In a world where national identity and global influence are increasingly shaped by individual excellence, Nigeria stands tall — thanks to the trailblazers, changemakers, and visionaries across diverse fields who continue to elevate the country’s reputation.
This special feature honors 65 Nigerian Reputation Icons as Made-in-Nigeria Ambassadors, celebrated for their outstanding contributions to public service, innovation, business, creative industries, and global leadership. Together, these exceptional individuals embody the spirit of “Made in Nigeria” — a phrase now synonymous with talent, resilience, and transformative impact.
From global institutions to grassroots communities, Grammy stages to tech unicorns, and diplomatic circles to Olympic tracks — these Nigerians are building a new narrative. One of progress. One of pride.
🎓 Public Service, Governance & Global Leadership
At the helm of multilateral organizations and key national institutions, these figures have shaped policies, reformed governance, and amplified Nigeria’s presence on the world stage.
1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Director-General, WTO; renowned economist
2. Amina J. Mohammed – UN Deputy Secretary-General; sustainability champion
3. Akinwumi Adesina – President, African Development Bank
4. Omobola Johnson – Former ICT Minister; tech development advocate
5. Pat Utomi – Political economist and public intellectual
6. Muhammad Sanusi II – Economist, reformer, and former Emir of Kano
7. Arunma Oteh – Former SEC Nigeria DG; World Bank executive
8. Hadiza Bala Usman – Former NPA MD; transparency advocate
9. Oby Ezekwesili – Anti-corruption crusader, global governance voice
💼 Business & Entrepreneurship
These industry leaders have not only built empires but also inspired economic empowerment, job creation, and philanthropy.
10. Aliko Dangote – Africa’s richest man, industrialist
11. Tony Elumelu – Philanthropist and business leader
12. Femi Otedola – Oil magnate and philanthropist
13. Abdulsamad Rabiu – Founder, BUA Group
14. Mike Adenuga – Telecoms giant and business strategist
15. Ibukun Awosika – Entrepreneur and boardroom trailblazer
16. Oba Otudeko – Business leader and investor
17. Funmi Ogbue – Advocate for indigenous oil & gas content
18. Dr. Allen Onyema, Air Peace Founder & CEO
19. Chief Obasi Lawson – Energy sector stalwart
20. Lawrence Ezeh – Indigenous manufacturing advocate
21. Ndidi Nwuneli – Food security and entrepreneurship leader
22. Uche Pedro – Digital media entrepreneur, BellaNaija founder
📱 Technology & Innovation
From building Africa’s biggest startups to shaping digital ecosystems, these innovators are reimagining Nigeria’s tech landscape.
23. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji – Co-founder, Flutterwave & Andela
24. Olugbenga Agboola – CEO, Flutterwave
25. Kola Aina – Tech investor, Ventures Platform
26. Sim Shagaya – Founder, uLesson & Konga
27. Bosun Tijani – CcHub co-founder; Minister of Communications
28. Kennedy Ekezie-Joseph – Founder, Kippa
29. Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze – Founder, Accounting Hub
30. Mark Essien – Founder, Hotels.ng
31. Tosin Eniolorunda – CEO, Moniepoint
32. Maya Horgan Famodu – VC investor, Ingressive Capital
🌍Philanthropy & Social Impact
Social justice warriors, activists, and grassroots changemakers creating inclusive progress and hope.
33. Aisha Yesufu – Activist and fearless advocate for justice
34. Temie Giwa-Tubosun – Health-tech innovator, LifeBank founder
35. Betty Abah – Child and women’s rights advocate
36. Ishaya Bako – Filmmaker exploring social justice themes
37. Zainab Aliyu – Advocate for victims of injustice
🎶 Music & Performing Arts
These musicians are not only global chart-toppers but also cultural ambassadors carrying Nigeria’s rhythm to the world.
38. Wizkid – Afrobeats global star
39. Davido – Superstar and philanthropist
40. Tiwa Savage – Afrobeats queen
41. Burna Boy – Grammy winner, global voice
42. 2Baba – Musical legend and peace advocate
43. Yemi Alade – Pan-African music star
44. Phyno – Indigenous rap ambassador
45. Rema – Gen Z breakout global act
46. Asake – Trendsetter in music and street fashion
47. Patoranking – Afro-dancehall and social message artist
🎭 Film, Media & Creative Industry
Bold storytellers and creative pioneers redefining Nollywood and African entertainment.
48. Genevieve Nnaji – Actress and international filmmaker
49. Funke Akindele – Director and box-office powerhouse
50. Kunle Afolayan – Filmmaker celebrating Nigerian stories
51. Mo Abudu – Media mogul and content pioneer
52. Kate Henshaw – Actress, fitness & social voice
53. Uzee Usman – Cross-cultural Nollywood/Kannywood director
54. IK Osakioduwa – Popular TV and radio host
55. Basketmouth – Comedian and creative entrepreneur
56. Falz – Artist, lawyer, and activist
57. Simi – Singer and advocate for women’s rights
✍ Literature, Education & Thought Leadership
Voices of intellect, poetry, and feminism inspiring the world through Nigerian narratives.
58. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Global author and feminist
59. Wole Soyinka – Nobel Laureate, literary legend
60. Japheth Omojuwa – Political thinker and digital commentator
61. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi – Feminist author and policy leader
🎯 Sports & Global Icons
These athletes are making Nigeria proud on the global stage, one medal and championship at a time.
62. Kanu Nwankwo – Football icon and philanthropist
63. Asisat Oshoala – Football star, FC Barcelona
64. Tobi Amusan – World-record hurdler
65. Victor Osimhen – African Footballer of the Year 2023
A Salute to Legacy and the Future
These 65 Made-in-Nigeria Ambassadors represent a cross-section of the brilliance, boldness, and beauty of the Nigerian spirit. In celebrating them, we honor the past, embrace the present, and light the way for future icons who will continue to make Nigeria proud on every stage.
As the world watches, Nigeria rises — one icon at a time.
ABOUT MINA.NG
The MINA.NG platform (www.mina.ng) is powered by Addefort Group. It is a specialized advocacy, public relations, and news platform dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s best to the world.
It serves as:
A platform to celebrate proudly Nigerian products, values, talents, and enterprises
An advocacy tool to protect the interest of Nigeria and its people
A storytelling hub using news features, documentaries, photos, and video content to promote positive narratives
The platform focuses on diverse sectors such as: Entertainment, Tourism, Finance, ICT, Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Sports, SMEs, Fashion, Lifestyle, and Leadership/Governance.
The M-I-NA platform also recognizes organizations and individuals driving change and excellence in these areas, honouring them annually as Made-in-Nigeria Ambassadors through popular opinion polls and strategic engagement. Contact: info@nina.ng