The 17th edition of the prestigious Global ELOY Awards successfully concluded on Saturday night, delivering a powerful celebration of female excellence across Africa. Held under the resonant theme "The Year of the Confidently Audacious Woman," the event solidified its reputation as a leading platform for recognizing women who are transforming industries and driving significant socio-economic progress.
A Night of Recognition for Women and Allies
The ceremony, which took place on December 6, 2025, was not just about honoring women but also acknowledging the men who champion their cause. A significant highlight was the presentation of the ELOY HE4SHE Award to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. He was recognized for his steadfast advocacy for gender equality and his impactful work in advancing policies and initiatives focused on women's welfare.
Founder of the awards and CEO of Exquisite Magazine, Dr. Tewa Onasanya, emphasized the core mission of the platform. She stated that the awards are dedicated to accelerating the visibility of women's accomplishments, providing a stage for those who break barriers and build lasting legacies with courage.
Celebrating Excellence Across Diverse Sectors
The awards showcased a remarkable array of talent from a wide spectrum of fields. In agriculture, Adaora Akojuru of Beta Agric and Affiong Williams of Reel Fruits were jointly honored, highlighting the growing influence of women in agribusiness. The tech category was won by Nkemdilim Begho, CEO of Future Software Resources Ltd.
Victory Wilson was named ELOY Event Host of the Year, while Dr. Kate Isa received the Recognition Award for Science and Innovation for her work with The Katchey Group. The creative industries were well-represented with Sonia Uche winning in the Creative Arts (Acting) category and also being recognized as YouTube Filmmaker of the year.
Other Notable Winners of the Evening
The list of honorees reflects the multifaceted impact of women leaders:
- Real Estate & Construction: Candace Ebhomielen-Uaboi, MD/CEO, BlueDutch Limited
- Print Media Journalist: Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha, BusinessDay
- Public Relations: Omawumi Ogbe, GLG Communications
- On-Air Personality: Esther Nwankwo (Baby Lawyer), Yanga 89.9FM
- TV Personality: Ojy Okpe, Arise TV
- Entrepreneurship: Elizabeth Elohor, Beth Model Africa
- Legacy Builder Award: Tara Fela-Durotoye
- Visionary Leader Award: Omoyemi Akerele, Lagos Fashion Week / Style House Files
Additional awards were given in wellness, culinary arts, fashion, education, and digital film innovation, with Ruth Kadiri taking the latter. Wema Bank's SARA by Wema was celebrated as the Brand that Supports Women Empowerment.
A Continental Catalyst for Empowerment
Now in its 17th year, the Global ELOY Awards continues to strengthen its role as a vital catalyst for women's empowerment on the continent. By spotlighting such a diverse cohort of achievers, the awards foster essential networks that promote greater inclusion, accelerate leadership progression, and fuel economic advancement. The 2025 cohort stands as a powerful reminder of the unstoppable force of African women when they are given visibility and robust support systems.
