We are rounding off the month of March and the celebration of women definitely isn’t coming to a halt. Here at SustyVibes, we have sustainability at our core and we recognise their important roles. In sustainability, Nigerian women are leading the charge in facilitating the practice and awareness of sustainability in the country. From business sustainability to climate mental health, these women have showcased exemplary standards of practice in their work and are doing so in style.
In no order, let’s take you through some of Nigeria’s finest sustainability whizzes
1. Baliqees Salaudeen-Ibrahim
Women like Baliqees prove that there is really no restriction that can stop them. As a young leader, Baliqees is an inspiration to many young activists passionate about climate action and women’s empowerment as she bridges the gap in climate action and social justice. She is the founder of Bays Planet Foundation, She Leads Climate Action and Girl Up Nigeria, and co-founder of Green Republic Farms Limited, an agricultural company that aims to redefine traditional agricultural practices through the use of climate-smart and eco-friendly processes that enables maximum agro-output in and out of season. Baliqees is also on the CEO’s Youth Advisory Panel at Global Centre on Adaptation.
2. Grace Jerry
Where many challenges, Grace sees opportunity. Grace is a gem and has inspired hope in the lives of many people through her organisation Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) which focuses on the promotion of inclusivity of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, including education, employment, and politics. She’s a disability rights activist and is also a Mandela Washington Fellow and WaterAid Nigeria’s official spokesperson on disability in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
3. Rita Idehai
If you’re a recycling lover, then you will need to meet this eco-warrior. A geoscientist and a social entrepreneur, Rita sure knows how to turn Nigeria’s waste problem into an opportunity. She founded her organisation Ecobarter after discovering proper waste management had the potential to address some challenges in the country. And as the founder, Rita understood the plight of waste management and unemployment, and her organisation is tackling both issues by revolutionising the waste industry in the country, thereby creating job opportunities.
4. Naonah Usoroh
If women’s development had many faces, Naona would be part of them. As an Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Lead at Alluvial Agriculture and CEO of Fadhila Crop Science, she facilitates the support of female agripreneurs to grow their business. Through her work on gender with the MasterCard Foundation Project, over 60,000 farmers have gotten support for their businesses. Naona is definitely on a mission to solve food insecurity through block farming, and she is passionate about empowering women with sustainable agribusinesses in Nigeria.
5. Cima Sholatan
If you’re looking for a business sustainability guru, Cima dey for you. Cima is a corporate and sustainability professional and has worked as the Corporate Social Responsibility Head at The Nigerian Stock Exchange and held positions at Access Bank. She is the Director of Sustainability and Corporate Communications at IHS Towers. Cima was recently awarded the Africa Sustainability Professional of the Year at the 16th Edition of the SERAS CSR and Sustainability Awards. Now that’s how stars do.
6. Oghosa Erhohan
A woman with the perks required to take on the sustainability industry, Oghosa is an incredible lawyer and energy expert working in the energy transition. She is also a supporter of women’s representation in the energy industry And also an author of the book “Touching Hydrogen Future” which is inspiring people to get on board with hydrogen technology. Oghosa Erhahon has worked as a power program associate for UK/US donor-funded development programs (UKNIAF (DFID) for the Nigeria Power Sector Program) on the Nigeria electricity supply industry
7. Bekeme Mosade-Olowola
Closing the developmental gap in Nigeria requires leadership in sustainability, and Bekeme does just that. As the founder and Chief Executive of CSR-in-Action, which is a think tank and a training institute dedicated to corporate social responsibility. Bekeme is constantly in search of new ideas and ways to promote sustainability in Nigeria. Bekeme is also a board member at Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), a leading sustainability impact measurement and reporting standards body. Bekeme Masade-Olowola is a well-respected sustainability and communications entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to promoting sustainable development in Nigeria by providing advisory services, training, and networking opportunities to businesses, government agencies, and civil society organisations
8. Sandra Chukwudozie
Nigerian women know how to shine in what they do and they certainly do not see limitations. Sandra Chukwudozie is en route to revolutionising Africa’s energy sector by deepening accessibility to clean energy. As the Founder and CEO of Salpha Energy, her target at Salpha is to provide 30 million people across the African continent with access to clean energy by 2030. And her dedication and passion earned her a spot on the prestigious Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Energy Category.
9. Dr Adunola Okupe
When talking about Nigeria’s leading women, it’s impossible to miss Dr. Adunola Okupe. As a researcher and practitioner in tourism and leadership for societal change she’s no doubt a woman with a knack for all things susty. Dr Adunola has also co-authored a book titled “Africapitalism for Africa’s Development: Rethinking the role of business in Africa“, which emphasises the importance of creating economic value in Africa while also creating social and environmental value. Dr. Adunola was also a lecturer of sustainability and strategy at Lagos Business School and is currently the CEO of Red Clay, a tourism advisory practice in West Africa. Additionally, she is the Executive Director of The Sahara Centre, an organisation that works to promote socio-cultural sustainability in Nigeria.
10. Jennifer Uchendu
A total sustainability boss, Jennifer is a sustainability analyst and ecofeminist with over a decade of experience crushing it at the intersection of gender, climate, youth, and mental health in Africa. Her passion for sustainability grew as she realised the impact of climate change on the environment and people’s emotional well-being. She founded SustyVibes seven years ago and is now working at TEAP to promote climate and mental health awareness. At SustyVibes she has earned the nickname “Susty Mama”!
That’s all folks! These women have showcased exceptional capabilities in their respective fields and it is important to continue supporting and empowering women in sustainability efforts in Nigeria and around the world, as they play a crucial role in building a more sustainable future for all. While many women and young girls grapple with challenges, these leaders are an inspiration to a generation of young women that will receive the torch to continue the journey.