President Bola Tinubu, businessman and Dangote Group Chairman Aliko Dangote, Nigerian footballer and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and Grammy award-winning singer Damini Ogulu, widely known as Burna Boy were among the Nigerians who made the list of the most important Africans.
This is according to a list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 published by New African magazine on Tuesday.
The list recognizes and honors Africans from many disciplines and sectors who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world.
“The list features a diverse and inspiring group of men and women, who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision in their respective domains. They include politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, sports personalities, and more.
“The list also reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era,” a statement by the publishers said, adding that “creatives dominate the ranking with 31 representatives.”
The magazine also stated that Nigeria was the most represented country on the list, underlining the country’s supremacy in the creative and business sectors.
In the part on politics and public service, Tinubu was joined by Kenyan President William Ruto, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and African Development Bank President Akinwunmi Adesina, among others.
Osimhen and Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football, were among those honored in the sports category.
Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Temilade Openiyi, nicknamed Tems, were named in the creative field, while Dangote was named in the business category.
Tinubu was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023, after beating his main competitors, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021, defeating four other contenders.
In August 2022, the head of Kenya’s election commission pronounced Ruto the victor of the country’s tightly contested presidential election.
Osimhen, who was named African Player of the Year in 2023, was also named Sportsman of the Year in late December 2023 by fans and readers of PUNCH Sports Extra.
The Napoli star was chosen over Barcelona Femeni attacker Asisat Oshoala, women’s 100m hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan, and four-time Bundesliga Rookie of the Month Victor Boniface.
Credit: Punchng