Guardian Woman Festival 2026 Concludes with Prestigious Seven Wonder Women Awards
The third edition of the Guardian Woman Festival, held throughout March 2026, culminated in a grand celebration of female excellence at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. This year's festival, themed "Reciprocity," aligned with the United Nations Women's call to "Give to Gain – Celebrating Her, Empowering the Future," emphasizing the critical role women play in driving innovation, leadership, and enterprise across economies and societies.
Hosting the event at the Federal Palace Hotel was a strategic choice, symbolizing independence and progress, as it was the very location where Nigeria declared its independence in 1960. The festival's closing ceremony on March 31st featured the highly anticipated Seven Wonder Women Awards, an initiative by Investing In Women designed to spotlight women who excel in their fields and create pathways for others.
Categories and Honorees of the Seven Wonder Women Awards
The awards recognized excellence across seven key categories, reflecting the diverse influence and deep contributions of women in vital sectors. The categories included:
- Women in the Business of Boardroom Leadership
- Women in the Business of Building and Construction
- Women in the Business of Film and Television
- Women in the Business of Legacy
- Women in the Business of Digital Innovation
- Women in the Business of Sustainability
- Women in the Business of Tourism and Hospitality
Each winner embodies the spirit of reciprocity, not only achieving personal success but also fostering opportunities for others to thrive.
Profiles of the 2026 Seven Wonder Women Award Winners
Bukola Smith – Winner, The Business of Boardroom Leadership
Bukola Smith, CEO of FSDH Merchant Bank Ltd, is a seasoned banking professional with over 30 years of experience. Known for her strategic acumen and innovation, she previously served as Executive Director of Business Development at First City Monument Bank Ltd, where she pioneered the SheVentures initiative to support female entrepreneurs. At FSDH, she established the Women in Business Initiative, disbursing over $3.9 million to women-led businesses and training more than 500 entrepreneurs. A lifelong learner, Bukola holds an MBA from the University of Manchester and an Advanced Management Program certificate from Harvard Business School. She is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Fellow of ICAN, actively contributing to the banking industry through various leadership roles.
Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi – Winner, The Business of Building and Construction
Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, the 30th President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, is a Distinguished Fellow and advocate for green architecture. As Principal Partner at Mobolaji Adeniyi & Associates and CEO of Jumtum Nigeria Limited, she focuses on sustainable designs, serving as a consultant for institutions like Bowen University and University College Hospital. Her career includes eight years as a lecturer at Polytechnic Ibadan, where she rose to head the Department of Architecture. She holds BSc and MSc degrees in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University and is the first Commissioner of the Africa Union of Architects Commission for Women.
Deborah Omowunmi Odutayo – Winner, The Business of Film and Television
Deborah Odutayo, an award-winning producer and media entrepreneur, has over three decades of experience in the Nigerian television industry. Co-leading Royal Roots Communication Network with her husband, she has expanded the company into a media platform with television and radio stations. Her prolific work includes productions like Edge of Paradise and Debbie's Salon, as well as international formats such as Deal or No Deal Nigeria. As the first female President of EMCOAN, she has broken barriers in a male-dominated field and serves as a judge for awards like the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.
Jennifer Obayuwana – Winner, The Business of Legacy
Jennifer Obayuwana, a gemologist and watch specialist, leads Polo Limited with strategic expertise. An alumna of Harvard Business School and other prestigious institutions, she has grown the family business across multiple verticals, co-founding Polo Avenue, a fashion retailer with presence in Nigeria and Dubai. She chairs Women Who Conquer, a non-profit empowering rural women, demonstrating her commitment to female economic advancement.
Bukky Babajide – Winner, The Business of Digital Innovation
Bukola Moyo Babajide, known as Bukky, is a digital transformation leader bridging the UK and Nigeria. With over three decades of experience, she founded Female Techpreneur to enhance execution capability in the tech sector. Through her company Crystal Options, she developed 9jadelivery, a digital commerce ecosystem, and is creating a community savings platform for women. Recognized with awards like the 2025 Multicultural Award at the House of Lords, she leads initiatives such as the State of Black Women in Tech research, focusing on converting female participation into economic power.
Nana Maidugu – Winner, The Business of Sustainability
Nana Maidugu, Head of Sustainability and ESG at the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, drives climate initiatives and ESG implementation. With extensive experience in infrastructure investment, she serves on national committees like the Presidential Committee on Project Evergreen and contributes to global organizations such as the Principles for Responsible Investment. Holding a First-Class degree in Computer Systems Engineering and a Master's in Oil and Gas Management, she authors thought leadership articles on sustainability and climate resilience.
Adenike Macaulay – Winner, The Business of Tourism and Hospitality
Adenike Macaulay, CEO of Wakanow Nigeria Group, is a transformational leader in Africa's travel and tourism sector. With over 17 years of experience, she made history as the first female General Manager for Lufthansa Group in Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea. At Wakanow, she champions digital transformation and global partnerships. Beyond business, she co-founded the luxury fashion brand Niya Madi and actively supports women's economic empowerment, representing a new generation of bold African leadership.
The Guardian Woman Festival 2026 and the Seven Wonder Women Awards highlight the significant strides women are making across diverse industries, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence and reciprocity.
