The just-concluded 17th Global ELOY Awards has been hailed as one of the most impactful and successful editions yet, celebrating exceptional women (and male allies) who continue to drive transformation across industries in Nigeria and beyond.

Held under the theme “The Year of the Confidently Audacious Woman,” the awards honoured leading women in entrepreneurship, media, creative arts, wellness, agriculture, finance, technology, and nation-building. This year’s event marked an elevated celebration of excellence, visibility, empowerment, and community.

A major highlight of the night was the recognition of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who received the ELOY HE4SHE Award for his unwavering support for gender equality and the advancement of women-focused initiatives.

Other spotlight honourees included:

• Victory Wilson, celebrated as the ELOY Event Host of the Year, recognised for her captivating stage presence and professionalism.
• Dr. Kate Isa, recipient of the ELOY Recognition Award for Science and Innovation, honoured for her leadership in laboratory innovation and science education.
• Adaora Akojuru (Beta Agric) and Affiong Williams (Reel Fruits), who both took home the ELOY Award for Agriculture/Agropreneur, highlighting women transforming the agricultural value chain.

The night also recognised outstanding achievers across multiple categories from print journalism and tech innovation to humanitarian leadership, creative arts, wellness advocacy, and fashion.

Full List of ELOY Awards Winners include;

1. ELOY Awards for Real Estate & Construction

Candace Ebhomielen-Uaboi – MD/CEO, BlueDutch Limited

2. ELOY Award for Tech

Nkemdilim Begho – CEO, Future Software Resources Ltd

3. ELOY Award for Print Media Journalist

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha – BusinessDay

4. ELOY Award for Creative Arts (Acting)

Sonia Uche

5. ELOY Award for Hair Business Sponsored by Lush Hair (lush hair logo)

Koyinsola Vera-Cruz – Tresses Lagos

6. ELOY Award for Public Relations

Omawumi Ogbe – GLG Communications

7. ELOY Award for Arts

Ibukun  Ajagbe (aka “IBQuake”)

8. ELOY Award for Culinary Arts

Ngozi Adighotu (Hungrillville Kitchen)

9. ELOY for Wellness

Chioma Fakorede (Olamma Care Foundation)

10. ELOY Award for On Air Personality

Esther Nwankwo (Baby Lawyer) – Yanga 89.9FM

11. TV Personality

Ojy Okpe – Arise TV

12. ELOY Award for Event Host

Victory Wilson

13. ELOY Brand That Supports Women Empowerment

Honouring a company or brand championing women through initiatives, funding, or products.
Wema Bank. Sara by Wema

14. ELOY Award for Youtube Filmmaker

Sonia Uche

15. ELOY Award for Agric/Agropreneur

Recognising women transforming the agriculture value chain.

1. Affiong Williams – Reel Fruits
2. Adaora Akojuru – Beta Agric Ventures Limited.

16. ELOY Award for Fahshion Sponsored by Wema Bank, Sara by Wema logo

Mrs. Yewande Zaccheus (CEO of Eventful Ltd and Chairman of “The
Fashion Souk” )

17. ELOY Recognition Award for Science and Innovation

Dr. Kate Isa. CEO, The Katchey Group

18. ELOY Visionary Leader Award

Omoyemi Akerele, Lagos Fashion Week / Style House Files

19. ELOY Award for Entrepreneurship 

Elizabeth Elohor, Beth Model Africa

20. ELOY Award in Education

Dr. Ronke Adeniyi (RonkePosh) – Educationist, Director & Parent Coach, LePoshe School

21. ELOY Lagacy Builder Award

Tara Fela Durotoye

22. ELOY Recognition award for digital film innovation

Ruth Kadiri

23. ELOY HE4SHE Recognition Award

For actively supporting and advocating for gender equality, inclusion and female success.

Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu

Founder of the ELOY Awards and CEO of Exquisite Magazine, Dr. Tewa Onasanya, expressed heartfelt gratitude to partners, sponsors, and the entire ELOY community:
“This year’s awards reaffirm our mission to spotlight women who are breaking barriers, building legacies, and leading with courage. The 2025 nominees and winners remind us that women across Africa are unstoppable when given visibility and support.”

The 17th Global ELOY Awards continues to stand as the continent’s leading recognition platform for women’s achievements, celebrating excellence while strengthening networks for inclusion, growth, and economic empowerment.