Nigeria @ 65: 65 Nigerians who put Nigeria on the global map

 

At 65, Nigeria stands tall as a nation of resilience, creativity, and global influence. Beyond its rich history and diverse culture, Nigerians have consistently broken boundaries and showcased their brilliance on the world stage. 

From music and sports to politics, technology, and activism, these trailblazers have carried the green-and-white flag far beyond the country’s borders. As the nation marks another Independence Day, here are 65 Nigerians whose achievements have given the nation global recognition and visibility.

1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – First African woman to head the WTO.
2. Amina J. Mohammed – Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations.
3. Wole Soyinka – Nobel Prize winner, literary giant.
4. Chinua Achebe – Author of Things Fall Apart, still studied worldwide.
5. Fela Anikulapo Kuti – Pioneer of Afrobeat, political icon.
6. Burna Boy – Grammy winner, sold out London Stadium.
7. Wizkid – Grammy winner, first Afrobeats star to headline Madison Square Garden.
8. Nwankwo Kanu – Football legend, Arsenal and Nigeria.
9. Jay-Jay Okocha – Iconic footballer, known for flair.
10. Chioma Ajunwa – First Nigerian Olympic gold medalist (1996).
11. Mary Onyali – Sprint queen, multiple Olympic medals.
12. Blessing Okagbare – Record-breaking sprinter.
13. Aliko Dangote – Africa’s richest man, opened the Dangote Refinery.
14. Mike Adenuga – Globacom founder, telecom giant.
15. Folorunso Alakija – Powerful businesswoman in oil and fashion.
16. Fisayo Soyombo – Investigative journalist with global impact.
17. Debo Adedayo (Mr Macaroni) – Activist and comedian, strong voice in youth advocacy.
18. Mo Abudu – Media mogul, founder of EbonyLife TV, Netflix partnerships.
19. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu – Media personality, Big Brother Naija host, pan-African TV icon.
20. Tunde Onakoya – Chess master, founder of Chess in Slums, gaining global recognition.
21. Agbani Darego – First Black African to win Miss World (2001).
22. Adebayo Oke-Lawal – Founder of Orange Culture, pushing Nigerian fashion globally.
23. Andrea Iyamah – Designer famous for swimwear and bridal fashion worldwide.
24. Veekee James – Nigerian fashion designer redefining bridal & couture with global recognition.
25. Shank Comics – Digital comedian and content creator with international collaborations, pushing Nigerian comedy to global audiences.
26. Aisha Yesufu – Activist, known globally for #EndSARS and #BringBackOurGirls.
27. Bayo Omoboriowo – Renowned photographer with UN recognition.
28. Kunle Afolayan – Globally acclaimed Nollywood director.
29. Genevieve Nnaji – Actress, Netflix breakthrough for Nollywood.
30. Funke Akindele – Nollywood box office record-setter.
31. Jola Ayeye – Media personality, writer, co-host of I Said What I Said podcast, amplifying Nigerian youth voices globally.
32. FK Abudu – Activist and co-host of I Said What I Said, noted for advocacy during #EndSARS and beyond.
33. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Acclaimed author and feminist voice.
34. Bruce Onobrakpeya – Legendary visual artist.
35. Hakeem Olajuwon – Basketball Hall of Famer, cultural ambassador.
36. Hilda Baci – Guinness World Record breaker for cooking marathon.
37. Davido – Global hitmaker, performed at FIFA World Cup 2022.
38. Tems – Grammy winner, Oscar nominee, co-wrote Rihanna’s Lift Me Up.
39. Rema – Broke records with Calm Down, first Afrobeats track to hit Billboard Top 5.
40. Ayra Starr – Young global Afropop sensation.
41. Tiwa Savage – Queen of Afrobeats, performed at King Charles’ coronation.
42. Yemi Alade – Performed for global leaders, UNICEF ambassador.
43. Mr Eazi – Musician-entrepreneur bridging Africa and the world.
44. Tobi Amusan – World record holder, 100m hurdles.
45. Anthony Joshua – Two-time world heavyweight boxing champion.
46. Kamaru Usman – UFC welterweight champion.
47. Israel Adesanya – UFC middleweight champion.
48. Asisat Oshoala – 5-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Barcelona star.
49. Victor Osimhen – Led Napoli to Serie A victory, CAF Player of the Year 2023.
50. Ese Brume – Long jump world medalist.
51. Tony Elumelu – Banker and champion of African entrepreneurship.
52. Olugbenga Agboola – CEO of Flutterwave, global fintech leader.
53. Oby Ezekwesili – Co-founder of Transparency International.
54. Kaffy (Kafayat Shafau-Ameh) – Longest dance party (55 hours, 2006).
55. Philip Emeagwali – Famed computer scientist, “father of the internet” concept.
56. Bennet Omalu – Doctor who discovered CTE in American footballers.
57. Chike Obi – Renowned mathematician.
58. Oluwatoyin Asojo – Nigerian-born biochemist in the US, cancer research.
59. Jason Njoku – Founder of IrokoTV, Nollywood to the world.
60. CKay – Love Nwantiti went viral globally on TikTok.
61. Fireboy DML – Charted internationally with Peru.
62. Lisa Folawiyo – Designer celebrated internationally for her Ankara-inspired designs.
63. IBquake (Ibrahim Suleiman) – Spoken word artist and orator known for powerful performances that inspire Nigerian youth.
64. Fisayo Longe – Founder of Kai Collective, brought Nigerian fashion to global mainstream with the “Gaia” dress.
65. Chef Fregz (Gbubemi Fregene) – Celebrity chef bringing Nigerian cuisine to global platforms.

As we celebrate 65 years of independence, these personalities and achievements remind us that the nation and its people are capable of great things. The future of Nigeria is as bright as these stars who already light up the globe.

Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!

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