Entrepreneurs and Leaders Honored at 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year Awards 2026
In a prestigious ceremony held in Lagos, notable Nigerians and distinguished personalities from across Africa were celebrated at the 100 Iconic Personalities of the Year 2026 Awards. Organized by Iconic International Holdings, this high-profile event brought together global leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, creatives, and changemakers for an evening dedicated to honoring excellence, visionary leadership, and transformative impact across multiple sectors.
Commitment to Excellence and Development
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Iconic International Holdings, Tinotenda Michelle Chavundura, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to building a legacy of excellence and amplifying global recognition for impactful leadership. According to her, the platform serves as a catalyst for acknowledging outstanding contributions while promoting innovation, unity, and sustainable development throughout Africa and beyond. Chavundura urged all awardees to continue their efforts towards national and continental development, emphasizing the importance of sustained contributions.
List of Honorees
The event recognized a diverse array of individuals for their achievements. Among those honored were:
- Madam Rachel Makana, Founder and Head of Emmak Group
- Tania Ngo Berthe Shastri, Founder of BJS Access Sarlu
- Ogundare Racheal Omosewa, Founder of The ADARA Initiative
- Maxwell Nosakhare Uwaifo, Managing Partner at Lex Phronesis Solicitors
- Euphrasie Esperance Kayembe, CEO of EEK Agency
- Victoria Lebene, Award-Winning Actress and CEO of The VL Exposure
Additional awardees included Delphine Okoronkwo, an entrepreneur and visionary leader; Rosemary Ofoegbu, an entrepreneur; Dr. Cecilia Ofoegbu-Fajobi, a medical practitioner and mental health clinician; Ogonna Agu, a realtor, interior designer, economist, and founder of Clavoye Interiors; Samukelisiwe Samkee Sibanda, founder of ON Active Wear and an award-winning entrepreneur; Bright Ndibunwa (BrightTheSeer); and Madame Alpha Perla Mboyo.
Further honorees were Amb. Prince Eletu of Lagos, CEO of Eletu Concept and events producer; Minister Matsela Joel Mabelebele, founder of CMJ Ministries; Dr. Josias Jean-Pierre, an author and motivational speaker; Amb. Dr. Omoruan Irene Ejiro; Kechi Ibe, founder and CEO of Kahera Global; Dr. Promise O. Kenneth-Odum, founder of Rukkies House; Dr. Ebosetale Okhueleigbe, president of the Women Mentorship Forum; and Dr. Oberaifo Udoh, CEO of Jafcon Homes Development Ltd.
The list also featured Neo Iyana Masilela, CEO of Neo Healing Institute; Akosua Osei, founder of BeTech Connected; Stephanie Nicholas, a voice-over artist; Yetunde Anifowose, founder of Crystalline Clinic; Dr. Samuel Ndubuisi-Brown, group CEO of BrownCon Group; Dr. Chinweoke Amarachi Okuwobi, founder of Diamond Infinity Foundation; Omiete Inko-Tariah, an investment coach; Grace Muabi, an entrepreneur; and Mikaya Dalmia, district commissioner of Kigamboni.
Other recipients included Amb. Dr. Bernardette Erommaose Nwokoro, founder of the ErommaOse Nwokoro Foundation; Amb. Atsenuwa Raymond Kingsley, a comedian and MC; Amb. Sheriff Ayodele Oderinde, CEO of Eleazar Empire Ltd; Angeline Farai Mundava, founder of Virtuous Farmers; Victoria Smart, a gospel artist and coach; Amb. (Dr.) H.C. Reagan Shole Botale; and actor Lanre Adediwura.
Additional honorees were Violet Mwendwa, founder of Telovi Horizon Investments; Mozes Praiz (Greyboss), a media executive; Hon. Mateus Kanga, president of the Provincial Assembly of Tshopo, DRC; Lydie Kibe, vice president of Afrimechambre; Amb. Mackson Edun; Hon. Dr. Hassan Zamani Mohammed; Ruth Dumbi Mundele, CEO of Tita Cosmetics; and Amb. Dr. Olamide Junaid, founder of OJ Initiatives.
The awards also recognized David Odigie, founder of Polygate Group; Ruggedman, an artist and humanitarian; Abiodun Ayoyinka Richard, an actor and filmmaker; Ms. Richeal Ogbonna, an actress and model; Dr. Princess Kelechi Oghene, a PR expert; Morenike George-Taylor, group COO of 355 Group; Apostle Edith Grace Enajemo; and Orighoye Darren Nobi, founder of the AniMatters Musical Competition.
Further recipients included Amb. Dr. Blessing Lawal Bashorun, CEO of Cabbilicious Foods; Kenny Oshorun-Olayinka, CEO of PKLamour Group; Alex Nwankwo (AlexReports), a media consultant; Josué Kitoko, CEO of De Sophia Soft; Amb. Okoli Mary Chiagoziem, founder of Maylensplace; Amb. Ekwutoziam Ashiedu Chinedu Ogwus, CEO of Ekash Collections; Rotn. Amb. Dr. (Mrs.) Christiana Okenla; and Prof. Eze Chidi Nwauba, vice chancellor of I-FATOSS University.
Among others honored were Hazel Oyeze Onou (Whitemoney), a media personality; Isokoh Edirin Stanley, a content creator; Chinenye Ulaegbu, an actress and storyteller; Anita Natacha Akide (Symply Tacha), an influencer and entrepreneur; Amb. Oghenerume Davidson 'Sirrob' Ogane; Hon. Abraham Oba; Idris Aregbe, an adviser to the Lagos State Government; Bright Grillzz, a chef; Stephanie Reginald, founder of Sofis Kitchen; and Aba Martin (Aba Dope), a chef and TV personality.
The list also featured Amb. Dr. Tatenda C. Matirongo; Rehema Wandali, founder of Golden Star Consultants; Cynthia Chioma Ekeka, principal counsel at Noullex Legal; Jennifer Sam Odeh, an actor and entrepreneur; Darryl Nyamz, managing director of Shara Hairs; Bishop George, an author; Fortune Tagwirei, founder of Quick Rides Car Rental; Ms. Gay Kudakwashe Chindeza; Ronald Moyo, CEO of High Class Car Sales; and Amb. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga.
Other honorees included Jelton Sitoe, an entrepreneur; Chidinma Obairi, founder and creative director; Olagbenga Titiloye, an actor and studio head; Victory Wilson, a TV host and producer; Dr. Summy Smart Francis, president of E-Village; Faiza M. Kaisha, founder of Idaro Skincare; Ogujor Ovie, CEO of King's Plug Empire Hub; and Amb. Akubor Tennyson Danladi, CEO of Akubor Integrated Services Limited.
This event underscores the significant contributions of these individuals to various fields, highlighting their roles in driving progress and innovation across Africa.
