7 Notable Female Role Models from Imo State

Nigerian women have always been at the forefront of great things. In the past weeks, NRTC has identified notable female role models from various parts of the country. In this article, we recognize another seven women, this time from Imo State.

We started out with highlighting seven female personalities from Delta State. Thereafter, we moved to Edo and Lagos States. Our last stop was Ogun State.

1. Rita Dominic

Rita Dominic is an award-winning actress from Mbaise, Imo State. She was born on July 12, 1975. She is a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt. Her flair for acting started as a child.

While growing up, she performed in school plays and television shows in her home state. However, her acting prowess has not gone unnoticed. She won the Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Magic Academy Award in 2012.

2. Chidinma Ekile

Chidinma Ekile is a songwriter and singer who gained fame after she won the third edition of Project Fame West Africa in 2010. Although born in Lagos on 2 May 1991, her parents are originally from Imo State. The beautiful singer started her career as a chorister at her church. Her hit tracks include ‘Emi Ni Baller’, ‘Jankoliko‘, and ‘Kedike’.

Consequently, she has had some chart-topping collaborations over the years. They include songs with Sound Sultan, Muna, Olamide, That Suspect, and Flavour. At the Kora Awards in 2012, she won the Best Female West African Act.

3. Onyeka Onwenu

Onyeka Onwenu is an actress, politician, singer, journalist, human and social rights activist. She was born on January 31, 1952. The former X Factor series judge is popularly known as the Elegant Stallion.

She was made the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director for Women Development in 2013. Besides, she is the former chairperson of the Imo State Council for Arts & Culture.

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Her academic qualifications include a BA in International Relations and Communication from Wellesley College, Massachusetts. In addition, she has an MA in Media Studies from The New School for Social Research, New York. She was also a reporter and newscaster with NTA.

4. Stephanie Linus

Stephanie Linus (nee Okereke) is a model, film director and actress. The former beauty queen was born in Imo State on October 2, 1982. For her outstanding work, she won the Reel Award Best Actress in 2003 and the Afro Hollywood Award for Best Actress in 2006. She is an alumnus of the University of Calabar and New York Film Academy.

Besides, she was decorated with a national honour as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011. Her portfolio includes ‘Through The Glass‘ and ‘Dry’. It is paramount to note that Dry won the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for Best Overall Movie in 2016.

5. Genevieve Nnaji

Genevieve Nnaji is an actress, director and producer. She was born on May 3, 1979. In 2005, she became the first actor to win the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She was honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2011 for her contribution to the Nigerian film industry.

Lion Heart, the movie in which she made her directorial debut, is the first Netflix Original film from Nigeria. A graduate of the University of Lagos, she was referred to as ‘the Julia Roberts of Africa’ by Oprah Winfrey. Furthermore, Nnaji is a feminist who stands for the rights of the girl-child.

6. Linda Ikeji

Born in Nkwerre, Imo State on 19 September 1980, Linda Ifeoma Ikeji is a writer, blogger, entrepreneur, and a former model. She studied English Language at the University of Lagos. She became an active blogger in 2007. Also, she launched her media house including the Linda Ikeji Music on November 21, 2016.

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Ikeji is the convener of “I’d rather be self-made; No thanks”, a project aimed at supporting young girls in entrepreneurship. Forbes recognized her as one of Africas 20 Most Prominent Women in its August 2012 Issue. For her profound work in Business and Media in Africa, Trinity International University in Georgia honored her with an Honorary Doctorate Degree on August 8, 2018.

7. Chioma Ajunwa-Opara

Chioma Ajunwa-Opara is a former athlete, renowned for being the first Nigerian to win an Olympic gold medal. She was born on December 25, 1970. As an athlete, she specialized in long jump. She is also the first African to win a gold medal in a field event.

Her antecedents include being the only woman to compete in the Olympic games doing track and field, and as a footballer in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Following her feat in the 1996 Olympic games, she was honoured as a Member of the Order of Niger (MON). Ajunwa is also an officer with the Nigerian Police Force.