Nigerians Always on the First Row

The 2024 ForbesBLK 50 list celebrates exceptional Black individuals driving progress in business and beyond. Among them are three Nigerians—Adebayo Ogunlesi, Tope Awotona, and Wemimo Abbey—whose impactful achievements exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation Nigerians are renowned for.

Ogunlesi’s remarkable journey can be said to be one that showcases the heights Nigerians can attain on the global stage. As chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), Ogunlesi orchestrated its $12.5 billion acquisition by BlackRock, solidifying his leadership in global finance. His net worth of $1.7 billion can be labeled the culmination of decades of strategic investments and pioneering initiatives.

Awotona, another Nigerian trailblazer, has redefined productivity with Calendly, a software platform worth $3 billion. Moving to the U.S. as a teenager, Awotona transformed personal challenges into opportunities, founding one of the most successful tech start-ups globally. His achievements resonate with the drive and resilience that define Nigerian entrepreneurship.

At just 32, Abbey’s inclusion on the list demonstrates that age is no barrier to excellence. Abbey co-founded Esusu, a fintech platform that empowers renters and promotes financial inclusion. With its services impacting over 1.8 million Americans, Abbey has carved a space for innovative solutions in addressing systemic financial inequalities.

The ForbesBLK 50 does not merely celebrate wealth but acknowledges individuals shaping industries and communities. These Nigerians have influenced not only their respective fields but also the broader African community worldwide, reinforcing the power of representation and ambition.

Ogunlesi, Awotona, and Abbey each carry unique narratives of perseverance, education, and transformative ideas. Whether through global infrastructure, technological innovation, or financial inclusion, their contributions reinforce Nigeria’s prominence in driving positive change globally.

For Nigerians, this recognition is a source of collective pride. These trailblazers embody a vision of possibility, demonstrating that global impact is attainable through ambition, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting others.

They remind the world that, humble though we are, Nigerians will always be on the first row, leading with excellence.