Naija Excellence: 10 Nigerians Who Made Global Impact in 2024

In 2024, Nigerians have broken barriers across various fields, leaving a powerful impact on the global stage. From business and politics to sports and culture, these individuals are redefining what’s possible and amplifying Nigeria’s presence worldwide.

In this list, we spotlight 10 remarkable Nigerians whose accomplishments not only reflect their personal resilience but also highlight the growing influence of Nigeria in the global arena. 

1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

On November 29, 2024, the General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) unanimously agreed to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, starting on September 1, 2025. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who became the first woman and first African to lead the WTO in March 2021, has earned widespread recognition for her leadership and strategic vision. Her reappointment reflects strong support for her efforts to enhance the WTO’s role in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade.

2. Tony Elumelu & UBA  

During President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to France, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA Group, signed a key cooperation agreement with French Finance Minister Antoine Armand, with Presidents Tinubu and Macron present. This agreement supports UBA’s expansion into France, reinforcing its commitment to providing seamless banking services across Africa, Europe, and beyond. With Paris as its European hub, UBA continues to grow its global network alongside London, New York, and Dubai. The bank operates in 20 African countries, as well as the UK, USA, France, and UAE, serving over 45 million customers worldwide.

3. Aliko Dangote 

In 2024, Aliko Dangote experienced extraordinary wealth growth. His net worth surged by $2.02 billion in just 17 days, rising from $15.08 billion on January 1 to $17.1 billion by January 17. Later in the year, on October 16, Dangote set a new personal record, with his wealth increasing by N24 trillion in a single day, reaching $28 billion. This boost propelled him back into the top 100 richest people in the world.

4. Tunde Onakoya
   

In April 2024, Nigerian chess champion Tunde Onakoya made history by breaking the world record for the longest chess marathon. Playing for 60 hours nonstop at New York City’s Times Square, he surpassed the previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds set in 2018. Facing American chess champion Shawn Martinez, Onakoya used the event to raise $126,074.46 for The Gift of Chess, a nonprofit supporting chess education for African children. His feat attracted hundreds of supporters, including Nigerian Afrobeats stars like Adekunle Gold, Davido amongst others from around the world while also earning praise from President Tinubu, cementing his status as a national hero.

5. Fola David
   

In 2024, Fola David, a visual artist and medical doctor, achieved a historic milestone by breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest individual drawing with his 1,000-meter-long artwork titled Unity in Diversity. The piece, which promotes peace and unity among Nigeria’s diverse tribes, surpassed the previous record of 629.98 square meters held by India’s Ravi Soni. The project, completed at Lagos’ Onikan Stadium, garnered widespread support from notable figures such as Peter Obi, Hilda Baci, and other celebrities, alongside students from the University of Lagos.

6. Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman, a standout forward for Atalanta in Serie A and the Nigeria national team, had an extraordinary 2024 season, marked by historic achievements. He was crowned the CAF Men’s Player of the Year, becoming the seventh Nigerian to win the prestigious award. Lookman’s stellar performances included scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, leading Atalanta to their first-ever title in the competition. With 22 goals and 12 assists across 42 matches, Lookman cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest football talents.

7. Pelumi Nubi

In 2024, British-Nigerian travel content creator Pelumi Nubi achieved a historic milestone as the first Black woman to drive solo from London to Lagos. Completing the 68-day journey on April 7, she navigated challenges such as border restrictions in Sierra Leone and issues with West African crossings, all while documenting her adventure on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Nubi’s journey highlighted Africa’s beauty and dispelled negative stereotypes. Her achievement was celebrated by the Lagos State government, which honored her with a new car, a house, and a tourism ambassadorship, solidifying her role as a trailblazer and an inspiration to many.

8. Adebayo Ogunlesi

In 2024, Adebayo Ogunlesi was at the center of several significant milestones. In January, BlackRock acquired Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for $12.5 billion, with Ogunlesi, the chairman and co-founder of GIP, joining BlackRock as part of the deal. Later in November, he was appointed to BlackRock’s Board of Directors, where he also serves as a Senior Managing Director and a member of the firm’s Global Executive Committee. Additionally, Ogunlesi earned recognition on the prestigious Forbes list of the 50 wealthiest Black Americans in 2024.
 

9. Jerry Eze

In August 2024, Pastor Jerry Uchechukwu Eze hosted the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD) UK Conference at London’s Twickenham Stadium, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 82,000 attendees. Held at the world’s largest dedicated rugby union venue, the event aimed to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and advance the Kingdom of God. Many UK residents left their jobs to participate in this monumental gathering. Pastor Jerry Eze, a prominent figure in the Pentecostal movement and convener of the widely popular NSPPD online prayer platform, continues to inspire millions with his ministry.

10. Ayra Starr 

In 2024, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr joined Coldplay as an opening act on their Music of the Spheres World Tour, marking a significant milestone in her career. She performed in Australia and New Zealand, captivating audiences with hits like “Sability” and “Commas.” Ayra also collaborated with Coldplay on their album Moon Music, featuring on the track “Good Feeling,” making her the fourth woman to work with the band after Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Selena Gomez. Sharing the stage with Zimbabwean singer Shone and Australian artist Emmanuel Kelly, Ayra further solidified her global presence. Known for her unique style and magnetic performances, she continues to break barriers, including being the first Nigerian female lead artist to receive a Grammy nomination.

Final Thoughts 

The story of Nigeria’s rising global influence is not just one of individual success, but of collective ambition, creativity, and leadership. Their achievements in 2024 mark just the beginning of a journey of progress and innovation, signaling that Nigeria’s impact on the global stage is only set to grow.