Women of Substance - Women Times

Brandy Slays the Spirit Tunnel in a Striking Lime Green Suit on The Jennifer Hudson Show

by Women Times on April 17, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Burbank, California – April 17, 2026

When Brandy stepped into the iconic Spirit Tunnel on The Jennifer Hudson Show, she didn’t just walk, she danced. Dressed head-to-toe in a show-stopping monochrome lime green suit, the R&B legend lit up the Burbank studios with effortless star power, turning what’s already one of TV’s most joyful entrance segments into an unforgettable moment.

For a few glorious seconds, all eyes were on the vibrant citrus shade as Brandy grooved her way through the cheering tunnel. She twirled with grace, pointed toward the camera, moved her hands to the rhythm of the crowd, and placed a hand over her heart in genuine appreciation. The audience erupted into a custom welcome song: “Brandy’s at JHud! Hey! Love everything you do!” The energy was electric — and social media instantly agreed. Fans flooded the comments with praise, calling the look “stunning” and declaring, “Neon green on brown skin will ALWAYS do it.”

The oversized double-breasted blazer and matching wide-leg trousers created a sharp, powerful silhouette that moved beautifully with every step. She completed the look with oversized gold disc earrings, a sleek chin-length bob with flicked-out ends, and soft, clean makeup featuring a winged liner and neutral lip — the perfect balance of bold and elegant.

Brandy was on the show to promote her highly anticipated memoir Phases, which recently soared to No. 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list shortly after its release. In a heartfelt conversation with Jennifer Hudson, she opened up about her journey through fame, reflecting on everything from her iconic first meeting with Whitney Houston to the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, reclaiming her voice, and finally telling her full story on her own terms. The two icons also shared a full-circle moment, recalling their very first meeting during American Idol days years ago.

The Spirit Tunnel entrance perfectly captured the celebratory spirit of the episode — a reminder of why Brandy remains “that girl” after three decades in the industry. From her groundbreaking roles to chart-topping hits and now her deeply personal memoir, she continues to inspire with authenticity and resilience.

Fans and fashion watchers alike are still buzzing. One thing is clear: when Brandy shows up, she shows out — and in lime green, she absolutely slayed. The internet (and the Spirit Tunnel) couldn’t get enough.

Grant Career

Busha Empowers Female Founders With 6 Million Naira Grant Through Beauty Hut Africa Initiative

by Women Times on April 17, 2026

By Prosper Mene

In a bid to boost women-led entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s booming beauty sector, digital finance platform Busha has awarded a total of ₦6 million in equity-free grants to three innovative female founders.

The funding was disbursed through the second edition of the Beauty Hut Africa Women’s Grant Initiative, which wrapped up with a high-energy live pitch event on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos.

Five shortlisted female entrepreneurs took the stage before a distinguished panel of judges, pitching their business models with passion and precision. The judges—Subuola Oyeleye (Founder of Beauty Hut Africa), Bobe Badaki (Head of West Africa at Uncover), Omolara Dada (Product Marketing Manager at Busha Business), and Abimbola Akerele (Founder of The Nail Boutique)—evaluated entries based on innovation, scalability, market impact, and overall potential.

The winners are:

1st Place – Inveo Labs, founded by Magdalene Ekanem

2nd Place – Tulivu Fragrance

3rd Place – SavedSkin Cosmeceuticals

The grants will fuel product development, research and development (R&D), market expansion, and operational scaling for these beauty brands, helping them move from early-stage growth to sustainable, continent-wide impact.

Subuola Oyeleye, Founder of Beauty Hut Africa, said: “This grant initiative was created to bridge a real gap for women in the beauty industry—access to funding, visibility, and the right support systems to grow. The level of innovation and resilience we have seen from these founders is incredibly inspiring, and we are proud to have partnered with Busha to help bring their vision to life. This is just the beginning of what we believe will be a new wave of scalable, women-led beauty businesses in Africa.”

First-place winner Magdalene Ekanem of Inveo Labs added: “Winning this grant is a milestone for Inveo Labs. Beyond the funding, this platform has given us valuable visibility and affirms the relevance of our work. This support will be directed toward advancing our R&D, expanding our testing infrastructure, strengthening claim substantiation, and further expanding our already existing foundation for high-performance product development.”

The Beauty Hut Africa Women’s Grant Initiative, now in its second year, is designed specifically for women founders or co-founders in the beauty space across Nigeria. With a total grant pool of ₦6 million, it provides not just capital but also mentorship, industry exposure, and strategic support, resources many female entrepreneurs have historically struggled to access.

For Busha, the partnership aligns with its Social Impact Initiative under the Empowerment Pillar. The company, Nigeria’s first SEC-licensed digital asset exchange with over one million users across Nigeria and Kenya, continues to expand its footprint in financial inclusion. Through Busha Business, it offers digital financial tools and infrastructure that help SMEs and high-potential founders scale faster.

Nigeria’s beauty industry remains one of the continent’s most dynamic sectors, driven by rising consumer demand, e-commerce growth, and global interest in African beauty solutions. Yet, access to early-stage capital continues to be a major barrier for women founders. Initiatives like the Beauty Hut Africa Women’s Grant are helping close that gap, one empowered business at a time.

Busha and Beauty Hut Africa have signalled that this is only the start of deeper collaboration aimed at nurturing Africa’s next generation of beauty entrepreneurs. Applications for future editions are expected to open later in the year.

Career

Zedcrest Appoints Simbiat Bada as Managing Director of Stockbroking

by Women Times on April 16, 2026

By Prosper Mene

Zedcrest Group, a leading Nigerian financial services institution, has announced the appointment of Simbiat Bada, ACS, ACA, as Managing Director of its stockbroking arm, Zedcrest Securities. The Board-approved appointment, which is subject to regulatory approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), strengthens the group’s capital markets capabilities following its 2024 acquisition of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers.

The announcement was made by Group Managing Director Adedayo Amzat, CFA, during a media parley at the company’s head office in Lagos.

“Bada’s appointment reflects Zedcrest’s commitment to deepening its expertise in securities trading and delivering superior execution, advisory, and wealth creation opportunities for our clients,” Amzat stated. “It also reinforces our ambition to build a best-in-class stockbroking business that is responsive to evolving market dynamics.”

Chairman of the Zedcrest Board, Babatunde Sanda, FCA, expressed strong confidence in the new appointee. “We are confident that Simbiat brings the discipline, professionalism, and strategic insight required to strengthen Zedcrest’s position in the equities market,” he said.

Bada is a seasoned investment professional with nearly a decade of experience spanning securities trading, asset management, sales, and business development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the American University of Nigeria, Yola, and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and a qualified Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Prior to her new role, Bada held key positions at Vetiva Securities and WSTC Financial Services Limited, where she excelled in trading, operations, and wealth management.

The appointment comes on the heels of Zedcrest’s strategic acquisition of RMB Nigeria Stockbrokers in 2024, which was subsequently rebranded as Zedcrest Securities. This move has significantly expanded the group’s footprint in the Nigerian equities market and enhanced its full-service offerings across the capital markets value chain.

Founded in 2013, Zedcrest Group provides a comprehensive suite of financial solutions including asset management, investment banking, securities, and financing through its subsidiaries: Zedcrest Investment Managers (Zedcrest Wealth), Zedcrest Global Markets, Zedcrest Securities, Zedcrest Capital, and Zedvance Finance.

The development is part of the group’s broader expansion strategy aimed at delivering innovative, client-centric solutions in Nigeria’s dynamic financial landscape.

Award

NIMN Inducts Sandra Amachree as Fellow

by Women Times on December 18, 2025

By Azeez Disu

Consummate Marketing professional, and Head of Marketing Communications at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sandra Amachree has been inducted by the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) as a fellow of the institute.

She was inducted alongside other professionals in the industry for their immense contributions to the growth of the industry at the investiture of first female president of the institute, Dr. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi and fellowship induction ceremony held recently in Lagos.

Speaking on the conferment of Fellowships to Amachree and some marketing professionals, Mrs. Thelma Okoh, NIMN Registrar disclosed that “These individuals have demonstrated outstanding commitment, remarkable achievement, and significant contributions to the Institute. The Fellowship is the highest honour our institution can bestow, and it is a powerful recognition of their dedication to upholding the highest standards of professional excellence.”

Sandra Amachree is a multi-skilled business leader and global speaker with over 16 years of expertise. She has held various leadership roles across Marketing, E-Business, Sales, and Human Resources, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and adaptability. With a career spanning West & Southern Africa and Europe, she has earned a reputation for driving growth, fostering innovation, and leading organisational transformations on a global scale.

Sandra recently returned to Nigeria from the Netherlands after serving as the Global Senior Brand Manager for eazle, the pioneering eB2B digital platform and brand of The HEINEKEN Company. In this role, she led the strategic direction for eazle’s first-ever global campaign, utilising AI to generate initial visual concepts. Her efforts focused on aligning global strategies with local market needs, facilitating the brand’s successful launch across diverse markets and driving global growth. Through her leadership, the eazle brand became a benchmark for digital innovation, setting a new standard for e-business marketing within the company. Upon her return, Sandra stepped into an expanded role as Head of Marketing Communications at Nigerian Breweries Plc, spearheading a large-scale digital marketing acceleration project and guiding one of the nation’s most recognised companies through a critical phase of digital marketing evolution.

Under her leadership, the project will align the brand’s messaging with modern consumer behaviours, integrating AI-powered campaigns, cutting-edge technologies, and data-driven insights into the brand’s marketing mix, while ensuring personalised brand interactions across all touchpoints. This initiative will revolutionise Nigerian Breweries as a leader in both brand innovation and digital marketing excellence, ensuring the company maintains its market leadership and remains competitive in a digital-first evolving marketplace, while maintaining the brand heritage that consumers know and trust. Prior to this, Sandra was instrumental in orchestrating high-impact communication campaigns and brand transformations at Nigerian Breweries for a portfolio of over 21 brands.

Her leadership unified digital media, data-driven marketing, and brand PR under one cohesive strategy, resulting in sustained Share of Voice growth. She redefined the role of Brand PR in the marketing mix, focusing on impactful storytelling and boosting brand awareness as key drivers of brand power. This has been delivered through her passion for working and winning with teams. In 2020, Sandra played a pivotal role in launching the AMEE (Africa Middle East and Eastern Europe) media hub, serving as subject matter expert to provide best-in-class media practices for other West African companies within HEINEKEN. Her efforts earned the “Connected Teams Award” at HEINEKEN’s 2021 Commerce Week, a recognition for best case in collaboration between local markets and Global Teams, and best practice for driving excellent media planning and integrated marketing communications from a team.

She also drove the implementation of the first marketing mix modelling study in the AMEE region with a key objective to fully optimise media investments as a critical driver of business success, while delivering positive ROI on media investment in line with HEINEKEN’s media principles and agenda to transform brand building. Drawing from her rich cross-functional background, Sandra brings a holistic understanding of business dynamics, enabling her to lead transformative agendas and deliver impactful results. Notable among her accomplishments in HR is her pivotal role in supporting HEINEKEN South Africa in 2016 to transition into a full-fledged OpCo. Sandra led the execution of change management strategies and effectively managed the people separation process from the HEINEKEN-Diageo joint venture (BRANDHOUSE). This transition facilitated the evolution of the company from a joint venture setup to a fully operational HEINEKEN OPCO, laying the foundation of a future-fit organisation.

As a strong advocate for the development of marketing in Nigeria, Sandra became the first female Chairperson of the Lagos Mainland Chapter of the NIMN (National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria) and continues to serve as a National Council Member of the Institute. She is also passionate about mentoring young marketing professionals across Africa and promoting African creativity on the global stage, including representing creativity in the African community at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Sandra holds an MBA from the Lagos Business School of Pan Atlantic University and enjoys playing lawn tennis and golfing in her free time

Award

Abimbola Mohammed Named ‘Marketing Journalist of the Year’ at Nigerian Marketing Awards 2025

by Women Times on November 18, 2025

Abimbola Mohammed, a respected brand analyst and content writer, has won the 2025 Marketing Journalist of the Year at the 4th Nigerian Marketing Awards (NMA) held at Jewel Aeida, Lagos recently

Competing against top journalists from various newspapers and online platforms, Abimbola secured the prestigious award with her entry titled “Creative Industry Stakeholders Call for Strategic Financing Revolution to Unlock Nigeria’s $100 Billion Potential.”

Abimbola’s entry stood out because it addressed core marketing issues and was presented in polished prose with exceptional clarity. The jurors noted that her quality entry met the highest standards and positioned her as an excellent writer with a journalist’s mind rooted in excellence and ethical practice. Her innovative approach to content writing has set the bar for insightful and compelling brand journalism.

A registered member of Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a full member of the Chartered Institute of Sales and Customer Service Management (CISCSM), this latest achievement further confirms Abimbola Mohammed as a professional who speaks the language of the Integrated Marketing Communications industry fluently.

A Multimedia Journalist Making Her Mark
Abimbola is a multimedia journalist who has carved out a distinctive space for herself in journalism, marketing, and communications. As Chief Correspondent and Senior Content Writer at Marketing Edge Publications, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the industry, known for her insightful articles, compelling narratives, and results-driven solutions.

With a passion for storytelling, problem-solving, and business growth, she thrives at the intersection of these three disciplines. Her expertise spans content marketing, proofreading, and collaboration, honed through teamwork and effective communication. As a cooperative team player, Abimbola is dedicated to sharing insightful information and driving constructive change.

Her journey in journalism began at Lagos Traffic Radio, where she cut her teeth in the industry. She later joined Marketing Edge, covering Integrated Marketing Communications, and also works with Hanoville Specialist Hospitals as a social media strategist. This experience has equipped her with a unique understanding of the marketing landscape and the ability to craft compelling narratives that drive measurable results.

Academic Excellence and Professional Development
Abimbola’s academic background is equally impressive. She studied Mass Communication at The Polytechnic Ibadan and Broadcasting at Lagos State Polytechnic, she holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from Caleb University. With a Master’s in Corporate Communication from Rome Business School (RBS), she is currently pursuing her MSc in Advertising and Public Relations at Caleb University and her Diploma in Media Management at Alphabet Academy (AMA), one of Nigeria’s leading media schools.

She has been certified by Rome Business School for Business Leadership Development and is an alumnus of Lagos Business School and Oxygen Academy (O2) Lagos, where she studied Marketing Strategy. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria (BJAN), Junior Chambers International (JCI), and Turnaround Management Association (TMA).

Strategic Brand Guardian

Mohammed has worked with several companies and individual brands, including Hanoville Specialist Hospital, Dr. Dolapo Akintunde, Successory Nigeria Limited, Digital Agency of Nigeria, Bradford Africa Awards United Kingdom, African Cultural Hall of Fame, and Unforgettable Awards, providing strategic guidance on brand building, image management, and public relations.

A Trail of Recognition

Abimbola’s hard work and dedication have earned her numerous accolades. She was named Brand Journalist of the Year 2025 at the ADVAN African Awards, Public Relations Journalist of the Year 2024 at the LaPRIGA Awards, and Marketing Journalist of the Year in 2023 and 2024 at the Nigerian Marketing Awards. Her latest win marks her third consecutive recognition at the NMA, solidifying her position as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished marketing journalists.

A Voice That Drives Change

As a lover of writing, research, and Integrated Marketing Communications, Abimbola is intelligently curious with a deeply rooted interest in Strategic Problem Solving (SPS) when crafting marketing, brand, or communication strategies. Her strong interpersonal and social skills make her a valuable asset to any team, and her ability to work collaboratively has earned her a reputation as an exceptional team player.

With hundreds of impactful articles under her belt, Abimbola has established herself as a trusted voice in the industry. Her passion for crafting compelling narratives and driving results-driven solutions has helped brands overcome marketing challenges, boost sales, and maximize ROI.

Recently promoted to Chief Correspondent and Senior Content Writer at Marketing Edge Publications, Abimbola continues to showcase her versatility and proficiency across various aspects of the media and communications landscape. As she continues to grow and evolve as a professional, she remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of journalism, marketing, and communications.

Award

Ugwu Edith Uzoamaka Named Mum of the Year 2025 as Three Crowns Marks 10 Years of Celebrating Mothers

by Women Times on October 29, 2025

Three Crowns, a leading Nigerian milk brand produced by FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, proudly concluded the 10th edition of its flagship mum wellness initiative, Three Crowns Mum of the Year, with a grand finale held on Saturday, 25th October 2025, at D’Podium Events Centre, Aromire, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event, which has become a hallmark of recognition for mums in Nigeria, was a vibrant celebration of motherhood, featuring engaging activities such as fitness challenges, and special performances. Hosted by renowned media personality Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori (Kiekie), the evening brought together families, stakeholders, and brand enthusiasts in a shared moment of joy and appreciation for the role of mothers in homes. The selection process which began with a verification process by the Lagos State Lottery Commission, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and a live draw where 50 contestants made it to the semi finals before drilling to six contestants who went on to the grand finale.

The six finalists were evaluated at the grand finale by a distinguished panel comprising Bamike Olawunmi Adenibuyan (Bambam), Jamila Lawal, Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti, and Fitness Coach, Ben Fit. Judging criteria included physical wellness, mental acuity, emotional intelligence, and family engagement, all aligned with Three Crowns Milk’s commitment to promoting healthy mums and happy families.

Following the rigorous and inspiring selection process, Ugwu Edith Uzoamaka was annonced the 2025 Three Crowns Mum of the Year, alongside May Wala (2nd place) and Nwakire Amarachi Ujunwa (3rd place), all winning an all-expense-paid trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania and a one year supply of Three Crowns Milk while Anozie Joy Uzoma, Adebola Omowumi, and Mrs Animashaun Anuoluwapo took the 4th , 5th and 6th positions respectively going home with premium home appliances and supply of Three Crowns Milk.

Speaking at the event, Maureen Ifada, Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, stated: “This milestone edition reflects our enduring commitment to celebrating Nigerian mothers who embody love, resilience, care, and leadership within their families. We remain dedicated to supporting mothers’ health and wellbeing — a cornerstone of family life and societal growth.”

Chioma Otisi-Igwe, Marketing Manager, Three Crowns Milk, added: “Three Crowns Mum of the Year is more than a campaign, it is a platform that celebrates the unsung heroines of our homes. Every mother is a treasure, and we believe it is important to reward your treasure with recognition, wellness, and joy. This year’s finalists have truly inspired us all.”

As Three Crowns Milk marks a decade of celebrating motherhood via this campaign, the brand reaffirms its dedication to supporting Nigerian families through nutrition, empowerment, and meaningful engagement.

Award

CBA Foundation’s Widowhood Initiative Wins Two Awards at Pitcher Awards 2025

by Women Times on June 30, 2025

In a remarkable achievement, the CBA Foundation’s “Repression of Widowhood” campaign has been honored with two awards at the 2025 Pitcher Awards. The foundation received the Silver Award for Societal Impact in the Effectiveness Category and the Bronze Award in the Non-Profit Organizations in the Pitcher for Good Category, recognizing its impactful work in advocating for widows across Nigeria.

When the campaign was launched, it was never about accolades—it was about restoring dignity and amplifying the voices of women often silenced by society. Over 15 million women in Nigeria are widows, many of whom face abuse, social exclusion, neglect, or wrongful accusations of their husbands’ deaths. Some are evicted from their homes, while most are left to survive alone with children to care for, with little support.

The foundation’s journey began with a podcast aimed at educating widows about their legal rights, which quickly evolved into a nationwide movement. From online awareness campaigns to organizing a Walkathon that inspired Nigerians to show solidarity, the initiative aimed to raise both awareness and tangible support for these women.

But awareness alone was not enough. The foundation listened to the silent cries of widows and took concrete action. With the help of five FMCG brands, they delivered:

– Food relief and healthcare services to 412 widows across Lagos, Ogun, and Anambra states
– Seed funding and financial empowerment training for over 20 women to start their own businesses
– Free healthcare for 202 widows
– Re-enrollment of 169 children into school
– Seven impactful podcast episodes reaching over 51,000 listeners
– A sustainable skill-building program, Art Piece of Hope, teaching widows tie & dye fabric making for long-term income

These efforts are stories of resilience—more than just numbers, they represent lives transformed with hope, dignity, and a future.

And then came the recognition.

At the Pitcher Awards 2025, the campaign was honored with two prestigious awards:

“This recognition is for every woman who thought her story had ended,” said Chinwe Bode Akinwande, Founder of the CBA Foundation. **“It’s a reminder that we see you, we hear you, and we will keep fighting for you.”**

Damilola Popoola, Head of Strategy at digitXplus, added, **“It’s not every day you get to be in the forefront of a vision that truly changes lives. We’re proud of this win, but even prouder of the impact we’ve made.”**

This achievement underscores the foundation’s commitment to justice, humanity, and lasting social change. The foundation affirms that their work is far from over—**“We’re walking for hope—until every widow can stand tall again.”

Award

Thriving Women in Food Business Initiative Launches in Nigeria, Celebrates Female Trailblazers

by Women Times on April 5, 2025

In honour of International Women’s Day, six remarkable women were celebrated for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s food sector at the launch of the Thriving Women in Food Business initiative on Saturday, March 30, 2025, in Lagos.

The event, themed “Celebrating Food Entrepreneurship Excellence,” aimed to highlight women who have exhibited outstanding innovation, leadership, and dedication in transforming the country’s food entrepreneurship landscape.

Nneka Tomilola Adesanya, the initiative’s convener, emphasized the importance of recognizing women who are reshaping the food industry with their creativity, resilience, and commitment to excellence. “The Thriving Women in Food Business Initiative was established to honor those who are breaking barriers and redefining Nigeria’s food industry,” she noted. “This movement is about celebrating not just business success but also the vision, values, and positive impact of women driving change in this vital sector of our economy.”

Adesanya also expressed the initiative’s commitment to advocating for supportive structures for women-led enterprises while fostering mentorship and collaboration among aspiring food entrepreneurs.

Among the honorees was Chef Ogechi Manu, also known as Chef Ego, who expressed gratitude for the recognition. “This honor affirms the years of hard work I’ve put into building my brand. It motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and mentoring those just starting in this space,” she shared.

Elizabeth Bello, founder of Amala Toh Sure, called the recognition a “significant milestone” and pledged to strive for even greater heights in the industry. Mojirade Bepo, CEO of Jirade Global Diadem Limited, shared insights into her company’s commitment to integrity and quality. “We focus on creating hygienic, premium-quality snacks that our customers can trust,” she stated.

Mosunmola Adewale Akobada of Mocreative Catering likened the recognition to finally tasting a delicious jollof after years of preparation. “This honor isn’t just mine; it belongs to every woman working tirelessly behind the scenes—from mothers to drivers to dedicated staff—all contributing to food excellence,” she reflected.

Elizabeth, representing Toyin Onigbanjo of August Secrets, offered encouragement to fellow entrepreneurs: “Keep pushing forward. You may not always receive applause, but someone is watching, and good things will come to those who do good.”

In her remarks, awardee Omowo advised women entrepreneurs to remain consistent and utilize social media to amplify their businesses. “Be visible and vocal. Closed mouths don’t get fed. Share your story, your brand, and keep showing up,” she encouraged.

The event concluded with a call for enhanced collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders to create more opportunities for women within the food ecosystem. Adesanya confirmed that the Thriving Women in Food Business initiative will be an annual platform to honor excellence and inspire a new generation of female leaders in Nigeria’s food and agribusiness sectors.

News Women & Business Women of Substance

Cecilia Umoren leads change in Nigeria’s Oil sector.

by Women Times on March 31, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In the high-stakes world of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, where pipelines crisscross the Niger Delta and global markets hang on every barrel, Cecilia Umoren stands as a beacon of resilience and vision. As Executive Chairman of Millennium Oil and Gas since 2015, she has spent a decade steering the company through turbulent waters—both literal and figurative—while quietly carving a path for women in a sector long defined by male dominance. Her story is one of grit, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, earning her a spot among the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent in 2025.

Umoren’s journey to the top of Millennium Oil and Gas is not just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to the slow but seismic shift unfolding in Nigeria’s energy landscape. The oil sector, which accounts for over 90% of the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, has historically been a tough arena for women. Yet, under her leadership, Millennium, a player in upstream exploration and production has weathered economic volatility, security challenges, and the global push toward cleaner energy. “It’s not about surviving the storm,” Umoren once said in a rare interview. “It’s about building something that endures beyond it.”

Taking the helm in 2015, Umoren inherited a company at a crossroads. Nigeria’s oil industry was grappling with falling global prices, rampant oil theft, and a government eager to diversify the economy. Her approach was methodical yet bold: streamline operations, invest in local talent, and prioritize sustainability. Over the past decade, she has overseen the development of key assets in the Niger Delta, navigating the region’s complex socio-political dynamics while fostering partnerships with communities often at odds with oil firms. Her tenure has seen Millennium bolster its production capacity, contributing to Nigeria’s fragile but vital oil output recovery—projected to hit 1.8 million barrels per day in 2025, despite setbacks like the recent pipeline explosions in Rivers State.

What sets Umoren apart, colleagues say, is her ability to balance profit with purpose. In an industry criticized for environmental negligence, she has championed initiatives to reduce gas flaring and integrate renewable energy pilots into Millennium’s operations. “The future of oil isn’t just about extraction—it’s about responsibility,” she remarked at an industry summit in Abuja last year. This vision aligns with Nigeria’s broader ambitions under the Petroleum Industry Act, which seeks to modernize the sector while addressing climate concerns.

For Umoren, leadership is personal. Raised in Akwa Ibom, a state rich in oil yet scarred by its extraction, she witnessed firsthand the paradox of resource wealth and local poverty. That perspective drives her advocacy for inclusion, not just for women, but for the communities her industry touches. At Millennium, she has pushed for training programs that elevate female engineers and geoscientists, a move that echoes across an industry where women globally make up only 22% of the workforce. Her efforts earned her accolades this month from the Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Initiative, which hailed her as a trailblazer for African women.

Her rise hasn’t been without challenges. The oil sector’s volatility—exacerbated by incidents like the March 2025 Rivers State crisis, where sabotage slashed output—tests even the steadiest hands. Critics argue her cautious approach to expansion has limited Millennium’s scale compared to giants like Shell or Chevron. Yet, supporters counter that her focus on stability has kept the company afloat where others have faltered. “She’s not here to chase headlines,” says a longtime associate. “She’s here to build a legacy.”

Umoren’s story resonates beyond the boardroom. She joins a growing cadre of Nigerian women reshaping the oil sector—from Elohor Aiboni, Shell Nigeria’s first female MD, to Senator Margareth Chuba Okadigbo, NNPC’s pioneering female chairman. Together, they signal a cultural shift in an industry at a pivotal moment, as Nigeria courts foreign investment (notably from China, with 74 oil-focused firms signing deals in 2024) while grappling with domestic unrest.

Relationship Entertainment News Women of Substance

Nollywood’s Rising Queens: Women Directors Redefine a Global Giant.

by Women Times on March 29, 2025

By Prosper Mene

In a lit Lagos studio, Jade Osiberu tweaks the sound mix for her 2025 crime thriller The Shadow Runner, a pulse-pounding tale of a female ex-soldier turned vigilante. Released in January, it clocked 12 million streams on Netflix in its first month eclipsing Nollywood’s male-directed heavyweights like Kunle Afolayan’s latest and earned Osiberu a standing ovation at the Berlin Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Mo Abudu, dubbed “Africa’s Oprah,” oversees post-production on Widow’s Fire, a drama about a Nigerian woman defying patriarchal norms after her husband’s death. Launched through her EbonyLife-Netflix pact, it’s trending in 30 countries by March 2025. These women are the vanguard of Nollywood’s new wave, steering the world’s second-largest film industry churning out over 2,000 movies yearly—toward female-driven stories that resonate globally. Yet, with women making up just 15% of directors, their ascent battles funding droughts, entrenched sexism, and an industry slow to evolve. This story unpacks how they’re reshaping Nollywood’s DNA, probing whether their breakthroughs signal lasting change or a gilded anomaly.

Osiberu, 38, a former ad exec turned filmmaker, embodies the hustle Nollywood demands. Her 2025 hit, shot on a shoestring $80,000 budget, blends Lagos street grit with a heroine who’s “not here to be saved,” she tells me over Zoom. “Audiences crave real women, not props for male egos.” Her gamble paid off—The Shadow Runner outdid 2024’s top Nollywood earner, a male-led action flick, by 30% in global views. Abudu, 60, takes a different tack: her polished productions, backed by Netflix’s deep pockets, elevate Nigerian narratives to Hollywood sheen. Widow’s Fire, starring Genevieve Nnaji as a steely matriarch, has sparked X threads praising its “quiet power,” with 4 million views in its first week. Together, they’re flipping Nollywood’s script—once dominated by tales of rich men, juju curses, and docile wives—into a showcase for complex female leads who fight, grieve, and win.

But the shine belies the struggle. Industry data from the Nigerian Film Corporation shows women directors snag just 22% of available funding, often dipping into personal savings or crowdfunding. “Men get the big checks; we get skepticism,” says Funke Akindele, another rising star whose 2024 comedy grossed $1 million locally but stalled internationally for lack of marketing cash. Male producers, who control 70% of Nollywood’s purse strings, still balk at “risky” female-led projects, insiders say, citing a 2025 survey where 60% admitted preferring “proven” male talent. Abudu’s Netflix deal—rumored at $10 million over three years—makes her an outlier, not the norm. On X, fans hail “Nollywood’s queens,” but critics like @LagosFilmGuru

snipe: “It’s elite women winning, not the industry changing.” Even Osiberu admits the grind: “For every script I shoot, I pitch ten that get ignored.”

The stakes are high as streaming giants like Amazon and Disney+ circle Nollywood, drawn by its $1 billion annual haul. Female directors could ride this wave to parity—Osiberu’s next project, a sci-fi epic, has Amazon’s interest—but systemic hurdles loom. Training programs like the Women in Film Nigeria Initiative, launched in 2024, aim to boost numbers, mentoring 50 aspiring directors this year. Yet, with no government subsidies and a piracy-riddled market eating 40% of profits, progress crawls. Abudu, ever the optimist, sees a tipping point: “Every hit we make cracks the ceiling.” This dives into their victories—raw talent meeting global appetite while exposing the fault lines: an industry hooked on cheap, male-centric formulas, and a funding gap that keeps most women on the sidelines.