By Sunday Ani
The African Hub for Innovation and Development (AHFID) has honoured Top 50 Women Voices in the development and nongovernmental organisations sector, recognising exceptional women, who have made significant contributions to sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.
According to the organisation, the honorees had demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership and impact across various areas, including gender equality, education, health, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and policy advocacy.
“Their voices not only echo the needs of marginalised communities but also drive the policies and programmes that are creating lasting change.
“This recognition is part of our broader commitment to amplifying local voices, championing gender equity, and supporting development actors who are committed to building stronger, more inclusive societies,” said Adedamola Bafuwa, Manager, Insights & Social Impact, AHFID.
According to him, honorees were selected based on their leadership, impact and contributions to sustainable development.
“As we celebrate these women, we also renew our commitment to supporting women-led development initiatives and ensuring that the development sector remains inclusive, equitable and responsive to the realities of all communities,” Bafuwa assured.
Some of the notable honorees include Mairo Mandara, Chief Adviser and Coordinator, Sustainable Development, Partnerships, and Humanitarian Support to the Governor of Borno State; Dr. Aderonke Agbaje, Director of Programmes, Special Projects IHVN; Dr. Awolola Busayo, Public Health Professional and founder of WEDFORUM; Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre; Senior Fellow, Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Dr. Faith Lannap, Chief of Party, USAID THRIVE South Project; Dr. Adedamola Adebayo, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Racheal Adebayo Foundation (RAF); Dr. Eno Usoroh, Public Health Specialist & WHO Afro region Consultant for the Green Light Committee on PMDT; Mrs. Chibby Dangana, CEO, Data Factory Global and Dr. Kelechi Okoro, Health Influencer & Founder of Heal for Africa.
Others are Mrs. Aderonke Ige Motunrayo, Founder, Help Initiative for Social Justice & Humanitarian Development; Ms. Nelly Munyasia, Regional Director, Co-Chair of the AAN Board and Steering Committee member at the UN Foundation’s Accountability Platform; Dr. Adetokunbo Bolanle Oyeledun, Co-founder the Centre for Integrated Health Programmes (CIHP); Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director, Strategy, Technical and Growth (STG), Society for Family Health (SFH); Dr. Esther Nwanja, Associate Director, Pediatrics/PMTCT, Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme (ECEWS); Ms. Jennifer Adebambo, Country Manager, Partnership & Collaborations, Society for Family Health (SFH); Mrs. Orezi Adhekoyibo, Senior Manager, Vector Control, Global Fund Malaria Grant; Ms. Comfort Umoh, Senior Human Resources Management, Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI); Mayowa Adegbile, Founder & Executive Director, Ashake Foundation; Wealth Adaku Ajiboye, Education Specialist, GOALPrime Nigeria and Halimat Omowumi Olaniyan, Public Health Professional & Founder, AFAY Health Initiative.