100 Nigerian Business Owners and Professionals to Watch Out for in 2025

Who are the Nigerians to watch in 2025? What industries are they transforming? Where and how did these changemakers make their mark? Why do they deserve recognition, and when can you learn more about them?

The answers lie in the 100 Nigerian Business Owners and Professionals to Watch Out for in 2025 list, compiled by Rank Bank in collaboration with Top100ng.

This list was unveiled during the maiden edition of The Top 100 Event, held on January 1st, a date now dedicated to celebrating excellence and potential in Nigeria’s business and professional landscape.

Dr. Rev Mike Osunbor, Director of Rank Bank, described the initiative as a groundbreaking step toward inspiring mentorship and fostering collaboration.

“Nigeria needs to continue her belief in mentorship, and our partnership with Top100ng will help build platforms that encourage such programs,” he said, emphasizing the event’s significance in recognizing and motivating trailblazers.

This inaugural list highlights individuals from diverse sectors—business, technology, healthcare, media, real estate, entertainment, and more—who are reshaping industries with innovation and leadership.

It features both seasoned entrepreneurs and emerging professionals who are positioned to make an impact in 2025.

Veterans like Tony Elumelu, a global ambassador for African entrepreneurship, and Folorunsho Alakija, a symbol of resilience in business, lead the pack.

Rising stars such as Odunayo Eweniyi, co-founder of PiggyVest, and Shola Akinlade, co-founder of Paystack, represent the future of fintech innovation.

Up-and-coming professionals like Temi Giwa-Tubosun of LifeBank and Iyinoluwa Aboyej, an investor and serial entrepreneur, are proving that social impact and profitability can coexist.

Visionaries like Ruth Obih of 3Invest are redefining real estate with a focus on sustainability and innovation. In media and entertainment, stalwarts like Mo Abudu and Kunle Afolayan continue to lead global storytelling efforts, while Tems and Burna Boy serve as cultural ambassadors through music.

Young professionals like Olawale Ayilara of Landwey are demonstrating that age is no barrier to success in the property market.

The Full List:Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave; Odunayo Eweniyi, co-founder of PiggyVest; Shola Akinlade, co-founder of Paystack; Tobi Asehinde, founder of Digital Marketing Skill Institute; Chijioke Dozie, co-founder of Carbon; Onyeka Akumah, founder of FarmCrowdy; Fara Ashiru Jituboh, CEO of Okra; Bosun Tijani, CEO of Co-Creation Hub; Damilola Olokesusi, founder of Shuttlers; Adia Sowho, Chief Marketing Officer at MTN Nigeria.

Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings; Ibukun Awosika, former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria; Ola Brown, founder of Flying Doctors Healthcare Investment Company; Akin Alabi, founder of NairaBET; Tayo Oviosu, CEO of Paga; Kola Aina, founder of Ventures Platform; Bolaji Balogun, CEO of Chapel Hill Denham; Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Bank; Uzoma Dozie, founder of Sparkle Bank; Yewande Sadiku, former Executive Secretary of NIPC.

Ray Anyasi, of Bookause and Obiekezie Godwin. Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, writer; Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums; Kunle Afolayan, filmmaker; Kemi Adetiba, filmmaker and creator of “King of Boys”; Davido, musician and philanthropist; Burna Boy, Grammy Award-winning artist; Toke Makinwa, media personality; Funke Akindele, actress and producer; Banky W, singer and politician.Dr. Ola Brown, healthcare investor; Dr. Awele Elumelu, founder of Avon Medical; Temie Giwa-Tubosun, founder of LifeBank; Dr. Adeola Olubamiji, founder of STEMHub Foundation; Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, CEO of 54Gene; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO; Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, founder of Stand to End Rape (STER); Dr. Onyema Ogbuagu, Yale professor and COVID-19 vaccine researcher.

Rotimi Williams, founder of Kereksuk Rice Farm; Ada Osakwe, founder of Agrolay Ventures; Mezuo Nwuneli, co-founder of Sahel Capital; Nkiru Balonwu, founder of RDF; Tope Omotolani, co-founder of Crowdyvest; Ifedolapo Runsewe, founder of Freetown Waste Management; Munirat Ojotu, sustainable agriculturist; Olusegun Paul Andrew, aquaculture specialist; Femi Adeyemo, CEO of Arnergy Solar; Chike Nwobu, green energy advocate.

Lisa Folawiyo, fashion designer; Deola Sagoe, fashion entrepreneur; Mai Atafo, bespoke tailor; Amaka Osakwe, founder of Maki Oh; Toyin Lawani, founder of Tiannah’s Empire; Denola Grey, fashion consultant; Ejiro Amos Tafiri, designer; Sandra Udeh, founder of Aurora By Udeh; Banke Meshida Lawal, celebrity makeup artist; Folake Coker, founder of Tiffany Amber.

Chioma Ifeanyi-Eze, founder of AccountingHub; Obinna Ukwuani, robotics educator; Seun Onigbinde, co-founder of BudgIT; Gbenga Sesan, founder of Paradigm Initiative; Opeyemi Awoyemi, co-founder of Jobberman; Kehinde Ajose, personal branding expert; Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, founder of Rise Networks; Blessing Abeng, branding consultant; Uju Anya, academic researcher; Babs Ogundeyi, co-founder of Kuda Bank.

Ediale Kingsley, founder of Sabistation; Brenda Unuavworho, architect and leader of Sterling Realties Development Company; Silas Ozoya, founder and CEO of SUBA Capital; Abiodun Ayobami, CEO of TutorForMyKids; Glory Olamigoke, founder of TekNexus Africa; Nancy Ogbue-Nwosu, founder of Nanios Media Agency; Precious Azuonwu, founder of Bankable Wisdom; Ugo Peters, founder of HXafrica; Debbie Agboola, founder of Smart Brands Africa.Tobi Amusan, world champion athlete; Victor Osimhen, footballer; Anthony Joshua, heavyweight boxer.

Pamela Udoka, Family Wellness Therapy Center. Alex Iheanachor. Kelechi Anyalechi, founder of REVAMP Africa; Damilare Fakorede, managing partner of Ainova Africa; Yetunde Olagboye Michael-Onu, Executive/Creative Director of TRENDY KIDDIES’ STITCHES N APPARELS; Godswill Akan, founder of BlueCreators; Edafe Matthew EseOghene, co-founder and CEO of GEAP-F MEDIA LTD; Attai Udia, sports scout and humanitarian; Aneke Atta, CEO of Aneke/Players Management Group; Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdullahi, entrepreneur and founder of Business Women Networking; Oluchi Orlandi, supermodel.Barinaada Bema Alexander, founder of Barinaada Legal.

Oyinlola Sale, founder of Women Connect; Dolapo Oni, TV personality; Hakeem Belo-Osagie, business leader; Dakore Akande, actress and advocate; Betty Irabor, founder of Genevieve Magazine; Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder of House of Tara; Goke Coker, CEO of Food Concepts; Ugo Udezue, founder of African Basketball League.

The list highlights a range of transformative leaders across industries.

Ololade Adenekan, COO of LP Jets and founder of Maman Avia Initiative, stands out for her contributions to aviation training and women’s empowerment.

Nelly Agbogu, the founder of Naija Brand Chick and Nellies Healthy Food, has made significant strides in promoting healthy living in Lagos as well as assist SMEs with her tradefair platform.

Alex Iheanacho, an Amazon bestselling author and finance coach, is empowering individuals with savings strategies. Meanwhile, Ediale Kingsley, founder of Sabistation, is disrupting the PR space by ensuring business stories are properly documented and shared across credible platforms.

Several individuals on the list are committed to empowering women and fostering personal growth. Brenda Unuavworho, an architect with over 20 years of experience, leads Sterling Realties Development Company and the Women’s Growth Academy.

She mentors women in uncovering their core message and achieving greatness.

Nancy Ogbue-Nwosu, a digital marketing consultant and founder of Nanios Media Agency, is shaping the next generation of social media managers through her 30-day online school.

Glory Olamigoke, founder of TekNexus Africa, mentors African tech talents while organizing impactful tech conferences.Technology and innovation play a central role for many honorees. Silas Ozoya, CEO of SUBA Capital, leverages technology to provide financial solutions, helping over 7,000 individuals create wealth.

Abiodun Ayobami, CEO of TutorForMyKids, is revolutionizing education through a digital platform that connects students with tutors, while also scaling a digital marketing network across Africa.

Ugo Peters, founder of HXafrica, is using blockchain technology to make real estate accessible to low- and middle-income earners.

Ray Anyasi is the founder of Bookause, a UK and Nigeria-based company promoting African books, comics, and Geek lifestyle merchandise. Focused on building a sustainable market for African creators, Bookause supports publishers in generating revenue and boosting Nigeria’s comic industry as an economic contributor.

Ray, a Scotland-based author, comic creator, and screenwriter, also serves on the Society of Authors in Scotland and Literary Alliance Scotland boards.

Obiekezie Godwin, with over a decade of experience, specializes in providing commercial kitchen and food processing equipment.

Trusted by top brands like Ebeano and Moppet, he helps businesses streamline operations, prioritizing client success through quality products and exceptional service.

Others are dedicated to creating meaningful social impact. Precious Azuonwu, founder of Bankable Wisdom, has empowered over 75,000 users across Africa with digital skills and healthcare solutions. Kelechi Anyalechi, founder of REVAMP Africa, has impacted over 182,000 underserved children and youths through education and leadership initiatives.

Aneke Atta, CEO of Aneke/Players Management Group, uses his platform to nurture African football talent and place them in top international clubs.Dynamic leaders continue to shape industries with their expertise and vision.

Damilare Fakorede, managing partner at Ainova Africa, drives digital transformation through AI solutions.

Godswill Akan, founder of BlueCreators, helps brands achieve maximum visibility and profitability in advertising. In the same form, Barinaada Bema Alexander, founder of Barinaada Legal, supports startups and SMEs in navigating corporate and commercial law, solidifying her position as an innovator in legal practice.

This diverse group of individuals exemplifies excellence and serves as an inspiration for the coming year.The 100 Nigerian Business Owners and Professionals to Watch Out for in the 2025 list is more than a celebration of achievements—it’s a platform for inspiration.

As Dr. Osunbor aptly stated, “This event has come to stay.” With mentorship and collaboration at its core, this initiative sets the stage for a brighter future in Nigeria’s business and professional ecosystem.