Entrepreneurs, Business Leaders, Others Bag Awards

By Hamidat Yahaya, Abuja

Notable Nigerians and other personalities across Africa have been honoured at the recently concluded 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year 2026 Awards, organised by Iconic International Holdings in Lagos.

The high-profile event convened global leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, creatives, and changemakers for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, visionary leadership, and transformative impact across sectors.

The awards platform continues to serve as a catalyst for recognising outstanding contributions while promoting innovation, unity, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Iconic International Holdings, Tinotenda Michelle Chavundura, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to building a legacy of excellence and amplifying global recognition for impactful leadership. She urged awardees to sustain their contributions toward national and continental development.

Among those honoured at the event are Madam Rachel Makana, Founder/Head, Emmak Group; Tania Ngo Berthe Shastri, Founder, BJS Access Sarlu; Ogundare Racheal Omosewa, Founder, The ADARA Initiative; Maxwell Nosakhare Uwaifo, Managing Partner, Lex Phronesis Solicitors; Euphrasie Esperance Kayembe, CEO, EEK Agency; and Victoria Lebene, award-winning actress and CEO, The VL Exposure.

Also recognised were Delphine Okoronkwo, Entrepreneur/Visionary Leader; Rosemary Ofoegbu, Entrepreneur; Dr Cecilia Ofoegbu-Fajobi, Medical Practitioner/Mental Health Clinician; Ogonna Agu, Realtor/Interior Designer/Economist and Founder, Clavoye Interiors; Samukelisiwe Samkee Sibanda, Founder, ON Active Wear and award-winning entrepreneur; Bright Ndibunwa (BrightTheSeer); and Madame Alpha Perla Mboyo.

Others include Amb. Prince Eletu of Lagos, CEO, Eletu Concept and Events Producer; Minister Matsela Joel Mabelebele, Founder, CMJ Ministries; Dr Josias Jean-Pierre, Author and Motivational Speaker; Amb. Dr Omoruan Irene Ejiro; Kechi Ibe, Founder and CEO, Kahera Global; Dr Promise O. Kenneth-Odum, Founder, Rukkies House; Dr Ebosetale Okhueleigbe, President, Women Mentorship Forum; and Dr Oberaifo Udoh, CEO, Jafcon Homes Development Ltd.

Further awardees are Neo Iyana Masilela, CEO, Neo Healing Institute; Akosua Osei, Founder, BeTech Connected; Stephanie Nicholas, Voice-over Artist; Yetunde Anifowose, Founder, Crystalline Clinic; Dr Samuel Ndubuisi-Brown, Group CEO, BrownCon Group; Dr Chinweoke Amarachi Okuwobi, Founder, Diamond Infinity Foundation; Omiete Inko-Tariah, Investment Coach; Grace Muabi, Entrepreneur; and Mikaya Dalmia, District Commissioner, Kigamboni.

Amb. Dr. Bernardette Erommaose Nwokoro, Founder, ErommaOse Nwokoro Foundation; Amb. Atsenuwa Raymond Kingsley, Comedian and MC; Amb. Sheriff Ayodele Oderinde, CEO, Eleazar Empire Ltd; Angeline Farai Mundava, Founder, Virtuous Farmers; Victoria Smart, Gospel Artist and Coach; Amb. (Dr.) H.C. Reagan Shole Botale and actor Lanre Adediwura were also honoured.

Others include Violet Mwendwa, Founder, Telovi Horizon Investments; Mozes Praiz (Greyboss), Media Executive; Hon. Mateus Kanga, President, Provincial Assembly of Tshopo, DRC; Lydie Kibe, Vice President, Afrimechambre; Amb. Mackson Edun; Hon. Dr. Hassan Zamani Mohammed; Ruth Dumbi Mundele, CEO, Tita Cosmetics; and Amb. Dr Olamide Junaid, Founder, OJ Initiatives.

Also listed are David Odigie, Founder, Polygate Group; Ruggedman, Artist and Humanitarian; Abiodun Ayoyinka Richard, Actor and Filmmaker; Ms Richeal Ogbonna, Actress and Model; Dr Princess Kelechi Oghene, PR Expert; Morenike George-Taylor, Group COO, 355 Group; Apostle Edith Grace Enajemo; and Orighoye Darren Nobi, Founder, AniMatters Musical Competition.

Further recipients include Dr Blessing Lawal Bashorun, CEO, Cabbilicious Foods; Kenny Oshorun-Olayinka, CEO, PKLamour Group; Alex Nwankwo (AlexReports), Media Consultant; Josué Kitoko, CEO, De Sophia Soft; Amb. Okoli Mary Chiagoziem, Founder, Maylensplace; Amb. Ekwutoziam Ashiedu Chinedu Ogwus, CEO, Ekash Collections; Rotn. Amb. Dr. (Mrs.) Christiana Okenla, and Prof. Eze Chidi Nwauba, Vice Chancellor, I-FATOSS University.

Among others are Hazel Oyeze Onou (Whitemoney), Media Personality; Isokoh Edirin Stanley, Content Creator; Chinenye Ulaegbu, Actress and Storyteller; Anita Natacha Akide (Symply Tacha), Influencer and Entrepreneur; Amb. Oghenerume Davidson ‘Sirrob’ Ogane; Hon. Abraham Oba; Idris Aregbe, Lagos State Government Adviser; Bright Grillzz, Chef; Stephanie Reginald, Founder, Sofis Kitchen; and Aba Martin (Aba Dope), Chef and TV Personality.

The list also features Dr Tatenda C. Matirongo; Rehema Wandali, Founder, Golden Star Consultants; Cynthia Chioma Ekeka, Principal Counsel, Noullex Legal; Jennifer Sam Odeh, Actor and Entrepreneur; Darryl Nyamz, Managing Director, Shara Hairs; Bishop George, Author; Fortune Tagwirei, Founder, Quick Rides Car Rental; Ms Gay Kudakwashe Chindeza; Ronald Moyo, CEO, High Class Car Sales; and Amb. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga.

Other honourees include Jelton Sitoe, Entrepreneur; Chidinma Obairi, Founder and Creative Director; Olagbenga Titiloye, Actor and Studio Head; Victory Wilson, TV Host and Producer; Dr Summy Smart Francis, President, E-Village; Faiza M. Kaisha, Founder, Idaro Skincare; Ogujor Ovie, CEO, King’s Plug Empire Hub; and Amb. Akubor Tennyson Danladi, CEO, Akubor Integrated Services Limited.