What do you need to start off Monday on a right note? Get motivated! Nigerians are really doing well in the international space. In this state of economic stability and warbled country image, it is indeed a message to constantly have folks represent us and make us proud out there!
In this article, I have compiled a list of Nigerians who are currently doing well with international recognition. It is time to ignite your patriotism and be proud of your nationality.
1.Ngozi Okonjo – Iwela
This is one of the smart minds that continually makes us proud. After serving as Minister of Finance in Nigeria from (2003-2006) and during President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s tenure (2011-2015), she went to the international space to make us proud. She is currently serving as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, a position she has been holding since 2021.

She ran without opposition for a second term slated for September 2025. Ms Ngozi, 70 is the first African woman to ever serve in this position since the inception of the World Trade Organisation. People have various times joked that Ms Ngozi’s children will never be stranded because her strings of connection are limitless.
The former Minister of Finance has served in various capacities where she showed her prowess in the finance and economy niche. Her portfolio is quite vast such that we would need to devote a whole article to her.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is a highly accomplished Nigerian economist who has received numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. She has been named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the World by Forbes multiple times, as well as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2014 and 2021.
Additionally, she has been recognized as one of the
25 Most Influential Women by the Financial Times, Minister of the Decade by Nigeria’s This Day newspaper, and one of Transparency International’s Eight Female Anti-Corruption Fighters Who Inspire.
Her impressive list of accolades also includes being named one of the 50 Greatest World Leaders by Fortune, Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy, and Top Three Most Powerful Women in Africa by Forbes.
2. Chidinma Adetshina
Ever since the win of Agbani Darego as Miss World 2001, Nigeria has starved for years in seeing another beauty queen win big on the international pageant floor. But this year changed for the better, Chidinma Adetshina, Miss Universe Nigeria bagged the first runner-up at the Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico. It was indeed an avenue to prove that we have got beauty, poise, charisma and intelligence in Nigerian folks.

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This achievement was indeed a headswell moment for Nigerians as it was the highest achieving position Nigeria has ever received in the Miss Universe pageantry contest. Chidinma,23 was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania in Mexico on Saturday night.
3. Hilda Baci
Hilda shook tables in 2023 with her cooking marathon. She set a trail in the world of cook-a-thon
In 2023, Hilda Baci set a new Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, lasting an impressive 93 hours and 11 minutes. Although she initially cooked for 100 hours, a seven-hour deduction was made due to a longer break than allowed.

This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record of 88 hours, set by Indian chef Lata Tondon in 2019.
The record-breaking chef, Baci, is no stranger to competitive kitchen events. In 2021, she emerged victorious in the inaugural “Jollof Faceoff,” defeating contestants, including a Ghanaian rival in the final, to claim the title for the best version of West Africa’s iconic spicy rice dish, jollof rice.
Baci credits her passion for cooking to her mother’s culinary techniques, and her recipes are homemade.
4. Kemi Badenoch
Olufunto Kemi Badenoch became the leader of the Conservative Party in November. It was the first time an African woman was holding that position- it was not just the regular African but a Nigerian woman.

Photo Credit: Anadolu Ajansi
Kemi Badenoch, a Member of Parliament representing North West Essex, has made history by becoming the first black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom. She secured this groundbreaking position after winning the leadership contest with 53,806 votes, surpassing her opponent Robert Jenrick 41,388 votes.
As the new leader of the Conservative Party, Badenoch’s achievement marks a significant milestone in British politics. Her Nigerian-British heritage adds to the significance of this moment, inspiring hope for greater diversity and representation in UK politics.
5. Tunde Onakoya
Tunde is the founder of Chess in slums and has been making us proud through his benevolent philanthropy. He recently upped his game by participating in a chess marathon at the New York Times Square and broke the Guinness World Record, exceeding 58 hours of playing chess unbeaten.

In addition to his other pursuits, Onakoya serves on the board of The Gift of Chess, a US-based non-profit organization dedicated to harnessing the transformative power of chess. The organization aims to make a lasting impact on underserved communities by distributing one million chess sets by 2030.
6. Dapo Akande
Professor Dapo Akande is a highly accomplished international lawyer, originally qualified in Nigeria, with extensive expertise in various international legal issues. His impressive career spans multiple roles, including counsel, adviser, and expert in several high-profile cases before international courts and tribunals, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Photo Credit: GOV.UK
As an independent practitioner, Professor Akande has advised governments from all five United Nations’ regional groups, as well as international organizations like the UN and the African Union. His expertise encompasses a broad range of topics, including international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international economic law.
Professor Akande has worked on cases related to armed conflicts, humanitarian relief operations, and international criminal law. He has also advised on human rights cases, including those related to extrajudicial executions and the right to life. Additionally, he has experience in international trade and investment law, having advised states and organizations on related matters.
Professor Akande’s academic background is equally impressive, with positions held at the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and other prestigious institutions. His commitment to advancing international law and his extensive experience make him an exceptional candidate for the ICJ.