Ijeoma Thomas-Odia, the editor of Guardian Woman, has been recognized as one of the Ascent Top 100 Career Women in Africa. The award was presented during the sixth edition of the ceremony, which celebrates outstanding female professionals across the continent.
Call for Greater Visibility
Dr. Glory Edozien, convener of the awards, emphasized the need for increased visibility of African women in leadership roles. She warned that despite their growing influence in building institutions and leading teams, many remain underrepresented at key decision-making levels. Edozien noted that the theme of the event highlighted the critical link between visibility and power, stressing that recognition is essential for translating women's contributions into influence and authority.
Recognition for Young Women
For the first time, the initiative also recognized women under 35 who are shaping corporate institutions. Edozien explained that this move aims to correct historical gaps in who is seen, heard, and remembered. Drawing parallels with iconic figures such as Queen Amina and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, she said their enduring legacies were preserved through visibility and storytelling. The event seeks to ensure that contemporary African women leaders do not remain invisible.
Unlocking Opportunities
According to Edozien, visibility plays a crucial role in unlocking opportunities, attracting funding, and gaining recognition. It also helps build a strong and visible pipeline of female leadership across the continent. She urged women to step forward, claim their space, and actively participate in decision-making processes.
Institutional Legacy
Yemi Adesanya, Financial Controller of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, described the awards as a celebration of institutional legacy, which she identified as the next frontier for African female corporate leadership. She encouraged women to move beyond participation to redesigning systems and embedding their values into corporate culture. Adesanya noted that First Bank, with its long-standing history, understands the importance of legacy and has continued to invest intentionally in people, particularly women, to build institutions grounded in competence and care.
Economic Future
Adesanya added that Africa's economic future depends on bold individuals capable of building enduring institutions. She stressed the importance of mentorship and inclusive workplace cultures, saying the awards recognize women who have not only achieved personal success but have also built structures that drive economic development.
Power, Presence, and Prestige
Sophie Mbakwe, Executive Vice President of Business Services at NNPC Limited, emphasized the pillars of power, presence, and prestige as essential components of leadership. She described power as the capacity to influence outcomes and shape decisions deliberately. Presence, she said, requires courage to show up and push forward despite obstacles. Prestige, according to her, is earned through consistent excellence, integrity, and measurable results. She urged women to take responsibility for their growth, seek leadership roles, and scale their impact.
Mentorship and Sponsorship
Highlighting the Women in NNPC initiative, Mbakwe said the program was designed to advance women through mentorship and sponsorship. She noted that sponsorship plays a more decisive role in career advancement. She added that true success should be measured by the number of women mentored and positioned for leadership, calling on institutions to commit to advancing women as a pathway to economic growth. Mbakwe further encouraged women to step onto platforms and lead boldly, stressing the need to build legacies that extend beyond titles and positions.
Celebrating Women Leaders
Adanma Uduanochie, Joint Venture Asset Manager at Shell, described the awards as a celebration of women who are building not just careers but also homes, communities, and societies. She commended Edozien for her vision in creating the platform, noting that it affirms the capacity of African women to deliver results and redefine leadership on the continent. Uduanochie said the theme, “Power, Presence, and Prestige,” captures the defining attributes of impactful leadership. She explained that power lies in shaping outcomes, presence in confidently occupying space, and prestige in leaving a lasting legacy.
Resilience and Networking
Uduanochie observed that women are increasingly leading in complex environments across Africa, often demonstrating resilience and courage. She stressed that Africa's development requires leaders who can balance commercial discipline with social responsibility. She also highlighted the importance of networking in achieving executive leadership, citing global research that shows strong professional networks significantly enhance leadership opportunities for women. Uduanochie added that Shell has made measurable progress in gender inclusion, increasing female representation in senior leadership over the years, with a target to deepen diversity further. She said the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion remains central to its growth strategy.
Building Legacies
She also urged women to assert their power, strengthen their presence, and build legacies that will shape Africa’s future. Uduanochie noted that leadership is not only about occupying positions but about creating lasting impact.
