How do you measure a woman’s power? At the ARISE Gala 2025, the answer unfolded with poise, precision, and presence. Held at the prestigious Eko Convention Center in Lagos, this landmark event gathered Nigeria’s most influential women under one roof to celebrate impact—real, measurable, and undeniable.
Organised by ARISE News Channel, the gala marked the grand finale of International Women’s Month, bringing global attention to 80 women who have shaped their industries and redefined what leadership means in a country like Nigeria. From boardrooms to government halls, fashion houses to creative stages, these women have carved their paths, and ARISE Gala 2025 was all about honoring them.
The event wasn’t just a show of recognition but a cultural reset, where fashion, performance, history, and power met in perfect harmony. And the world was watching.
A Night of Power and Prestige
The ARISE Gala 2025 pulled an elite crowd. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, British-Nigerian business titan Atedo Peterside, and ARISE Media Chairman Nduka Obaigbena were in attendance, adding political and business weight to the night. And if there was any doubt about the global relevance of this event, British supermodel Naomi Campbell, showing up in full glam, laid that to rest.
The red carpet was a parade of class and couture, with awardees and guests styled in some of Nigeria’s most elite fashion labels. The fashion wasn’t just about looking good—it was a statement of identity, culture, and elegance.
The 80 Women Who Are Redefining Success
This year’s honorees were not chosen at random. Each woman had a track record of breaking barriers and creating space for others to thrive. Among them:
- Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – A voice for rural development and gender inclusion in governance. Her work continues to inspire young women in politics.
- Nike Davies-Okundaye – Founder of the iconic Nike Art Gallery, she has spent decades preserving Yoruba culture through textile art and mentoring generations of female artists.
- Bolanle Austen-Peters – A theatre and film visionary, known for turning Nigerian stories into global box office hits, including The Man of God and FELA! The Broadway Musical.
- Shade Okoya – As Executive Director at Eleganza, she’s transformed a household brand into a modern manufacturing powerhouse.
- Yemisi Edun, Joke Silva, Ireti Doyle, and Mo Abudu were also in the lineup, each representing a different dimension of power: finance, performance arts, media, and entrepreneurship.
These women didn’t just receive awards. Their lives and work told stories that challenged the norm, pushed progress, and showed what is possible when opportunity meets audacity.
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A Fashion Affair with Cultural Depth
If fashion could speak, the ARISE Gala 2025 would be fluent in elegance, structure, and cultural relevance.
Women graced the red carpet in intricate lace, bold Ankara prints, detailed beadwork, and high-fashion designs showcasing the best African creativity. Designers like Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Banke Kuku, Atafo, and Lisa Folawiyo had their pieces displayed not on a runway, but through real women with absolute power.
It was less about showing off and more about standing tall in the fabric that tells your story.
Notably, Naomi Campbell stunned in an outfit from a Nigerian designer, further cementing Lagos’s place on the global fashion map.
Entertainment Meets Empowerment
The musical lineup perfectly complemented the evening’s tone.
- Teni, the Entertainer, brought her usual energy, humor, and crowd control. She cracked jokes about being single and still “impacting” in her way. She had the audience dancing and laughing, providing a light moment in an otherwise powerful evening.
- Asa, known for her soul-stirring lyrics and unique sound, performed her classics, including “Jailer” and “Fire on the Mountain.” Her set felt like a musical tribute to every woman in the room—a sonic bow of respect.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any deeper, a documentary titled Nigeria and the Women Who Shaped Her aired on the big screen. It spotlighted female pioneers from Nigeria’s past, connecting today’s honorees with a legacy of resistance, brilliance, and influence.
Why This Gala Matters
In a world where women’s work is often overlooked or under-celebrated, the ARISE Gala 2025 did the opposite. It screamed recognition, documented achievements, and created role models.
This was not just about optics. It was about achieving history, presented through celebration, music, fashion, and facts.
It also served as a platform to reframe how power and success are viewed. Many of these women didn’t come from privilege. They worked through systems that weren’t built for them—and triumphed anyway.
This event said: We see you. We celebrate you. And your impact is shaping the future.
Conclusion
The ARISE Gala 2025 wasn’t just another glamorous event on the Lagos social calendar. It was a necessary moment of national recognition. By spotlighting 80 Nigerian women, ARISE News did what many don’t—document excellence, honor legacy, and shape narrative.
From the red carpet fashion to the lineup of honorees, from soulful performances to the moving documentary tribute, the night was a masterclass in celebrating women the right way.
The message was loud and clear: Nigeria’s women are making an impact, and the world is paying attention.
FAQs
What is the ARISE Gala 2025?
The ARISE Gala 2025 is an event organised by ARISE News to celebrate and honor 80 Nigerian women who have made significant contributions across fashion, media, politics, business, and the arts.
Where was the ARISE Gala 2025 held?
It was hosted at the Eko Convention Center in Lagos, Nigeria—a fitting venue for an evening of national and global relevance.
Who attended the ARISE Gala 2025?
Notable guests included former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Atedo Peterside, and supermodel Naomi Campbell.
Which artists performed at the gala?
Teni and Asa delivered memorable performances, bringing energy and emotion to the stage.
Why was the ARISE Gala 2025 important?
Beyond recognition, the gala archived the achievements of Nigerian women, spotlighted fashion excellence, and inspired future generations to lead, create, and impact.
