Six women. Six stories of boldness, innovation, and leadership; Osen Iyahen, the founder of Optimal Greening, Florentina Agu, the founder of Hertunba, Queen Uwabuofu, the founder of Clove Kids, Rewa Udoji, the CEO and founder of Cranstoun Corporation, Maymuna Yusuf Kadiri, the founder of Pinnacle Medical Services, and Kemi Dasilva-Ibru, founder of Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF). As finalists for the Bold Woman Award, these remarkable women have built more than successful businesses; they have led movements of change.
In mental health advocacy, environmental sustainability, fashion, or finance, they lead with boldness and a deep sense of purpose, and their work touches lives far beyond their industries.
In this conversation with the 6 finalists of the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot, the passion for the work they do is undeniable, and we could tell that their long-lasting legacies are just beginning. Let’s hear their stories.
What does being a “Bold Woman” mean to you, and how does this identity reflect in the way you lead your business?
Osen Iyahen, Founder, Optimal Greening
Being a bold woman means having the courage to be true to myself and my purpose. A clear sense of purpose is what gave me the courage to step away from the corporate world after 2 decades and into entrepreneurship with the establishment of Optimal Greening, an environmental sustainability non-profit organization in 2020. The ‘Why’ behind my business, is reflected in our mission to enable change and better quality of life for underserved communities in Nigeria and across Africa. Being true to self has also enabled me to bring in my personal values of sustainability, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and transparency into the organization as our core values. For me, the personal and professional are fully aligned, and I can lead my business by bringing my authentic self to work while bringing along people who share the mission and core values, from our board members to employees. Ultimately, this is reflected in our sustainable solutions that deliver positive social and environmental impact, improving the well-being of vulnerable communities in Nigeria.
Florentina Agu, Founder, Hertunba
To me, being a bold woman means having the courage to make decisions and stand by them, especially in a society like ours where women are often discouraged from exercising their agency and are pressured to conform. It’s about resisting the societal norms that push us to give up our autonomy and instead, confidently owning our choices.
This belief in making the right decisions and standing firm in them is reflected daily in my business, Hertunba. We ensure that every decision we make prioritizes the well-being of our staff, fosters a supportive and encouraging environment for our employees, and propels the growth of our brand. Hertunba is committed to forging a path that may be unconventional, but it is one that aligns with our values and vision for the future of sustainable fashion.
Queen Uwabuofu, Founder, Clove Kids
Being a bold woman is believing that I can do the seemingly impossible. It is not giving up even if I want to. I do not think boldness is without fear of mistakes, failures, or uncertainties, but I believe boldness is doing it afraid, doing it regardless of the fears i have or mistakes I have made, pushing through every obstacle, and staying true to the cause. I am a visionary leader, and I bring that into my business. I strive to lead with vision, innovation, and a desire to create a multi-generational impact. I do not compromise my integrity, even when the circumstances are difficult. I lead with vulnerability, sharing my story and experiences to connect and inspire others.
Rewa Udoji, Founder & CEO, Cranstoun Corporation
Being a Bold Woman means confidently embracing challenges, taking risks, and breaking boundaries, especially in spaces that have historically been male-dominated. Most importantly, being a Bold Woman means staying true to oneself, even when that authenticity defies societal expectations. In both finance and the arts, I’ve learned that boldness is about pursuing my vision with tenacity and not being afraid to redefine the rules. Whether it was setting up a hedge fund without the conventional Wall Street or St Paul’s pedigree or establishing myself as a globally recognised visual artist without formal training, I’ve always aimed to lead with courage and conviction. Finally, being a Bold Woman also means setting a precedent for others. It’s about blazing a trail and showing that, through bold action and persistence, other women can follow and carve their own paths. This identity is reflected in the way I lead—by striving to inspire and empower those coming up behind me to be equally fearless in pursuing their own dreams.
Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, Founder, Pinnacle Medical Services
Being a Bold Woman represents a blend of assertiveness, authenticity, resilience, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to both my personal growth and the well-being of others. This identity profoundly influences how I approach my business, which shapes the culture, service delivery, and overall success of my practice.
Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder, WARIF
Being a “Bold Woman” means embracing the courage to push boundaries and create meaningful change, even in the face of adversity. For me, it’s about standing firm in my convictions and leading with a sense of purpose and resilience. At the Women at Risk International Foundation; WARIF, this identity is reflected in how I approach the fight against gender-based violence with a fierce unwavering commitment and in how I lead with compassion, determination and dedication, and with an innovative mindset that continually seeks to break barriers and empower women and girls.
As a female entrepreneur in Nigeria, what is the boldest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, Founder, Pinnacle Medical Services
As a female entrepreneur in Nigeria, particularly in sectors like healthcare, The boldest challenges faced often stem from cultural, economic, and structural limitations. However, these challenges can be overcome with strategic planning, resilience, and leveraging support systems.
The boldest challenge is when people call me ‘MAD DOCTOR’. The belief is that there is something wrong with me to decide to do this work as a Psychiatrist. In fact, there was an occasion a male client came to my office and wanted to see me, but felt I should be a man, not a woman. After passing through that phase, he felt I should be old, wearing glasses and grey instead of the glamorous looking shrink he met. In many parts of Nigeria, traditional gender roles and cultural norms still play a significant role in shaping the perception of women in business. Female entrepreneurs may face societal pressures that question their leadership abilities, particularly in male-dominated industries like healthcare. These biases often extend to family expectations, where Women are expected to prioritize domestic responsibilities over their Careers. Despite these challenges, there are also significant opportunities to make positive impact by leveraging mentorship, community engagement, personal experiences, and supportive networks. Setting up the first private mental health practice on the island of Lagos in a male-dominated sector for the past 13 years with 90% female staff is shaping and changing the narrative.
The digital age has opened new avenues for advocacy. Social media platforms and online forums have become powerful tools for raising awareness, sharing resources, and connecting individuals with mental health support. Empowering the younger generation with knowledge equips them to combat stigma and support their peers, fostering a more compassionate society. Moreover, partnerships with international Organizations and advocacy networks amplify the impact of my work. Collaborating with mental health advocates from diverse backgrounds allows for the exchange of ideas, strategies, and best practices. Advocacy efforts can contribute to destigmatizing mental health, improving access to care, and promoting overall well-being in their communities.
My journey as a female entrepreneur is shaped by both challenges and opportunities. The unique intersectionality of my identity informs my approach, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, gender inclusivity, and community engagement. While deeply rooted stigma and limited resources pose significant challenges, the resilience of African communities, the power of digital communication, the potential of education, and global collaborations provide promising avenues for creating meaningful change. Through persistent advocacy, compassionate outreach, and strategic partnerships, I remain committed to transforming mental health support in Africa, fostering a society where individuals are heard, understood, and embraced on their journey toward mental well-being leaving no one behind.
Osen Iyahen, Founder, Optimal Greening
Without a doubt, the boldest challenge I faced as a budding entrepreneur was raising funds for our pilot Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program locally. Our solution embraces innovation and is anchored on sustainability through renewable and circular technologies. This approach is certainly a deviation from the traditional WASH solutions typically deployed in low-income communities, meriting the 2023 Sanitation Innovation Award by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment & Water Resources. However, we were neither able to secure funding from the public nor private sectors in Nigeria for this project. We commenced the project on the back of crowdfunding powered mostly by family and friends. Although we did not have line of sight to full funding, we continued implementing the project and ultimately received full funding from EDP, a Portuguese Energy company with a strong focus on social impact in Africa. As a female entrepreneur in Nigeria solving challenging local WASH problems with innovative solutions, I would like to see more funding support,particularly from the private sector, given the significant gap in the WASH sector.
Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder, WARIF
The boldest challenge I’ve faced as a female entrepreneur in Nigeria is navigating a male-dominated landscape where societal norms often subjugate women, restrict self-agency and equal opportunities for development, growth and leadership roles . Establishing WARIF – an organisation addressing the prevalence of gender based violence and the rights of women and girls in such a hindering patriarchal environment required breaking stereotypes and challenging misconceptions about women’s roles and abilities in all spheres of her life. This affects her decision making, her representation and leadership opportunities. I overcame this challenge by speaking out against injustice and the inequality of women as it pertains to their rights, safety and security. I leveraged on my expertise in healthcare, advocacy and social activism, built strong networks with both women and men as allies and remained resilient regardless of the sheer magnitude of the problem and the roadblocks . With the evidence-based impact of our work, we see the needle shifting slowly but there is still so much work to be done emphasizing the power of resilience and the importance of staying bold as you navigate the course and remain true to your vision.
Florentina Agu, Founder, Hertunba
As a female entrepreneur in Nigeria, one of the biggest challenges I faced was people management. Many people struggled with taking direction or advice from a woman, especially a younger one, which I was when I first started my business. I had to assert myself consistently, take up space, and remind everyone that I was here to stay. Over time, I learned how to effectively communicate with both internal and external stakeholders. Eventually, we reached a mutual understanding that my gender did not diminish my ability to lead, manage, or successfully run my business.
Queen Uwabuofu, Founder, Clove Kids
What we do at Clove Kids is one of my boldest challenges. Launching a black doll producing company in a society that is majorly accustomed to white dolls, facing doubts and rejections from investors, and other people. Indeed many doubted my ability to succeed in this field citing the obvious reason – preference of Nigerians.
To overcome this, I had to believe in myself and my “why”. Why was I doing this in the first place? “To help raise confident African children”. I persevered through the doubts and rejections, taking the lessons that I could draw from each experience. I continuously updated my skills and knowledge through research and other entrepreneurial programmes. Of course, strategic networking was key. I do not pass on opportunities to showcase or talk about what we do at Clove Kids anywhere. It has become a part of me and has helped me prove myself as a capable and innovative leader while also inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Rewa Udoji, Founder & CEO, Cranstoun Corporation
One of the boldest challenges I’ve faced as a female entrepreneur in Nigeria was navigating the intricacies of raising capital and establishing myself in a highly competitive and male-dominated hedge fund space. At the time, there were very few women at the helm of such ventures, and gaining the trust of investors wasn’t easy, especially as my outward appearance doesn’t quite tally with what investors typically associate with a wealth manager. I overcame this by focusing on building a strong track record, demonstrating the value I could bring,and leveraging my extensive experience in finance across Africa and Europe. Also, relying on the networks that I have built and maintained over the years; the importance of this cannot be overstated. Resilience, persistence, and a commitment to excellence were key to earning that trust and carving out a leadership position in the industry.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work, and what bold steps are you planning to take to achieve it?
Rewa Udoji, Founder & CEO, Cranstoun Corporation
This is twofold: I hope to leave a legacy of living in the true essence of carpe diem – and embracing the duality of self. I want to show that you don’t need to have an MBA or an MFA to succeed in your passions. What matters most is your mindset and the determination to see your dreams through to fruition, with persistence and resilience along the way. You can be two seemingly contrasting things at once, excelling in both without compromising your authenticity. Through my work, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams fearlessly, to break free from societal expectations, and to recognise that there are endless possibilities when we embrace every facet of who we are. The bold steps I’m taking include expanding the reach of my financial ventures to democratize access to capital for African investors, empowering them to participate in global markets. At the same time, as an artist, I am committed to using my platform to share culturally significant stories that honor African heritage and challenge conventional narratives.
Additionally, I am expanding my reach to teach women about the importance of financial literacy, planning, and well-being—topics I wish my mother and other women had known more about. Had they been equipped with these tools, their lives might have been very different, with greater financial independence and security. I want to make sure the next generation of women are empowered with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their finances.
I currently champion initiatives that focus on mentorship and financial education for young African women, ensuring they have the tools, confidence, and support needed to excel in whatever path they choose. My legacy is one of action—showing that success doesn’t depend on formal credentials, but on the mindset, persistence, and courage to pursue multiple passions and create a life of purpose and impact across different spheres.
Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, Founder, Pinnacle Medical Services
Globally, 1 in 4 people will have a mental health challenge in their lifetime, with depression being the highest burden of disease. Having one psychiatrist to a million Nigerians leaves critical medical manpower shortages for mental healthcare services. I am working to eliminate all the barriers to accessing support with HOWBODI (www.howbodi.io) – a digital mental health company leveraging technology to democratize access to mental healthcare for developing countries. The integrated telehealth platform provides 24/7 access to mental healthcare from the comfort of a patient’s phone, computers, and walk-in mobile counseling booths that are solar-powered, which help to reduce the time of diagnosis and treatment. According to statistics; An average of 50 million Nigerians suffer from a mental illness. One in four Africans, of which Nigeria has the highest population, suffer from mental illnesses. Nigeria ranked 15th in the number of suicides per year.
In Nigeria, fewer than 10% of those battling mental illness have access to mental healthcare. In many African societies, the shadows of stigma and misunderstanding loom large over conversations about mental health. Deeply entrenched cultural beliefs, societal norms, and misconceptions have historically shrouded mental health issues in silence and shame. However, confronting this stigma head-on and fostering open conversations about mental well-being is essential for the holistic progress of African Communities. As a mental health advocate deeply committed to this cause, I have embarked on a multifaceted journey to break down these barriers, dispel myths, and promote a culture of understanding and acceptance surrounding mental health in African cultures. Breaking down the barriers of mental health stigma in African cultures requires a multifaceted approach rooted in cultural sensitivity, education, community engagement, and policy advocacy.
Queen Uwabuofu, Founder, Clove Kids
The legacy I hope to leave is in two parts. First, to raise confident African children to become great leaders and innovators, loving and believing in themselves with a great positive self-image. Second, to empower a generation of women to overcome cultural and gender barriers to become great leaders and go into their communities to replicate this impact. To achieve these, I ensure that every product launched by Clovekids is innovative and impactful. We have launched black dolls, inclusive dolls to represent children with skin conditions like Albinism and Vitiligo (Albino dolls and Vitiligo dolls), expressive journals for kids and teens, affirmations books with over 80 positive affirmations with pictorial representations, and the next phase for us is to launch our 3D animated African cartoons and storybooks.
I launched an academy that offers craft training for young people and adults, and entrepreneurial development program focused on empowering women while also championing a TV program – “Crafty Hands TV”, a show that showcases crafters and their creations in Nigeria.
I volunteer as an advocate for youth and women empowerment on both local and international platforms like the Mastercard Foundation and recently started a platform to help entrepreneurs position their business for global opportunities and funding.
Florentina Agu, Founder, Hertunba
I aspire to leave a legacy of longevity and artisanal prestige—a legacy where artisans and creatives are regarded with the respect and admiration they deserve. To achieve this, we are committed to establishing systems within Hertunba that are robust and sustainable, capable of thriving both in my presence and in my absence. The ultimate goal is to build a business that outlives us, ensuring that our values and impact endure for generations.
In the pursuit of prestige, we are taking bold steps by paying our artisans more, valuing their time, and honoring their craftsmanship. We envision a future where the work of Nigerian artisans is respected, admired, appreciated, and valued, much like that of their French counterparts.
At my core, it is deeply important to me that Hertunba inspires the next generation to pursue creative paths, seeing them as prestigious and worthy of admiration. I want to build a business that not only thrives but also serves as a beacon, encouraging young people to embrace and elevate the rich creative traditions of our culture.
Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, Founder, WARIF
I hope to leave an impact on a society where all survivors of gender-based violence become empowered individuals with full access to the essential services, justice and resources to support them with the resources they need to complete healing so they rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. I want WARIF to be that catalyst for change, not just in Nigeria but across our continent of Africa. To achieve this, I plan to continue to scale and expand our outreach programs in healthcare , education and in the community. To advocate for stronger policies for the rights of women and girls and laws against gender-based violence. WARIF will continue to collaborate with regional and global partners to achieve this and with our bold innovative initiatives, will leave a legacy of ensuring all women and girls can live in a society free of violence.
Osen Iyahen, Founder, Optimal Greening
The work we do at Optimal Greening is for the collective, to improve lives and preserve the environment. Our priorities are anchored on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) particularly SDG6 (Access to Water and Sanitation for All) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Our contributions to positively moving the needle on these targets and to witness the tangible impacts in the lives of vulnerable people, particularly women and children, will be our legacy. We are already delivering impact and scaling our WASH solution in Nigeria. We are working in several communities in the Ikorodu North Area of Lagos to deliver a broader impact through Project SWIFT, funded by USAID/Nigeria Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (LUWASH) Activity. In addition to scaling the WASH program, we have established 2 new programs, Women Empowered by Clean Cooking (WECCO) and Clean Energy for Rural Communities (CERC). Optimal Greening’s vision is to “Restore dignity to Africans in disadvantaged and marginalized communities.” Our long-term aspirations are to go beyond Nigeria and deliver similar solutions to other unserved regions in Africa. We are confident that we can deliver these solutions, access to funding will be the key to unlocking our potential and delivering the anticipated impact.
Dr Kemi Dasilva Ibru, How do you lead WARIF with boldness in the fight against gender-based violence, and what motivates you to continue this critical work?
Leading WARIF with boldness means fearlessly addressing difficult and sensitive issues that affect the health, safety and security of women and girls oftentimes left vulnerable in harmful environments meant to be considered safe havens. It means advocating for the voiceless and speaking out against harmful practices and societal norms in a patriarchal society. It means continuously pushing the boundaries sometimes at a risk to oneself. It’s about leading with empathy while also being firm in driving systemic change. My motivation stems from seeing the positive impact our work has on the lives of survivors. Every woman or child free from violence is a success story which reinforces my commitment to continue this critical work. The bravery and resilience of the survivors we support leaves me motivated and in awe, and the knowledge that every action we take can save a life, drives me to lead with courage and determination.
Queen Uwabuofu, Clove Kids is a bold step in championing diversity and inclusivity. How do you ensure that your dolls reflect the beauty of African diversity in a meaningful way?
Producing black dolls that reflect the beauty of our African diversity requires thoughtfulness and intentional design. Our dolls offer a range of skin tones to reflect the diversity of African skin tones, from light to dark; with over 15 African inspired hairstyles, we showcase different hair textures such as Afro kinky, curly, straight/locs, to celebrate African hair’s unique beauty; we incorporate traditional African clothing/styles, jewelry and accessories to highlight the richness of African culture; Represent realistic body type and facial features to promote body positivity and a respectful representations of African facial structures and Choose names that represent African culture (Kemi, Enobong, Jemima , Zuri, Isoken, Ndidi), each telling a unique story to inspire and educate our children.
With these, our black dolls have become a powerful tool in promoting diversity, inclusivity and cultural pride, helping children develop a positive self-image and appreciation for African beauty and heritage.
Dr Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, As ‘The Celebrity Shrink,’ how do you boldly challenge the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria through your work at Pinnacle Medical Services?
The various ways I use to revolutionize the mental health sector are via my weekly health talk show, THE PHYSICIANS. In 2016, we produced a short movie on alcohol and drugs abuse, PEPPERSOUP and in 2017, our focus was on domestic violence,depression, post-partum depression and suicide and the movie was LITTLE DROPS OF HAPPY, Like I always say, there is NO VACCINE to mental illnesses and NO ONE has absolute immunity against any mental illness, so for me as a Mental health Physician and advocate, I believe I can only play my part and encourage others to do the same. If we all begin to SPEAKOUT about our mental status, it will make it easier for people to talk about it without the labelling, discrimination and stigmatization attached to mental illnesses. Also, help seeking behaviour will be encouraged so as people can live with less disabilities by unleashing their full potentials to be the best they are destined to be.
In 2020, Ms. Ajala Bukola Christiana used my movie, Little drops of happy, to write her doctorate dissertation in Mass communication, named “Transmedia storytelling: New prospects for addressing postpartum depression on Nigerian screens”. For me, this is one way I’m helping to impact the broader conversation on mental health in Nigeria and beyond. We also operate the first Africa online health radio, PINNACLE HEALTH RADIO, PHR which is also geared to creating a more conscious healthy society for all. This is aligned to number 3 of the sustainable development goals, SDGs, which talks about good health and wellbeing. At PHR, we seek to deliver real time health solutions to individuals. The response so far is encouraging and we hope to make it terrestrial with time. Aside this, our most innovative telemedicine app in Africa, HOWBODI is doing very well. We still encourage people to download it from Google Play Store to check their mental health status as we all know; prevention is always better than cure. They can also book to speak, chat or have a culturally appropriate video therapy session with any of our licenced practitioners. Currently, due to an upsurge on relationship issues causing most breakups, bitter divorces and traumatizing many, I have developed a conversation game card, DEEPER EXPRESSION CONVERSATION CARD GAME that is helping people have these hard conversations that covers areas of affection, friendship, deep connection, bonding and sex. Likewise, using my best-selling book, DEEP EXPRESSION to create mental health awareness in schools. Just last year, we commenced the first ever conference on mental health, THE MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE with the theme, “The mind behind the mask”. We almost had a stampede with the outpour of attendees. This year, we are looking forward to a bigger and better impact and this is going to take place on Sunday, October 13 th at Oriental hotel with the theme, “Identity.” I also organize workshops and seminars in schools, workplaces, and community caters to educate people about the importance of mental health and how to seek help. These events are helping to foster a supportive environment and encourage open dialogue. By doing this, I have been able to influence policies that have positively led to Nigeria having a Mental Health Act in 2023.
Osen Iyahen, How do you integrate bold and innovative sustainability practices into Optimal Greening, and what drives your passion for environmental advocacy?
My career has come full circle. I started off as an Environmental Engineer over two decades ago, working on issues related to water, energy and waste management.
My passion for the environment stems from my early career days and has deepened over the last couple of decades with the growing impacts of climate change, which led me to delve deeper into the field of sustainability. With a master’s degree in Sustainability from Harvard, I am well equipped with the knowledge and toolkit on innovative sustainability practices, which I have integrated into the design of our solutions at Optimal Greening. For example, all our projects are run on renewable (solar) energy to mitigate carbon emissions from otherwise burning diesel, the typical source of power for water pumping and supply in WASH projects. In addition, we incorporate circular technologies such as anaerobic biodigestion for the treatment of sewage from sanitation facilities, which results in useful products such as biogas and fertilizer. Furthermore, our water dispensing technology, the first of its kind in Nigeria, piloted with our foreign technical partner, ensures effective water management with minimal losses of volume, while safeguarding revenue leakages at the community water kiosk level. Our service delivery model, which is anchored on the community by empowering youth and women through job creation, is also an innovative approach that we continue to enhance through capacity building.
Florentina Agu, Hertunba is deeply rooted in cultural empowerment. How do you boldly blend tradition with modern entrepreneurship to empower women through your platform?
One of the ways we blend tradition with modern entrepreneurship to empower women is by creating contemporary designs that incorporate indigenous weaving techniques, reigniting the appreciation for traditional craftsmanship. Our focus on Akwete cloth is a prime example of this commitment. All of our Akwete weavers are women, and through our patronage, we have established a system of empowerment that has significantly impacted the women in the community. This support has not only provided them with a sustainable livelihood but has also inspired younger girls in the community to take up the craft, ensuring that this rich tradition is passed down to future generations.
In addition to our work with Akwete weavers, we collaborate with Itivie weavers in Edo State, who are also women. We empower these artisans through consistent patronage and educational initiatives, helping them to refine their skills and increase their economic independence. By supporting these women and their crafts, we are not only preserving valuable cultural traditions but also fostering a sense of pride and agency within these communities.
Rewa Udoji, How does your leadership at Cranstoun Corporation reflect your broader vision for empowering women in finance and shaping the future of investment in Africa?
My leadership in finance is deeply rooted in a commitment to paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable financial landscape, especially for African women. Having set up Cranstoun, I hope to blaze a trail for other women who aspire to achieve similar goals—those looking to step into leadership roles, build their own financial ventures, or break into industries traditionally dominated by men. By creating opportunities for myself, I aim to inspire and empower the next generation of women to confidently pursue their own ambitions and make meaningful contributions to the financial sector.
In my current capacity as Director, Investment Management at Chapel Hill Denham, where over 50% of the staff—especially at the leadership level—are women, I hope that I show that there are opportunities for women to thrive in the finance sector. I believe that empowering women in finance is key to shaping Africa’s economic future, and I’m dedicated to advocating for policies and practices that support women in leadership positions. The experience and lessons I’ve gained from setting up and running an investment fund have been invaluable in guiding my current work. It has taught me how to prioritise diversity and inclusion, not only within investment strategies but also in cultivating a company culture where women feel supported and encouraged to excel in an industry traditionally dominated by men. I focus on creating an environment that nurtures female talent, enabling them to take on leadership roles and actively contribute to the continent’s economic growth.
In addition to my professional work, I host quarterly seminars, The Pink Room, dedicated to promoting financial well-being for women, each catering to around 60 women at a time. These seminars focus on teaching the importance of financial literacy, planning, and understanding how the wider macroeconomic landscape impacts their personal finances. I guide women on how to secure their futures and those of their dependents, offering practical insights that are essential for long-term financial independence. Through these initiatives, my goal is to shape a future where women are not only participants but also leaders in driving Africa’s economic success. By equipping women with the knowledge and tools they need, I aim to make the financial industry more accessible and supportive, ensuring that women have the opportunities to thrive and make a lasting impact on the continent’s growth.
Florentina Agu, How do you see your work at Hertunba contributing to a broader cultural renaissance in Nigeria and beyond?
At Hertunba, our work is deeply rooted in the belief that fashion can be a powerful tool for cultural revival and transformation. By integrating traditional Nigerian weaving techniques into contemporary designs, we are not only preserving these ancient crafts but also reintroducing them to a global audience in a way that resonates with modern sensibilities. This approach contributes to a broader cultural renaissance by elevating indigenous craftsmanship, making it relevant and desirable in today’s fashion landscape.
Our commitment to empowering women artisans plays a crucial role in this cultural resurgence. By providing sustainable livelihoods and fostering a sense of pride in their work, we are helping to ensure that these traditional skills are not only preserved but also passed down to future generations. This, in turn, strengthens the cultural fabric of Nigeria, as these artisans become ambassadors of our rich heritage.
Beyond Nigeria, Hertunba’s work contributes to a global appreciation for African craftsmanship. As more people around the world recognize the value and beauty of these traditional techniques, we hope to inspire a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and the stories embedded in every piece of cloth. In this way, Hertunba is not just a fashion brand; it’s a movement that seeks to reignite pride in African traditions and share them with the world.
Kemi DaSilva-Ibru, What bold strategies have you implemented at WARIF to ensure that survivors receive the support they need, and what future initiatives are you most excited about?
At WARIF, we’ve implemented several bold strategies, including establishing a holistic support system that provides forensic and medical care, psychological, and welfare support such as accommodation, legal aid and vocational skills acquisition to women and girls attended to, all free of charge. We have also developed preventative programs in education for both male and female adolescent school children that addresses the root causes of gender-based violenceas well as implemented innovative initiatives such as the first ever online classroom on the prevention of campus sexual violence in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. We foster inclusive communities with awareness and gender based violence prevention community-based initiatives, such as the WARIF Gatekeepers Program, by engaging and training community based stakeholders to intervene, change perceptions and reduce the stigma around reporting violence against women and girls.
Looking ahead, I am most excited about expanding our digital outreach efforts. We have started leveraging technological support to scale and expand our programs across Nigeria and into other African countries. We will be able to offer support and education to even more remote communities, ensuring that no survivor is left behind. In addition, expansion of our advocacy efforts across the world with campaigns like our ‘No Tolerance March’ a growing worldwide movement to raise awareness and influence global policies is another exciting Initiative.
Osen Iyahen, What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to make a bold impact in the environmental sector?
The environmental sector is very broad, so I would say the first thing to do is narrow down the segment(s) within the sector that you would like to focus on. For me, the decision was relatively easy because I had prior experience in water, energy, and waste management, all of which I identified as relevant with significant gaps to be addressed locally. The other important thing is to have a collaborative mindset as opposed to a competitive one because the sectoral issues are major and will require you to work with other players, whether in the public or private sector to make an impact. Patience and resilience are qualities that you will need to develop if you do not already possess, as I have come to understand that things take time to materialize, and this is true for any entrepreneur in any sector. Finally, I would say take a holistic view when considering solutions and technologies for local applicability. Sustainability should be approached with a system thinking mindset, so as not to create new problems in a bid to address old ones. The net effect of your solution or intervention should be undoubtedly positive to truly make a bold impact.
Queen Uwabuofu, How do you measure the impact of Clove Kids on the self-esteem and confidence of African and biracial children?
Feedbacks and testimonials have been our most proven approach. We gather this data from parents and children, highlighting personal stories of the positive impact of our dolls on their self-perception. We also engage with the community through workshops, events and social media to promote dialogue and to gather insights.
Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, What has been the most rewarding aspect of your bold approach to mental health advocacy, and how do you hope to further influence the mental health landscape?
Mental health awareness is undeniably a vital issue on a global scale, touching the lives of millions regardless of geographic boundaries. However, my decision to specifically focus on mental health advocacy in Nigeria and the broader African context was motivated by a deeply personal connection, a profound sense of responsibility, and a recognition of the unique challenges faced by African communities in addressing mental health issues. The joy of experiencing the 1% of patients living with mental illnesses that have been written off as mad people known as vagrant psychotics turning out to be productive, living intentionally, and well re-integrated back to our communities and walking the talk on how to stay mentally stable. Likewise, Knowing our toll-free help line is reducing the rate of suicide in our society. As of this year alone, we have saved over 1000 people from taking their lives. Above all, the rib-cracking hugs, the many thank yous, and prayers from clients, patients and their families, including fans and well-wishers.
My hope for the future of mental health care in Africa is a comprehensive, inclusive and culturally sensitive system that is accessible to all, reduces stigma, and provides high-quality care integrated with overall health services. By addressing these key areas, we can create a supportive environment that fosters mental well-being and resilience across the continent. Let me use this opportunity to educate the general public by saying we ALLhave MENTAL HEALTH just like our PHYSICAL HEALTH, but NOT all of us will have a MENTAL ILLNESS. This confuses a lot of people because of the discrimination and stigma attached to mental health. Also, I would like to let everyone know that NOBODY has absolute immunity against mental illness. This can happen to anyone, but here is the GOOD NEWS, Mental illnesses are non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes. This means these illnesses are TREATABLE. Let’s encourage help-seeking behaviour for individuals that need these services. Remember, health is Wealth, and there is NO Health without Mental Health.
