ARISE News Honours 100 African Women at Women of Impact Awards in Lagos

March 13, 2026

ARISE News Channel celebrated the achievements and leadership of African women on Sunday evening as it honoured 100 influential figures during the Africa Women of Impact Awards 2026 held in Lagos.

The prestigious event, organised in commemoration of International Women’s Day, recognised outstanding women from across the continent who have made significant contributions in governance, business, healthcare, technology, philanthropy, law, culture and the creative industries.

Held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos, the awards ceremony brought together leaders from politics, business, entertainment and civil society in a celebration of female excellence and leadership across Africa.

The evening began with a cocktail reception at 7:00 PM before the main awards ceremony commenced at 8:00 PM, setting the stage for an evening dedicated to recognising women who are shaping industries and communities across the continent.

Honourees at the Africa Women of Impact Awards 2026 came from several African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire and Niger.

Their recognition reflected the growing influence of African women who continue to drive progress and innovation in multiple sectors.

Among the distinguished guests present at the event were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance Wale Edun and Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank.

Their presence highlighted the importance of recognising women’s contributions to national and continental development.

In her opening remarks, Eka Obaigbena explained that the awards were created to celebrate the extraordinary impact African women continue to have on society.

“To honour the undeniable force of African women, recognising their work, brilliance, sacrifice and the quiet yet determined ways they continue to reshape societies,” she said.

She also reflected on the historical role women have played in shaping African communities long before their achievements were formally recognised.

“Long before their stories were formally recorded or celebrated, African women were already holding community meetings and steering progress across the continent,” she added.

The awards recognised women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation across various professional fields.

Among the Women of Impact honoured were Olufunke Aboyade (SAN), a distinguished lawyer; Dr Iman Abuzeid, physician and chief executive officer; civic activist Yemi Adamolekun; legal expert Funke Adekoya; and Professor Bosede Afolabi, an obstetrician and academic.

Other recipients included Funke Agbor (SAN), Dr Toyin Ajayi, business executive Tosin Akinluyi, entrepreneur Deola Art-Alade and award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Kemi Adetiba.

The ceremony also recognised several prominent women whose work continues to influence communities across Africa.

Among them were South African anti-apartheid activist Sophie Williams De Bruyn, business leader Chioma Stan Ekeh, environmental advocate Adesuwa Rhodes Okunbor and Dr Ehimwema Eke Aluko, a paediatrician and co-founder of Premier Specialists’ Medical Centre.

Many of the honourees used their acceptance speeches to inspire social change and encourage continued progress.

Yemi Adamolekun urged Africans to reflect on the future they want to build for the next generation.

“I do challenge us to think about the kind of country that we want to live in, the one we want to leave our children and the one we want the world to celebrate in the coming days,” she said.

Dr Ehimwema Eke Aluko emphasised the importance of investing in the wellbeing of children.

“If we look after our children, we secure our future,” she noted.

Adesuwa Rhodes Okunbor highlighted the importance of financial empowerment for women, stressing that access to capital remains a key factor in achieving economic progress.

“The best support to give women is to back them with capital. Because when women have access to capital and leadership, the entire society is transformed,” she said.

Dr Kemi DaSilva Ibru dedicated her award to women and girls facing abuse and violence, drawing attention to the need for continued advocacy and protection.

“This award this evening is not for me. I stand in the gap for the countless women and girls at risk. We see you, we hear you, and we are here for you,” she said.

The evening also featured vibrant entertainment that added excitement to the celebration.

Guests were treated to a surprise appearance by Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage, whose presence electrified the audience.

Singer Asa later closed the evening with a memorable performance, opening with her popular song Preacher Man while dressed in an elegant silver outfit that prompted many guests to sing along.

The awards also celebrated women who have achieved success in industries traditionally dominated by men.

Among them were Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and Chizoma Okoli, deputy managing director of Access Bank Plc.

Their achievements highlighted the growing presence of women in leadership roles across sectors such as finance, energy and technology.

The creative and technology sectors were also well represented during the ceremony.

Entrepreneur Deola Art-Alade and technology leader Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote were recognised for their contributions to strengthening Africa’s cultural influence and technological innovation.

Several healthcare innovators, philanthropists and social impact leaders were also honoured for their work in improving lives and strengthening communities.

Dr Ola Brown reflected on the recognition, saying it had encouraged her to continue doing more in her field.

“This recognition has made me even more determined to do more,” she said.

“I would also like to thank my husband. He is the biggest support I have in my life.”

Dr Diop Bienta, Senior Envoy to the African Union Commissioner, also reflected on the struggles and resilience of African women who have fought for opportunities over the years.

“I came here carrying 30 years of experience of women who knocked on doors that were never designed to open for them,” she said.

“This award belongs to them, all of them.”

By bringing together 100 remarkable women under one roof, the Africa Women of Impact Awards 2026 celebrated leadership, resilience and the transformative power of women across Africa.

The event reinforced the message that African women remain central architects of progress, shaping the continent’s future across generations and sectors.