By Ojoma Akor
The Africa Hub for Innovation and Development (AHFID), in partnership with Women in Public Health Leadership for Africa, Green Girl Africa, and Daily Times Nigeria, has unveiled the Top 25 Women’s Voices in Development and Public Service, recognizing women driving measurable impact across key sectors.
A statement from AHFID said the initiative, launched to mark International Women’s Day, highlights women leading change in public health, governance, education, climate action, and social development, and aims to amplify their contributions and strengthen the visibility of women shaping development outcomes.
The statement said over 400 nominations were received from across sectors and reviewed through a structured selection process. The final 25 were chosen based on impact, leadership, and contribution to sustainable development.
The honorees are: Dr. Margaret Shelleng- Global Fund, Self-Reliance & Multilateral Advisor, US; Dr. Ota Akigbe, Director of Partnerships and Programs, eHealth Africa; Dr. Amina Aminu Dorayi – Regional Portfolio Director, West and Central Africa/Country Director, Nigeria, Pathfinder International; and Dr. Lilian Anomnachi, FAPH – Executive Director, Technical Advice Connect.
Others are Moji Makanjuola- Executive Director, International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH); Edima Ottoho – Associate Professor of Practice, Simmons University; Dr Olayinka Badmus – Technical Director, Afrihealth for Social Development and Impact; Peculiar Caleb – Board Chairperson (Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) and African Network; Dr Erekpitan Ola-Adisa – Professor of Architecture and Principal Researcher, Department of Architecture, University of Jos and Vivianne Ihekweazu – Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch.
The honourees also comprise Ojoma Akor – Editor, Health and Science Africa, Dr. Batulu Isa Muhammad – Ag.GM Health Directorate, North East Development Commission; Chichi Aniagolu Okoye – Regional Director, West Africa, Ford Foundation; Bella Akhagba– Founder, Bella Foundation for Child and Maternal Care; Dr Chinekwu Oreh – Executive Director/ Senior Health Specialist, Nigeria’s Governors Forum / THAG Foundation, Dr. Mary Kinmilola Olupitan – Project Director -GF/IHVN N-THRIP; Enifome Ogbimi – Executive Director, Live Again Foundation, and Dr Chioma Helga Law-Maduka – Director, Health System Strengthening and Continuous Quality Improvement Management, ECEWS.
Others are Dr. Njideka Udochi – Clinical Assistant, Sunmit Medical Group; Rosemund Onuoha – Technical Advisor, Violence Prevention, ECEWS; Motunrayo Opayinka – CEO/ Founder, Womenovate; Mrs. Boladale Akin-Kolapo – Country Director, Girl Effect; Adekemi Adeniyan – Founder, Dentalcare Foundation; Mrs. Tine Woji – Project Lead, AHNi Grand Cycle 7 – Nigeria TB/HIV and Dr. Nwanja Esther – Associate Director, PMTCT & Pediatrics, ECEWS.
Dr. Kunle Kakanfo, Managing Partner at AHFID, said the recognition is about impact and visibility.
He said, “Too often, the work of women in development and public service goes unseen. This initiative is about changing that by putting visibility on impact and ensuring these contributions are recognized where it matters.”
The list of Top 25 Women voices was officially unveiled during a virtual event attended by development professionals, partners, and media representatives.
AHFID and its partners said they will continue the campaign with a series of individual spotlights profiling each of the selected women and their work.
It works to advance sustainable development through innovation, research, and strategic partnerships across Africa.
Women in Public Health Leadership for Africa focuses on strengthening women’s leadership in public health; Green Girl Africa advances climate action and environmental sustainability, while Daily Times Nigeria is a national media organization providing news and analysis.