This International Women’s Day, in honor of black history month —and because, common Chelsea, we Nigerians are full of ourselves, with good reason 😎—we’re celebrating Black women’s resilience, strength, and pure audacity but let’s be honest, Nigerian women take this to elite levels.
Being a woman? Already tough.
Being a Black woman? Even tougher.
Being a Nigerian Black woman? At this point, you deserve a national monument.
Today, we will be honoring These Nigerian women who didn’t just break barriers, they completely ignored them! Let’s get into it!
1. Queen Amina of Zazzau – The Original Mother of Dragons.
Long before swords and shields were reserved for men, Queen Amina of Zazzau (now Zaria) was out here leading armies, expanding her empire, and making neighboring rulers nervous.
At a time when women were expected to stay indoors and learn embroidery, Amina was out “collecting war trophies instead of wedding rings”. She expanded her kingdom with pure military brilliance, and legend has it that the famous city walls in Northern Nigeria—Ganuwar Amina—were built by her.
Her motto was probably something like “Who needs a prince when you can have an army?” or “If you see me fighting a bear, help the bear!”🤺
2. Queen Moremi Ajasoro – The KJB + CIA Love Child
Moremi wasn’t just a queen; she was basically the first-ever secret agent.
When Ile-Ife was under attack by mysterious raiders, she basically volunteered to be “captured” (talk about a Super Hero + God complex). She even married the enemy’s leader to gather intel, and then escaped like a pro which ultimately helped her people secure victory.
She sacrificed a lot for her people, and today, she’s worshipped as a Yoruba goddess. Meanwhile, you can barely sacrifice some sleep to pray 👀 Yes I’m talking to you!
3. Madam Tinubu – The Billionaire Before Billionaires Were a Thing
Madam Tinubu was a 19th-century business mogul and political heavyweight. While other traders were making small sales, she dominated Lagos and Abeokuta’s trade industry like it was the stock market.
She also used her power to fight slavery, and when the British and local rulers tried to intimidate her? She basically laughed in their faces and expanded her empire some more! THIS is the definition of AURA.
If she were still alive today, she’d probably own us and half of Lagos and still be asking for receipts.
4. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti – The Feminist Who Made Men Nervous
Before feminism was a “WOKE” movement, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was out here leading protests, challenging colonial rule, and fighting for women’s rights.
She led thousands of women in the “Abeokuta Women’s Revolt” against unfair taxes—and guess what? she WON!. Also, she was the first Nigerian woman to drive a car (because, obviously, she had places to be).
Oh, and let’s not forget—she gave birth to Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat legend, proving that greatness clearly ran in her DNA.
Boy, would we have loved to see her in action!
5. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – The Economist Who Makes World Leaders Sweat
If money had a guardian angel—and very strict one at that— it would be Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
She was the first woman to serve as Nigeria’s Finance Minister—twice! And when the World Trade Organization needed a leader, she became its first-ever female and African Director-General (because why not break TWO records at once?).
With her Harvard-MIT education, signature Ankara headwraps, and no-nonsense attitude, she’s proof that brains, style, and power go hand in hand.
Honestly, if she handled our bank accounts, we’d all be millionaires by now but alas, you’re here shouting about Data plans… sigh. 😔
6. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – The Woman Who Made Beyoncé Take Notes
Chimamanda doesn’t just write—she owns words. From Half of a Yellow Sun to Americanah, she tells stories so powerfully, you start questioning your own existence and get transported back to the days of tales under the moonlight and sweaty promises. She’s also the voice behind the legendary “We Should All Be Feminists” TED Talk—the very one Beyoncé sampled in Flawless (because when Chimamanda speaks, even Queen Bey listens).
If words could fight, Chimamanda would have an entire UFC championship belt collection by now. 🥊
7. Amina Mohammed – The UN Boss Who Runs the World (Literally)
If world leaders need real solutions, who do they call? Amina Mohammed!
As the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, she’s making decisions that affect the entire planet. From climate change to gender equality, she’s fighting for Africa to have a stronger voice on the global stage.
At this point, she’s basically the president of common sense.
Remember we said 8? Well, the 8th slot is for all the lovely women reading this blog and using our app day in day out! YOU ARE THE REAL MVPs!
Nigerian women have never waited for permission to be great, and we don’t just break barriers—we bulldoze them, dance on the pieces, and build empires on top.
So today, let’s celebrate ourselves, learn from these amazing women , and channel that same energy. Because if there’s one thing Nigerian women have always been, it’s UNSTOPPABLE!
Happy International Women’s Day one again!
