Nigeria's most inspiring women shine at 17th ELOY Awards

The just-concluded 17th Global ELOY Awards has been hailed as one of the most impactful and successful editions yet, celebrating exceptional women (and male allies) who continue to drive transformation across industries in Nigeria and beyond.

Held under the theme ‘The Year of the Confidently Audacious Woman,’ the awards honoured leading women in entrepreneurship, media, creative arts, wellness, agriculture, finance, technology, and nation-building. This year’s event marked an elevated celebration of excellence, visibility, empowerment, and community.

A major highlight of the night was the recognition of Benjamin Kalu, who received the ELOY HE4SHE Award for his unwavering support for gender equality and the advancement of women-focused initiatives.

Other spotlight honourees included:

Victory Wilson, celebrated as the ELOY Event Host of the Year, recognised for her captivating stage presence and professionalism.

Kate Isa, recipient of the ELOY Recognition Award for Science and Innovation, honoured for her leadership in laboratory innovation and science education.

Adaora Akojuru (Beta Agric) and Affiong Williams (Reel Fruits), who both took home the ELOY Award for Agriculture/Agropreneur, highlighting women transforming the agricultural value chain.

The night also recognised outstanding achievers across multiple categories from print journalism and tech innovation to humanitarian leadership, creative arts, wellness advocacy, and fashion.

Some of ELOY Awards Winners include;

ELOY Awards for Real Estate & Construction

Candace Ebhomielen-Uaboi – MD/CEO, BlueDutch Limited

ELOY Award for Tech

Nkemdilim Begho – CEO, Future Software Resources Ltd

ELOY Award for Print Media Journalist

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha – BusinessDay

ELOY Award for Creative Arts (Acting)

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Sonia Uche

ELOY Award for Hair Business Sponsored by Lush Hair (lush hair logo)

Koyinsola Vera-Cruz – Tresses Lagos

ELOY Award for Public Relations

Omawumi Ogbe – GLG Communications

ELOY Award for Arts

Ibukun Ajagbe (aka “IBQuake”)

ELOY Award for Culinary Arts

Ngozi Adighotu (Hungrillville Kitchen)

ELOY for Wellness

Chioma Fakorede (Olamma Care Foundation)

ELOY Award for On Air Personality

Esther Nwankwo (Baby Lawyer) – Yanga 89.9FM, amongst others.

Tewa Onasanya, founder of the ELOY Awards and CEO of Exquisite Magazine, expressed heartfelt gratitude to partners, sponsors, and the entire ELOY community:

“This year’s awards reaffirm our mission to spotlight women who are breaking barriers, building legacies, and leading with courage. The 2025 nominees and winners remind us that women across Africa are unstoppable when given visibility and support.”

The 17th Global ELOY Awards continues to stand as the continent’s leading recognition platform for women’s achievements, celebrating excellence while strengthening networks for inclusion, growth, and economic empowerment.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.