World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and media powerhouse Mo Abudu have been celebrated as part of Forbes’ annual 100 Most Powerful Women in the World list.
Okonjo-Iweala secured the 89th spot, marking her fourth consecutive appearance and eighth overall inclusion on the prestigious list. Meanwhile, Abudu, Founder of EbonyLife Media, ranked 97th.
Abudu expressed her gratitude and pride at being included among the world’s most influential women, describing the recognition as a profound honor.
“I am deeply humbled to feature once again on the Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list. It is an incredible honor to represent the media and entertainment sector, to stand as a proud Black woman, and to fly the flag for Nigeria and Africa on this prestigious global platform,” she stated.
She also extended her congratulations to her fellow honorees and reserved special praise for Okonjo-Iweala, whose consistent leadership and brilliance continue to inspire.
“A huge congratulations to all the phenomenal women on this list! A special shoutout to my dearest sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, whose unwavering brilliance and leadership inspire us all year after year,” Abudu remarked.
She emphasized the importance of representation, particularly for women of color and women from developing nations, adding:
“Representation matters. When we see women of color, women from developing nations, and women breaking barriers in all industries recognized on a global stage, it reminds us of what’s possible. It’s a call to action for us to continue breaking ceilings, forging paths, and lifting others along the way.”
The inclusion of these trailblazers highlights their significant contributions to global leadership and the media industry, serving as a beacon of inspiration for women worldwide.