BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In what has been described as a stirring celebration of women’s excellence, resilience, and impact, the MMS Women of Fortune Hall of Fame (WoFHoF) has honoured five outstanding Nigerian women as the Accelerated Amazons of 2025.
The recognition, held in the spirit of the International Women’s Season, acknowledged their remarkable contributions to nation-building through professionalism, leadership, and service to humanity.
The event, themed “2025 Accelerated Amazons and MMS Hall of Famers’ Day to Mark the 2025 International Women’s Season,” brought together a vibrant cross-section of professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates who applauded the accomplishments of the honourees.
Among those celebrated were Mrs. Queen Ajayi, Assistant General Manager of Training and Human Resources Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); Mrs. Florence Onweagba of the Nigerian Ports Authority; Dr. Ada Onwuka, an economist; Dr. Ahmadu Binta, a respected medical doctor; and Mrs. Virginia Nzeribe of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
These women were recognised for their tireless work in shaping industries, uplifting communities, and advancing the cause of women in leadership.
Convener of the initiative, Mr. Kingsley Anaroke, described the MMS Women of Fortune Hall of Fame as a platform designed to empower women and celebrate their strengths.
“WoFHoF is a platform to recognize women of virtue, creativity, morality, professionalism, leadership capacity, courage, mentorship inclination, and enviable womanhood,” he said, affirming the mission to spotlight the brilliance and character of African women who are driving transformation in their spheres of influence.
Chief Chinwe Ezenwa, who served as chief host of the event, acknowledged the progress women have made but reminded the audience that the struggle for equality remains unfinished.
Referencing the landmark 1995 Beijing Platform for Action, she reiterated that “women’s rights are human rights,” while encouraging the continued dismantling of stereotypes and structural barriers.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Oluwakayode Alonge, Group Head of Human Resources at Sifax Group, emphasized the core values at the heart of meaningful empowerment. “Empowerment begins from within,” he said.
“Truth, integrity, and purpose are the bedrock for personal and professional transformation.”
In an emotional moment of recognition, the five honourees were decorated by Chief Ezenwa, assisted by Mr. Anaroke and Mr. Alonge, as the audience responded with admiration and applause. One of the recipients, Mrs. Queen Ajayi, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the honour.
“I’m deeply honoured and grateful to God, my family, and the organizers. This recognition strengthens my resolve to continue working with passion and purpose,” she said.
The ceremony was graced by members of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Women in Logistics and Transport Nigeria (WiLAT), and their President, Mrs. Khadijat Sheidu-Shabi, alongside friends, family, and well-wishers who came to celebrate the spirit and strength of womanhood.
According to the attendees, the MMS WoFHoF event stood not only as a celebration but also as a call to action, a reminder that as women continue to break boundaries and lift others along the way.
They also remain central to shaping a more inclusive and empowered society.
