President Bola Tinubu, businessman and Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Nigerian footballer and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, and Grammy award-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, were among Nigerians who made the list of the most influential Africans.
This is according to a publication by New African magazine released Tuesday, being its listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023.
The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields 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 said Nigeria was the country most represented on the list, highlighting the country’s dominance in the creative sector and business.
In the politics and public service section, Kenyan President William Ruto, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, President of the African Development Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, among others were named alongside Tinubu.
In the sports category, Osimhen and the President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, were named alongside others.
In the creative industry, Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Temilade Openiyi, aka Tems, were named while Dangote made the list of influential persons in the business category.
Tinubu was on May 29, 2023, sworn in as Nigeria’s President after defeating his major rivals, who were Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party.
Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category after beating four other nominees at the 63rd Grammys in 2021.
The head of Kenya’s election body in August 2022 declared Ruto the winner of the country’s closely-fought presidential poll.
Osimhen, who was crowned 2023 African Player of The Year, was also voted the Sportsman of The Year by fans and readers of PUNCH Sports Extra in late December 2023.
The Napoli superstar was given the nod ahead of Barcelona Femeni striker, Asisat Oshoala, women’s 100m hurdles world record holder, Tobi Amusan, and four-time winner of the Bundesliga Rookie of The Month award, Victor Boniface.