“In our annual tradition, we take a
look back at the 100 people who have defined, re-defined and moulded the days
of our lives in 2016, as part of our mission to focus our largely youth
audience on the issues and ideas that truly matter,” says Isime Esene, Managing
Editor, YNaija.com. “Innovators, creators, political players, entertainers and
activists of all ages - you won't find a more definitive list anywhere else.”
Politics:
Atiku
Abubakar
The
former Vice President has shrugged off his defeat at the All Progressives
Congress (APC) primaries and has much more than any politician not named
Saraki, set himself to the task of rebuilding political structures, amassing
allies and making all the right noises. Whether all of this will eventually
lead to an Atiku Abubakar presidency should be interesting to watch.
Akinwunmi
Ambode
After a
slow start, Akinwunmi Ambode has taken to the task of governing Nigeria’s mega
city with verve, impressing many and surpassing expectations. He has shown
commitment to being inclusive by carrying along non-elitist suburbs, impressed
with the Light Up project that has changed the face of Lagos roads and his 25
billion Employment Trust Fund seeks to confront youth unemployment head on.
Aisha
Buhari
The
first lady dared to speak her mind in an interview with the BBC Hausa language
service that was mildly critical of her husband’s politics and was promptly
dismissed by the president as belonging to ‘’the other room.” But Mrs. Buhari
has proven to be made of sterner stuff, speaking out for society’s
underprivileged and raising money and goodwill for the rehabilitation of the
victims of Boko Haram’s insurgency.
Ibrahim
Dankwambo
The
‘’Change” mantra that swept through the entire North during the last general
elections did the Peoples Democratic Party no good but Ibrahim Dankwambo of
Gombe state emerged from the political tsunami as the last man standing,
managing to win a second term and under the PDP platform too. Dankwambo’s major
achievements are in road construction, education, infrastructure and water
supply.
Lawal
Daura
The
Department of State Security Service is once again a force to be reckoned with
and the fear of Lawal Daura and his men is only the beginning of wisdom.
Irrespective of constitutional implications, Daura’s DSS has launched sting
operations on judges deemed to be on the take, unscrupulous bureau de change
operators and on corrupt politicians and government office holders.
Mamman
Daura
A
former journalist and industrialist, Mamman Daura holds no official cabinet or
government position but his family ties to the President Buhari and the
complete trust that the President has reportedly in him has placed him in a
position where he is able to influence who and what gets the president’s
approval- or attention for that matter. According to inside sources, federal
appointments almost always receive the Mamman Daura seal of approval.
Ayo
Fayose
You may
not always agree with Fayose’s methods- and there is too much to disagree
with,- but it is clear to see that Fayose swings from the thuggish, uncouth
rabble-rouser image to a sometimes volatile, but thorough leader of the
opposition. As his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to
shrink into irrelevance, Ayo Fayose represents the last stand, leading the
defence and fighting hard to stay afloat. He may still have a lot of fight left
in him.
Abba
Kyari
The
Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari is no ordinary domestic aide.
Kyari enjoys a close and robust relationship with his principal and leverages
on it to influence everything within government from policy making to
presidential appointments. He was recently named to the six-man board of the
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)
Senator
Makarfi
The
former Kaduna state Governor and Senator now has a running gig as chairman of
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It has fallen on Makarfi to lead a party in
crisis and restore some semblance of confidence to a bruised property but
Makarfi has so far spent his early days battling a challenge from the faction
led by Ali Modu Sheriff. Crucial court victories relating to the Ondo state
gubernatorial polls might prove that he has staying power.
Amina
Mohammed
The
Minister for Environment is one of the shining lights in Buhari’s cabinet.
Apart from leading negotiations on behalf of Nigeria at the Cop 21 climate
talks, Mohammed’s ministry supervised the launch and provided leadership
commitment to the clean-up of Ogoniland, as recommended in the 2011 United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland and other associated
sites.
Willie
Obiano
The
former banker took over a healthy economy from his predecessor and has gone on
a massive infrastructure driven reconstruction of the state. From road networks
to bridges, agricultural/rural development advances to providing a fertile
environment for small and medium enterprises to thrive, Willie has indeed been
working.
Olusegun
Obasanjo
Since
his second coming as a civilian president in 1999, no other personality has
exerted as much influence on the polity as Olusegun Obasanjo. Some of this
influence may be overbearing, sometimes it is self-serving, but it is hard to
see any other leader that has dedicated their lives post service to the
Nigerian project as Obasanjo has. From his second career as a continental
diplomat to his past time of reminding sitting Presidents just why they were
elected, Obasanjo is the man.
Peter
Obi
Peter
Obi has helped to direct much-needed attention to the perils of government
waste, an expensive habit that continues to eat away at the economic fabric.
And he’s walked his talk. Anambra state is one of only a handful of states that
has not owed salaries since the economic downturn began. Anambra is presently
in a position to provide generous economic stimulus packages only because of
Peter Obi’s foresight and financial prudence while in office as governor.
BukolaSaraki
BukolaSaraki,
heir, and leader of a supreme political dynasty emerged senate president by
cooking up an illicit but potent romance with his colleagues from the
opposition. The Saraki armour survived countless hits including a protracted
trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal plus a criminal investigation into the
forging the senate standing rules that got him elected.
KashimShettima
Governor
KashimShettima of Borno state is a shining example of a different kind of
political leadership, one that has its roots in empathy and a genuine concern
for the welfare of his people. He has been at the forefront of every single initiative
to not only bring back and rehabilitate the missing Chibok girls, but also the
thousands of other citizens lost to the Boko Haram insurgency.
Faith:
Enoch
Adeboye
The
General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God is your favourite GO’s
favourite GO. Perhaps the most influential religious leader in the country,
Pastor Adeboye has stated that his aim is to put a branch within five minutes
of every human on earth. Every year he comes closer to this goal as he
continues to minister to his devoted flock.
Sam
Adeyemi
Reverend
Sam Adeyemi is the senior pastor, Daystar Christian Centre and founder, Daystar
Leadership Academy, a resource centre dedicated to raising a new generation of
leaders that will serve as catalysts for the transformation of Africa. DLA’s
alumnus currently numbers over 30,000, drawn from all spheres of life including
business, corporate and private sectors.
TB
Joshua
Millions
of faithful, from all over the world flock to Prophet TB Joshua’s Synagogue
Church of All Nations for his famous prophecies and life-altering interventions,
millions more follow his teachings from the safe spaces of their home
televisions and also online where his YouTube channel presently boasts over
400,000 subscribers.
Anthony
Cardinal Okogie
His
Eminence, Anthony Cardinal OlubunmiOkogie at 80 years of age may be settled
into retirement but he has certainly not lost his voice, nor the importance of
his calling, as he continues his fight for good governance, equality and
speaking truth to power at every turn.
David
Oyedepo
The
founder and presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church World Wide, (also known as
Winners’ Chapel) is in many ways also the most important private Nigerian
investor in education. His work with Covenant University, Landmark University
and the Kingdom Heritage model primary and secondary school franchise is
unrivaled in its commitment to excellence.
Poju
Oyemade
Pastor
Poju Oyemade is the senior pastor of the Covenant Christian Centre Lagos and
convener of The Platform, an annual Independence Day event where prominent
business and political citizens (that are believers) share how they thrive in
their industries applying principles founded in the Bible. In 2016, the
Platform attracted speakers like Peter Obi, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Sam
Adeyemi.
Entertainment
Odunlade
Adekola
For a spell
now, Yoruba Nollywood fans have been in on Odunlade Adekola, the genre’s
biggest leading man. A veteran of over 100 movies, Adekola has been quite
prolific, producing and starring in some of the biggest and most successful
Yoruba films of the last decade, building a cult following along the way. He
made the crossover to mainstream audiences last year with the stylish caper
Taxi Driver: OkoAshewo.
Kunle
Afolayan
Mr.
Afolayan’s big budget, pan-African production, The CEO may have been a critical
misfire what with its problematic final act, but the box office receipts and
accolades received only proved that Afolayan is one of the few names that are a
genuine box office attraction. For The CEO, Afolayan gathered a cast from
Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Benin Republic and South Africa and premiered the film
aboard an Air France flight to Paris, France.
NiyiAkinmolayan
After a
string of trials, NiyiAkinmolayan finally hit the mark with The Arbitration, a
sexy legal thriller starring OC Ukeje and AdesuaUtomi that plays as a
meditation on corporate power structure and how it plays out between both
sexes. With a heavy presence on social media, Akinmolayan organised a
scriptwriting competition for his next project with a winning prize of 100,000
Naira awarded the winner.
Yemi
Alade
Yemi
Alade capitalized on her pan-African appeal and released her sophomore, a
dance-heavy record pandering to as wide an audience as possible. This gimmick
worked in her favour as she was embraced by the continent, co-hosted the MTV
Africa Movie Awards (alongside BonangMatheba) and featured on a worldwide Shell
promotional campaign with Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson.
AY
AY
Makun is presently Nigeria’s funniest man. From AY Live to The AY Show, AY’s
Crib to AY’s Open Mic, the span of products his Corporate World Entertainment
has been able to turn into money-spinning business ventures is quite something
to behold. A Trip to Jamaica, the sequel to 2014’s record breaking 30 Days in
Atlanta has quickly become the most successful Nollywood film ever in terms of
box office receipts.
Richard
Mofe-Damijo
A
former commissioner in his native Delta state, Richard Mofe-Damijo returned
with his trademark charisma to the screen big time with high profile roles in
television (Hush), lead roles (Oloibiri, The Grudge) and supporting turns
(Dinner, The Wedding Party) in big screen productions. RMD was a member of the
jury at this year’s Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
Falz
This
rapper, comedian and internet savvy disrupter was born Folarin Falana. With 2
hit albums behind him, Falz has found a way to leverage on his comic talents
and social media clout to push his music to wider audiences. Beyond mixing hit
singles by the numbers, Falz took the concept of visual expression to a whole
new level with his long form video for his single Soldier, a duet with singer
Simi. This was a precursor to the eventual release of Chemistry, the joint EP
by Falz and Simi.
DJ
Jimmy Jatt
When it
comes to the business of turning tables, Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt has elevated it to
a profession. Beyond his unimpeachable bonafide as DJ of record for every event
of note across the continent, DJ Jimmy Jatt has mentored a new generation of
DJs, placing them on viable career paths. He has put out two well-received
albums and has headed the jury for the Headies, Nigeria’s biggest music award
show since 2005.
Femi
Kuti
Femi
Kuti has been all flying the flag for Afrobeat music since his father, Fela
passed on and has been able to successfully create his own space, away but not
separated from his father’s overriding legacy. He has been nominated for
Grammys and has packed the convention centre of the Eko Hotel with a much
buzzed about concert with younger brother, SeunKuti.
KeneMkparu
Mkparu
is the CEO of Filmhouse cinemas and FilmOne Distribution Limited, a franchise
currently operating in Lagos, Ibadan, and Calabar. A beneficiary of the $200
million Bank of Industry creative and entertainment industry intervention fund,
Mkparu’sFilmhouse opened the first IMAX cinemas in Nigeria and his distribution
business is responsible for The Birth of a Nation arriving local cinemas.
OmoniOboli
When it
comes to pure box office attraction, OmoniOboli is simply without peer. No
other actress/producer can draw people to the movies like she does. She was in
Fifty and First Lady, two of the highest grossing films of 2015 and this year,
has already made a profitable statement with the comedy, Wives on Strike. Her
movies may be short on quality but they always find an audience.
IzuOjukwu
IzuOjukwu
has shown traits of genius, working on Amstel Malta Box Office sponsored films
like Sitanda and White Waters. But it was with the long in the making ‘76,
released this year, that Ojukwu achieved his potential as the most important
director of his generation. ‘76 is both high water mark and career highlight
for Ojukwu and the team of actors and crew members which he marshalled to make
movie magic.
Mildred
Okwo
Okwo is
the co-founder of The Audrey Silva Company, the forward thinking production
house behind the future classic, The Meeting and Surulere, a showcase of fresh
Nollywood talent. A well-respected film director and producer, Okwo acts as
Nollywood’s mother hen, dishing out tough love to a new generation of thespians
on and off Twitter. She provided support to Bovi’s It’s Her Day and is hard at
work on her new television series, Bankers NGR.
Phyno
ChibuikeAzubuike
Nelson aka Phyno isn’t the first indigenous rapper working predominantly in the
Igbo language but he’s been the most successful so far. Phyno who enjoys an endorsement
deal with NairaBET has two successful solo studio albums (No Guts No Glory, The
Playmaker) to his name and recently shut down a large stadium in Enugu with his
annual Phyno Fest concert.
Psquare
Africa’s
most famous twin brothers Paul and Peter Okoye left their fans flustered when
they spent the better part of the year bickering and threatening to terminate
their union. After releasing lukewarm solo projects, the brothers decided to
patch things up and came back with Bank Alert, an instant club banger that got
everyone dancing again and proved that two is more formidable than one.
Tiwa
Savage
Tiwa
Savage put out an innuendo-heavy video for her smash single If I start to talk
in April, and by the next week her marriage was over. She seized control of the
narrative though, voicing out her version of events in an exclusive interview
that very nearly broke the internet. She returned to work almost immediately,
releasing a well-received single with Wizkid, signing with JayZ’s Roc Nation
and appearing on the soundtrack to AY’s record bursting film, A Trip to
Jamaica.
ChiomaUde
The
executive director and founder of the Africa International Film Festival
(AFRIFF) has been working assiduously for 6 years now to make AFRIFF the
continent’s most important film festival. Aside the glitz and glam, AFRIFF
provides film training and talent development opportunities for budding
filmmakers and creates an environment for stakeholders to engage in robust
discussions.
Wizkid
26
year-old Wizkid achieved the unthinkable when he helped Canadian rapper, Drake
secure his first Billboard Hot 100 number one as a lead artiste with the single
One Dance. From London to Laos, Cairo to Cape Verde, the new sound of World
music is Afrobeats and Wizkid is at the forefront of artistes creatively
marketing Nigeria to the world. Everyone else is mostly following his lead.
Art
Chimamanda
NgoziAdichie
The
most compulsively readable writer of her generation in all of Africa is a 39
year-old Nigerian mother of one who has won numerous book awards and has been
nominated for a Grammy. An unapologetic feminist who is now required reading in
Norway, Chimamanda NgoziAdichie easily sparks debates and influences thought
whenever she decides to publish her work or speak her mind. Thankfully for
humanity, she does this with some degree of prolificity.
LalaAkindoju
In
between starring in some of the most high-profile films (Surulere, The CEO) to
hit the cinemas of late, LalaAkindoju operates a private hustle as the CEO of
Make It Happen productions, an outfit that has staged critically and
commercially successful iterations of plays like V-Monologues, Femi Osofisan’s
The Wives and London Life, Lagos Living. Akindoju also runs Open Mic Theatre, a
hub for the expression of fresh talented acts in entertainment.
TY
Bello
You
know you are one of the most powerful persons alive when you can take a local
bread seller, glam her up, present her to the world on the cover of This Day
Style no less, and alter the course of her life, perhaps forever. This Day
Style may not be the force it once was but Bello’s photographs of the most
buzzworthy figures are still as important, and no Sunday is quite complete
without her work staring at us boldly, daring us to look away. We dare not.
AyodeleElegba
AyodeleElegba
is the CEO of Mustardseed Communication, convener of the annual comic,
animation, gaming and film convention dubbed Lagos Comic Con, the biggest
gathering of comic lovers in the country which is in its fifth year. Elegba’s
name and prints appear on some of the most popular intellectual properties on
the continent as regards comics, graphics, and animation and he continues to push
to unlock the full potentials of his industry.
Edward
Keazor
Ed
Emeka Keazor trained as a lawyer but for the last couple of years, has worked
as a journalist (regional editor for Music in Africa), musician (with
traditional group Ikenga) and historian. He has over the last few years been
involved in several projects documenting Nigerian history. Keazor’s richly
researched lectures on Nigerian history are a hit in corporate and art circles
where hs services are in popular demand.
NnediOkorafor
NnediOkoroafor’s
2015 book, Binti, a HarryPotter-esque space odyssey won the Nebula Award for
best novella, awarded by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
Okoroafor, who holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Illinois,
Chicago and works as an associate professor of creative writing and literature
at the University at Buffalo also made history by becoming the first Nigerian
to win the Hugo award in the novella category.
Bolanle
Austen-Peters
Bolanle
Austen-Peters is the founder of arts and culture hub Terra Kulture, perhaps the
most important space for the promotion of arts in Lagos state. Since inception,
Terra Kulture has hosted over 100 plays. Apart from producing and directing
Wakaa the musical, another big scale, splashy stage production, Austen-Peters
also brought the excellent 93 Days, a chronicle of the nation’s successful
fight against Ebola to the big screens.
Lola
Shoneyin
The
author of The Secret lives of Baba Segi’s wives, Shoneyin’s work with the Ake
Book festival, an annual celebration of literature, dance and music has had a
healthy and far-reaching impact on the creative industry. Writers and their
hangers on look forward to the Ake festival with all the excitement of
Hollywood’s awards season.
Chika
Unigwe
The
author of the NLNG award-winning novel On Black Sisters Street resides in the
United States where she is not only a professor of creative writing at Brown
University but represents Nigeria proudly and effectively too. Unigwe has won
the 2003 BBC Short Story Competition and a Commonwealth Short Story Competition
award among other laurels. She is one of the judges for the 2017 Man Booker
International Prize.
Bibi
Bakare Yusuf
An
accomplished scholar, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf has through Cassava Republic press
contributed to getting the nation reading. Cassava Republic which recently
turned ten opened an office in London and published the Nigerian issues of
hotly anticipated titles by Toni Kan, Sarah LadipoManyika, and LeyeAdenle. The
romance imprint Ankara is also pushing stories by upcoming writers.
Fashion:
Omoyemi
Akerele
Founder
and artistic director of Style House Files, a creative development agency for
Nigerian and African designers, Omoyemi Akerele is a driving force behind the
burgeoning Nigerian fashion industry. A pioneer in image consultancy and
creative direction, Akerele also helps brands gain essential international
exposure through presenting showcases at Pitti Imagine in Italy, and through
the annual Lagos Fashion and Design Week.
Mai
Atafo
Atelier,
businessman and showman, Mai Atafo is one of the most dependable names in men-
and women’s fashion. His output moves from the production room straight to the
red carpet and every celebrity of note; from Ramsey Nouah to Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
has been attired by Mai Atafo. Weddings by Mai, perhaps his most popular line
caters to every wedding clothing element that exists.
Adebayo
Oke-Lawal
Oke-Lawal’s
Orange Culture was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the 2015 International
Fashion Showcase and was invited to show at premier menswear trade show
PittiUomo under the Ethical Fashion Initiative. The self-effacing Oke-Lawal
continues to juggle multiple balls in the air with the spin-off diffusion
labels, Orange by Orange Culture, and a streetwear brand, O.C by Orange
Culture.
Joan
Okorodudu
A lot
of working models, both at home and in the diaspora owe a lot of their success
to Joan Okorodudu, founder of ISIS modelling agency and godmother of the
Nigerian fashion industry. A former beauty queen herself, Okorodudu started
ISIS while trying to fill the need for suitable representatives for models who
emerged victorious in a reality competition that she organised.
Amaka
Osakwe
Amaka
Osakwe’s Maki Oh is white hot, even Beyonce knows to seek the brand out when
looking to return to her African roots. And who can blame the Queen Bey? Maki
Oh’s 2015 collection Arodan, debuted exclusively on Vogue, instantly making
Osakwe the first designer based in Nigeria to achieve this feat. Maki Oh’s
first studio in Lekki was commissioned last year and influential figures like
Michelle Obama and Kerry Washington have been spotted wearing the label.
Sports:
Lucy
Ejike
Lucy
OgechukwuEjike is the Nigerian Paralympic powerlifter who has represented
country at five consecutive Paralympic Games from 2000 in Sydney through 2016
in Rio de Janeiro, winning medals at each outing. An elite athlete, Ejike made
history when she shattered the Paralympic and world record three successive
times before winning gold with a lift of 142kg at the Rio Games.
John
Mikel Obi
The
Chelsea midfielder may not be known for scoring goals with prolific efficiency
but he has steadily built his profile as one of the most successful African
football players of his generation, joining Chelsea FC in Europe Championship and
Premiership victories. One of the most decorated players on the continent, Obi
was head of Team Nigeria’s delegation to the Rio Olympic games and provided
leadership that moved his team from being stranded in Atlanta to scoring a
Bronze medal.
Florence
Omagbemi
Omagbemi
enjoyed more than a decade-long stint as player and midfielder with the female
national football side, Super Falcons before retiring and eventually serving as
coach of the same Falcons. In December, she became the first person ever to win
the African Women Cup of Nations as both player and coach when the Super
Falcons defeated Cameroon to emerge champions for a record tenth time.
AsisatOshoala
The
most exciting female player on the continent is also one of the youngest. Last
year, AsisatOshoala scored double at the Glo/CAF awards, winning the African
Women’s Player of the Year and Women Youth Player of the year. A veteran of two
FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cups, Oshoala recently achieved her childhood dream
of playing for Arsenal Ladies FC in the English Premier League. She is part of
the team that emerged champions of Africa after winning the African cup of
Nations in December.
Media:
Mo
Abudu
Mo
Abudu is the founder of EbonyLife Television and the Inspire Africa Foundation.
As a TV producer, media personality, human resources management consultant, and
entrepreneur, Mo is the poster child for those who keep evolving – for the
better. EbonyLife films rolls out its second feature length, The Wedding Party,
a star-packed glossy fairy tale starring AdesuaEtomi and Banky W.
TajudeenAdepetu
TajudeenAdepetu
is the managing director of Consolidated Media Associates (owners of ONTV,
Televista Movies, Spice TV, Village Square and Soundcity) and Alphavision
productions. These two companies together have made him the biggest owner of
media properties this side of Africa. And he’s not nearly done. He launched
Tribe TV, a new channel for African movies serviced across DStv channels.
OsagieAlonge
Everywhere
you look these days, there is a Pulse.ng ad material staring you in the face.
There is no escaping the media onslaught it seems. Leading the editorial charge
for the brand is entertainment journalist OsagieAlonge. Beyond the routine
news, lifestyle and events content, Pulse.ng under Alonge’s watch has cornered
the market on the effective use of video to create viral content, with soar
away segments like Pulse TV strivia, Vox Pop, and Facts Only.
Mike
Asukwo
Chances
are you have come across Mike Asukwo’s sharp illustrations, on the pages of
Business Day newspapers or on the Internet where they are usually shared as
quickly as they are posted. Asukwo uses words, pictures, and colours to present
a mirror to society, sometimes in heart-breaking but always funny ways. A
multi-faceted artist, he has worked on many prominent sculptural edifices in
Cross River State such as the Twin Column at the City Gate and the 3D Coat of
Arms.
Linda
Ikeji
Everyone’s
favourite girl next door has continued to build on the runaway success of her
eponymous brand. Ikeji’s blog continues to be the place to go for breaking
news, celebrity culture, and gossip. She has started her own social network and
made inroads into original content with the Linda Ikeji studios and music. Her
give back project, ‘I’d rather be self-made’ helps young girls along their road
to entrepreneurship.
Toke
Makinwa
It has
been a whirlwind year for Toke Makinwa, On Air Personality, television host,
vlogger and tabloid magnet. In between covering every major magazine on
newsstands, Makiwa made herself some lemonades by capitalizing on the collapse
of her high-profile marriage to MajeAyida to write a sensational memoir which
she bills as a ‘’must tell.” Ms. Makinwa proved herself the Queen of the
internet when she opened the floodgates of think pieces, reviews and free
publicity that came after.
AzukaOgujiuba
If you
are Tiwa Savage and you are itching to correct the narrative of your very
public marriage collapse playing out in real time, who do you call to tell your
own side of the story? Yes, AzukaOgujuiba. The This Day near-veteran has access
to all the major stars and does not hesitate to call in her contacts to get to
the heart of the story. Ogujiuba was also instrumental in the
OlajumokeOrisaguna grass to grace story that captured the entire nation’s
attention.
DapoOlorunyomi
No one
gets to the root of breaking stories like Premium Times and it is all because
of Olorunyomi’s singular vision. In 4 short but eventful years, he has led the
team at Premium Times, an online investigative reporting platform that has been
relentless in its pursuit of government accountability. Premium Times oversaw
the Nigerian leg of the release of the worldwide exclusive Panama Papers.
SonalaOlumhense
Few
newspaper columnists command the clout and the national reach of
SonalaOlumhense, whose weekly syndicated column has quietly become the Sunday
Sunday tonic. Olumhense has a knack for getting at the heart of the matter of
whatever topic he fancies at the moment and submitting well thought out,
clearly considered analytical pieces that have earned him a wide readership
nationwide.
Sam
Omatseye
Omatseye
is a journalist and chairman of the editorial board of The Nation newspaper,
one of Nigeria’s respected national dailies. He has practiced his journalism
both within and outside the country. Also, a published author of works of
fiction, Sam Omatseye’s weekly In Touch column in The Nation is required
reading for students and practitioners of journalism. Taking some poetic
license to convincingly advance his argument, Omatseye’s pen remains as sharp
as his mind.
Seyi
Taylor
Taylor
is the co-founder and chief marketing officer of Big Cabal media, publishers of
what is now regarded in some quarters as Nigeria’s largest technology website,
TechCabal plus the emerging Zikoko.com, an exciting hub for shareable pop
culture content that is unabashedly Nigerian. Big Cabal media under Taylor’s
leadership, was announced co-recipients of the Lagos Angel Network’s 50 million
Naira seed funding.
Chris
Ubosi
Ubosi
is the founder and CEO of Megaelectric, operators of Classic FM 97.3, The Beat
99.9FM and Naija FM 102.7 in Lagos as well as The Beat 97.9FM Ibadan. He is
also a co-founder of MTech Communications Plc, a fully indigenous mobile
technology firm, providing services in data communications.
Tradition:
Prince
EhenedenErediauwa
A
former crown prince, EhenedenErediauwa this year became the 39th monarch to
ascend the throne as the Oba of Benin. In a landmark event that shut down the
Edo state capital for days and attracted politicians, business magnates,
scholars, media practitioners and a government delegation led by Vice President
Yemi Osinbajo, Erediauwa’s coronation was both majestic and splendid. He is now
addressed as His Royal Majesty, Omon’Oban’EdoUkuAkpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba
of Benin.
AdeyeyeEnitanOgunwusi
41
year-old Ogunwusi is the Ooni of Ife, the paramount traditional ruler of
Ile-Ife, one of the most revered traditional institutions in the country. A
descendant of one of the ruling houses in Ife kingdom, Ogunwusi’s high wire
politicking saw off challenges from about 21 other candidates. He has been
engaged actively in using his platform to export Yoruba culture to the rest of
the world
Emir
Muhammadu Sanusi II
Emir of
Kano, SanusiLamidoSanusi has remained an active and engaged citizen, speaking
out fearlessly on matters of national and economic interest, and standing as a
principled and effective conscience for the Muhammadu Buhari led federal
government. At a time when members of the elite have found it more convenient
to maintain an uneasy silence, Sanusi’s voice has become a vital one, speaking
truth to power and affecting change in the process.
Civil Society:
Fati
Abubakar
Armed
with a camera and an Instagram handle, @bitsofborno, Fati Abubakar strolls the
streets of her hometown, Maiduguri and attempts to capture that other side of
the terrorism ravaged state the mainstream media will not show you. Inspired by
Instagram handles like @humansofny, Abubakar’s simple but powerful pictures of
humans triumphing in the midst of affliction and their heart-warming captions
have been able to tell a narrative of Borno beyond death and destruction.
Yemi
Adamolekun
As the
executive director of Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE), a coalition of persons and
youth-led organizations tasked with instituting a culture of good governance
and public accountability in Nigeria, Adamolekun brings the heat to lax public
officials. Her team jointly organised the Ondo state gubernatorial election
debate that aired on Channels television,
ObiagaeliEzekwesili
Fiery
and furious, passionate and intelligent, ObiagaeliEzekwesili, a former
government minister and vice president of the World Bank, has kept up with the
#BringBackOurGirls campaign, drawing attention to the plight of the missing
Chibok girls. Her efforts led to the return this year of 22 of the missing
girls. Ezekwesili has repeatedly shown strength of character, vision, and
decisive leadership when it matters.
ChidiOdinkalu
The
fearless and endlessly brilliant scholar and activist professor ChidiOdinklalu
may have completed his tenure as the chairman of the National Human Rights
Commission but his voice has remained one of the nation’s most vital, coming
across clear on all the important areas of human rights significance. He has
also through the headship of the alumni association of federal unity schools
tried to improve the educational system.
SeunOnigbinde
SeunOnigbinde
is so powerful, Bill Gates knows his name, and shady government officials know
to fear him. He fights for institutionalized transparency in government
processes through BudgIT, a Co-Creation Hub-incubated. BudgIT was instrumental
in blowing the lid off the budget padding mess that tainted the Buhari led
federal government and has consistently led the charge for an open national
assembly in terms of finances and budgeting.
BukkyShonibare
Twitter
folk are likely to have come across a picture of Shonibare displaying a placard
with a loud reminder of the exact number of days the Chibok girls have been in
captivity. She uploads these pictures every day, in good health or bad, no
matter what part of the world she finds herself. This powerful-in-its-own-way
imagery supports the work that Shonibare does with and outside of the #BBOG
group, one that includes sit-outs, marches and relief material provision to IDP
camps.
Professional:
Akinwunmi
Adesina
A
former Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development,- and a pretty decent one
too,- Akinwunmi Adesina is president of the African Development Bank Group (AFDB),where
he contributes to reducing Africa’s poverty burden via economic development and
social progress. He recently walked his talk when he approved a $1 billion loan
to Nigeria towards meeting the deficits in the 2016 Budget.
SegunAgbaje
The
Guaranty Trust Bank boss has taken to the task of building the brand into a
premier national institution and under his watch, GTBank has enjoyed some of
its most profitable years. Agbaje’s GTB is the undisputed market leader in
game-changers like online banking, SMS banking, and mobile apps. He has also
invested in entrepreneurs via the SME Market Hub, the GTB Food & Drink Fair
and the GTB Fashion Weekend.
Yinka
Edward
No one
lights up the screen quite like Yinka Edward and any director worth their salt-
from Kunle Afolayan to IzuOjukwu- recognises that in Edward, they can get the
perfect mix of skill and professionalism. A graduate of the Nigerian Film
Institute, Edward has received cinematography credits for classic films like
76, and Confusion Na Wa as well as for the iconic MTN I don port advert.
Bright
Ekweremadu
Bright
Ekweremadu is the Managing Director of the Society for Family Health, the
biggest and most important indigenous non-governmental organisation in Nigeria.
With office presence in about 25 states across the country, SFH, as led by
Ekweremadu has doubled down on several public health programs and interventions
especially in the fields of HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and other infectious
diseases.
ChikweIhekweazu
The
recently appointed chief executive of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control
(NCDC) boss has about 20years experience as a public health physician and
epidemiologist working in various field locations around the world. His work
with EpiAfric, a public health consultancy firm providing expertise in health
project design, research, health communication and postgraduate professional
development has led to initiatives like the Health Leadership Academy amongst
others.
NgoziOkonjo-Iweala
After
her second stint as finance minister came to an end, NgoziOkonjo-Iweala did not
go quietly into the good night. A world renowned global thinker and economic
development expert, Okonjo-Iweala was appointed a member of the international
advisory panel of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). She combines
this with her roles as a senior adviser at Lazard and Board Chair of Gavi, the
Vaccine Alliance.
Yemi
Kale
Yemi
Kale is the man responsible for the much-lauded recalculation of the country’s
GDP figures that saw Nigeria briefly become the biggest economy in Africa. An
alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government leadership in government
programs, Yemi Kale is presently the Statistician General of the federation and
the National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria (NBS) which he leads has been
pushing out real-time and reliable data on the state of the economy.
Godwin
Maduka
A
respected physician, Godwin Maduka is the CEO and medical director of the
sprawling Las Vegas-based Pain Institute & Medical Centre. A philanthropist
who has stayed in touch with his roots, Maduka is building a state of the art
15-storey building in his native Umuchukwu, a rural community in Anambra, which
he is gifting to the state to start a college of medicine and centre for
research for its University.
MgbajahOgadinma
An
employee of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital Ikeja, MgbajahOgadinma
this year, became the first female to qualify as a cardiothoracic surgeon in
West Africa. Committing to a gruelling training period that lasted seven years
and spanned three continents, Ogadinma has dedicated her working life to fixing
the heart ailments of Nigerians.
Business:
ChidiAjaere
ChidiAjaere
is the chairman and chief executive of God is Good motors, headquartered in Edo
state. Taking over from his late father, Deacon Edwin Ajaere, the founder of
the transport company, Chidi has been able to drive the group into the modern
age through rapid expansion, technologic inclusion and construction of modern,
state of the art terminals in different parts of the country.
Akin
Alabi
Otunba
Akin Alabi is the founder and chief executive of NairaBET, Nigeria’s first and
biggest online sports betting portal, headquartered in Lagos. Licensed by the
Lagos state lotteries board, Alabi, a former internet marketer has enjoyed
first mover status in the world of online betting, stoking and benefitting from
this market and has seen his company which he founded in 2009 grow to over 100
outlets around the country, employing hundreds more.
Aliko
Dangote
Despite
a weaker Nigerian currency and strife in the northern part of Nigeria, Aliko
Dangote is still Africa’s richest man by far, even after a net worth decline of
nearly $5 billion in the past year. In 2015 his Dangote cement, Africa’s
largest cement producer launched new plants in Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Zambia.
Chijioke
and NgoziDozie
Brothers
Ngozi and ChijiokeDozie are the brains and brawns behind Café Neo, a chain of
coffee stores modelled after Starbucks that attracts the upwardly mobile
Nigerians and corporate and business types. Inspired by the Cafe Coffee Day
success story in India, the brothers are taking advantage of their first mover
status to rapidly seize a considerable market share before the arrival of the
Western brands.
Leo
Stan Ekeh
Multi-millionaire
Leo Stan Ekeh’s new business venture, Yudala, a premium online shopping store,
which made its entrance last year has already become a big hit, beating other
existing online stores with a combination of aggressive campaign, celebrity
endorsement, and efficient delivery services. Yudala is the first company to
combine an e-commerce platform with offline retail stores located nationwide.
Tony
Elumelu
Entrepreneur
and investor Tony Elumelu owns a controlling interest in Transcorp, a publicly
traded Nigerian conglomerate with interests in hospitality, agriculture, oil
production and power generation. The Hiers Holdings’ boss through various
initiatives like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, is committed to leadership,
entrepreneurship and community development.
Mary
Remmy Njoku
Mary
Remmy Njoku is having a banner year. Her Rok Studios, an arm of iROKO which she
runs as a production and original content company, has grown incredibly,
launching a free-to-view 24-hour channel for all Sky subscribers on Sky TV in
the UK. Rok on Sky will effectively take Nollywood to perhaps its biggest
audience yet and Mary Remmy Njoku is at the forefront.
Technology:
Kola
Aina
If you
find yourself excited by Ventures Park, the trendy and aesthetically sound
incubation/start-up hub that has taken Abuja by storm, then you have Kola Aina
to thank. A serial investor, Aina is also among other things, CEO of Emerging
Platforms Ltd, a software, and technology firm that specializes in developing
innovative technology-based solutions in education, national security,
governance and healthcare sectors.
Obi
Asika
The
media overlord has been known to bridge the gap between traditional and new
media with his Storm 360 label. Asika’s grand vision which has seen him operate
the Nigerian franchise for Social Media Week has been impressive to behold as
year-in, year-out, he and his team draw out the most important people from all
walks of life for a week of exchanging ideas and creating sparks.
Mitchell
Elegbe
Mitchell
Elegbe aka Mr. Cashless founded Interswitch in 2002. Under his focused
leadership, the company has diversified its business, broadened distribution
channels, expanded into new markets and delivered strong growth in revenue and
profits. Interswitch is presently a billion Naira revenue company and powers
most cashless transactions in the country.
Jason
Njoku
iROKO
Partners’ Njoku is undeniably one of the most powerful men in Nigeria’s
business space. Since inception, iROKO has been able to raise an
unprecedented $13 million in venture capital funding. With over 500,000
registered subscribers and a peerless collection of local material, iROKO keeps
growing from strength to strength. Njoku’s company Spark also invests in space
leaders like Hotels.ng and ToLet.
Tayo
Oviosu
Tayo
Oviosu might as well be the king of mobile money. His company, Paga which only
last year secured about $13million in Series B financing remains focused on
continuing its rapid expansion across Nigeria. With over 10,000 agents across
the country, Paga has a significant market base for its banking partners to
leverage. The company also has over 3,800 businesses using its services to
accept and make payments and over 5.5 million users on the platform.
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