The 17th Global ELOY Awards 2025 Nominees Announced. It’s the Year of the Confidently Audacious Woman
The Exquisite Ladies of the Year (ELOY) Awards Foundation has officially unveiled the nominees for the 17th Global ELOY Awards, a celebration of women who dare to lead, inspire, and rise above the noise.
This year’s theme, “The Year of the Confidently Audacious Woman,” honours women who take up space boldly, act with intention, and embody fearless elegance across diverse industries. From innovators transforming agriculture to creatives shaping Africa’s narrative, the 2025 nominees reflect excellence, impact, and audacity in action.
And the nominees for the 2025 17th Global ELOY Awards are;
| 1. ELOY Award for Agric/Agropreneur
Recognising women transforming the agriculture value chain.
1. Osato Akintunde – El Gazzelle Foods 2. Affiong Williams – Reel Fruits 3. Adaora Akojuru – Beta Agric Ventures Limited. 4. Aisha Raheem – CEO & founder of Farmz2U 5. Julienne Olawolé Agossadou (Benin) – SEDAMI 6. Roberta Edu-Oyedokun – Founder & CEO of Moppet Foods
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2. ELOY in Real Estate & Construction
For female excellence in property development, architecture, or construction.
1. Dr. Ololade Abuta – GMD/CEO, Gracias Group (Gracias Global Properties) 2. Candace Ebhomielen-Uaboi – MD/CEO, BlueDutch Limited 3. Tosin Osinowo -Founder & Principal Osinowo Studios. 4. Saadiya Aliyu – Managing Director & CEO of Urban Shelter Ltd 5. Elizabeth “Lizzie” Costabir (Kenya) – CEO of BuyRentKenya 6. Etta Madete Mukuba (Kenya)- Founding Director, Zima Homes 7. Jamila Mohammed-Faniyi (Nigeria) – Managing Director, M&E Kaiser Limited.
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| 3. ELOY Award for Tech
For a woman innovating through tech, digital platforms, or product development.
1. Faith Adesemowo (Nigeria) – CEO Social Lender 2. Dr.Shamim Nabuuma Kaliisa (Uganda)- Founder, Chil Femtech Centre 3. Olamide Ayeni-Babajide – Founder, HOPCYKU formerly Pearl Recycling. 4. Tumi Menyatswe (South Africa) – Founder/CEO Minderz. 5. Nkemdilim Begho – CEO, Future Software Resources Ltd 6. Jennifer Jemedafe – Founder, Retention Concierge |
4. ELOY Award for Print Media Journalist
Recognising a woman in print journalism who uses the power of words to inform, inspire and influence. She tells stories that shape perspective, amplify voices and uphold the integrity of the media with excellence and purpose
1. Ijeoma Thomas – Odia – Guardian 2. Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha – BusinessDay 3. Tessy Igomu – Punch 4. Konye Nwabogor – Thisday
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| 5. ELOY Award for Creative Arts (Acting)
Celebrating a woman in film, television or theatre whose exceptional talent, authenticity and creativity brings stories to life. She captivates the audience, inspires emotion and uses her craft to elevate African story telling and culture.
1. Bambam Olawunmi -Adenibuyan 2. Damilola Oni 3. Sonia Uche 4. Sandra Okunzuwa 5. Bolaji Ogunmola 6. Uche Montana |
6. ELOY Award for Hair Business Sponsored by Lush Hair
Celebrating a woman making remarkable strides in the hair industry, whether through salon business, hair product innovation, education, or styling. She is setting trends, building a brand, and empowering beauty professionals.
1. Judith Emmanuel – Nerolie nature botanica 2. Omolola Akinboade – @lolaexpresshair 3. Akunna Nwala-Akano- Kuku Hair 4. Koyinsola Vera-Cruz – Tresses Lagos
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| 7. ELOY Award for Public Relations
Honouring a woman in PR who shapes powerful narratives, builds meaningful connections, and amplifies brands with integrity and creativity. She’s a storyteller strategist and bridge builder turning messages into movements.
1. Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi – YD Company 2. Ijeoma Balogun – Redrick PR 3. Moremi Elekwachi – Euphorique PR 4. Prudence Zoe Glorious – PZG PR 5. Omawumi Ogbe – GLG Communications
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8. ELOY Award for Arts
Celebrating a woman using visual, performance, or literary arts to tell powerful stories, challenge norms, or elevate culture. Her artistic expression drives dialogue, inspires creativity, and shifts perspectives.
1. Wana Udobang poet, broadcaster and multidisciplinary artist 2. Tejumola Animashaun (Visual Arts – Painting/Digital) 3. Haneefah Adam (Multidisciplinary Visual Artist) 4. Oroma Elewa (Performance & Visual Artist) 5. Yagazie Emezi (Visual / Photography & Textile) 6. Ibukun Ajagbe (aka “IBQuake”) Spoken word, performance art and cultural narrative-making |
| 9. ELOY Award for Culinary Arts
Description: Honouring a female chef or culinary entrepreneur creating magic with food—through innovation, presentation, or flavour. She’s raising the bar in the culinary world and using food to connect, inspire, or impact her community.
1. Ngozi Adighotu (Hungrillville Kitchen) 2. Haruna Fatima Nasiru (cheffatima.ng) 3. Chef Imoteda (Imoteda Aladekomo) 4. Ozoz Sokoh (Kitchen Butterfly) 5. Iquo Ukoh (1QFoodPlatter) 6. Chef Moyo (Atije) |
10. ELOY for Wellness
Honouring women making strides in mental health, or fitness.
1. Nike Folagbade (nikefolagbade) 2. Chioma Fakorede (Olamma Care Foundation) 3. Onyekachukwu Nwakoby (kachikoby) 4. Sandra Uzodinma (momofboys)
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| 11. ELOY Award for On Air Personality
Celebrating a dynamic radio host or broadcaster who informs, entertains, and influences through the power of voice. She uses her platform to engage audiences, shape narratives, and amplify impactful conversations.
1. Baby Lawyer Esther Nwankwo – Yanga 89.9FM 2. Amanda Chinelo Nwoye – Yanga 89.9FM 3. Katherine Obiang – Lagos Talks 91.3FM 4. Shine Begho – Lounge Fm 101.9 FM Lagos 5. Divine Chidinma Eze – Urban Radio 94.5 Enugu 6. Adeola Ibrahim – 32 FM 94.9 Ibadan 7. Jennifer ibrahim – Coolfm, Abuja |
12. TV Personality
Honouring a captivating woman on television who connects with audiences through her presence, storytelling, and authenticity, whether as a presenter, host, or show creator.
1. Tolulope Adeleru Balogun – News Central T.V 2. Katherine Obiang – News Central T.V 3. Riyah Abdul – TVC 4. Ojy Okpe – Arise TV 5. Vimbai Mutinhiri – Arise TV
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| 13. ELOY Award for Event Host
Recognising a charismatic and professional woman who commands the stage and creates unforgettable event experiences. She brings energy, elegance, and connection to every occasion, whether hosting live events, conferences, or social gatherings.
1. Mojibade Sosanya 2. Olive Emodi 3. Victory Wilson 4. Ebunoluwa Dosumu 5. Riyah Abdul 6. Chigurl
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Other key categories include Fashion (Sponsored by Sara by Wema Bank), Finance, Entrepreneurship, Humanitarian, Visionary Leader, Hair Business (Sponsored by Lush Hair), and the prestigious Icon of the Year Award, spotlighting women who are boldly reshaping their industries and communities.
Voting for the 2025 ELOY Awards is now open and will close on November 20th, 2025.
The ELOY Governing Body include Dr. Tewa Onasanya, Founder of the ELOY Awards Foundation, Olanrewaju Alaka, Founder Laerry Blue Media, Tayo Afolabi, Founder World PR Media Limited, Azuka Ogujiuba, Founder Mediaroom Hub, Angela Emuwa, Chairman Punch Nigeria .
Angela Emuwa
This is what some of the members of the ELOY Governing Body had to say.
Dr. Tewa Onasanya, Founder, ELOY Awards Foundation “Each nominee embodies the essence of audacity and grace that defines today’s woman. The ELOY Awards is a movement that celebrates not just success, but significance.”
Tayo Afolabi, Founder, World PR Media Limited “It’s always a great feeling knowing that a long list of hardworking women will experience being acknowledged for the work they do. Every woman is worth celebrating, and we are proud to do the celebrating one batch, one year at a time.”
Olanrewaju Alaka, Founder, LearryBlue Media “It’s always inspiring to witness women across industries shaping the future with courage, innovation, and heart. The ELOY Awards remind us that every story of impact begins with someone daring to lead differently. I’m honoured to serve as a judge this year and to celebrate women who continue to redefine what leadership looks like.”
Azuka Ogujiuba, Founder, Mediaroom Hub “Congratulations to all the nominees. Being on the governing board of the ELOY Awards 2025 has been an honour and exciting experience. Decades into my journalism career, being called upon to serve the community never gets old.”
About the ELOY Awards Foundation
The ELOY Awards Foundation continues its mission of celebrating, empowering, and elevating women across Africa and beyond. Through recognition, mentorship, and opportunities, the Foundation inspires women to be visible, valued, and confidently audacious.
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