnect, has led maternal and child health programs that have reached more than one million pregnant women in Nigeria through healthcare access and education initiatives.
In oral healthcare, Dr. Adekemi Adeniyan, Founder of Dentalcare Foundation and CEO of Smile Superheroes, is improving access to oral health services while using storytelling and technology to educate children about healthcare.
Chinekwu Oreh, PhD, through her role at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat and as Co-Founder of The Healthy African Girl Foundation (THAG), continues to support health systems strengthening and youth empowerment across Africa.
Digital health leader Otaosese Akhigbe, Director of Partnerships and Programs at eHealth Africa, was recognized for advancing technology-driven healthcare systems and institutional sustainability across the continent.
Dr. Esther Nwanja, Associate Director for Paediatrics and PMTCT at ECEWS, continues to lead large-scale HIV and maternal health programs supporting women and children in underserved communities.
Education advocate Peculiar Caleb was honored for promoting safe schools, gender-responsive education policies and youth empowerment through her leadership at CSACEFA, ANCEFA and AGIP INITIATIVE.
Award-winning journalist Ojoma Akor, Editor of Health and Science Africa, was recognized for using investigative journalism to drive conversations around healthcare access, gender equality and accountability.
In health systems strengthening, Dr. Chioma Helga Law-Maduka has led donor-funded healthcare programs focused on quality improvement, health financing and service delivery expansion at ECEWS.
Academic and development expert Edima Ottoho, Associate Professor at Simmons University and CEO of Avarynth Group LLC, was recognized for her contributions to education, health systems and social impact initiatives.
Dr. Mary Kinmilola Olupitan, Project Director for the GF-IHVN grant, continues to strengthen HIV and tuberculosis interventions in partnership with national and international health institutions.
Community development advocate Bella Akhagba, Founder of Bella Foundation for Child and Maternal Care, was recognized for decades of work supporting women, children and vulnerable communities. One of her anti-child marriage projects was acknowledged by the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA) as an SDG Good Practice initiative.
The initiative also celebrated Enifome Ogbimi, Founder of Live Again Foundation and Managing Director of Fogg Solutions, for supporting survivors of gender-based violence and empowering women through healing and reintegration programs.
Finally, Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi, Regional Portfolio Director for West and Central Africa at Pathfinder International, was recognized for her leadership in strengthening healthcare systems and advancing healthcare access for women and underserved communities across the region.
Organizers of the initiative say the recognition goes beyond celebration. They believe the work of these women is contributing directly to stronger institutions, healthier communities, improved education systems and more inclusive economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa.
