In commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026, WordenHCD unveils its recognition of 40 leading women in human resources who are shaping the future of work in Nigeria and beyond.
At a time when the global workforce is being transformed by technology, generational shifts, and evolving leadership expectations, these women stand at the forefront, designing policies, building inclusive systems, nurturing talent pipelines, and redefining how organizations grow and thrive.
Toluwase Olaniyan, executive director at WordenHCD, disclosed that this recognition is not merely a celebration of titles, but a spotlight on impact, innovation, courage, and influence in the field of human capital development.
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“Human capital is the most powerful asset any nation or organization possesses. Behind every thriving institution is a strong people strategy, and behind many of those strategies are visionary women.
This recognition is our way of honouring the brilliance, resilience, and transformational leadership of women who are not just managing HR functions, but actively shaping the future of work in Nigeria.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to elevating conversations around leadership, inclusion, workforce innovation, and sustainable talent development,” Olaniyan said.
International Women’s Day 2026 calls for accelerating inclusion, leadership equity, and systemic transformation. Across industries, women continue to break barriers, influence boardroom decisions, and design policies that impact thousands of professionals.
Within the human resources and people management space, women are playing a particularly critical role in shaping modern organizations. They are driving diversity and inclusion strategies, leading digital HR transformation, building resilient workplace cultures, and designing future-ready talent ecosystems that position businesses for long-term success.
WordenHCD recognises that the future of work cannot be built without recognizing the women who are actively building it. The women recognised in the 2026 edition are Rabi Adetoro, Lara Yeku, Nene Ogunlusi, Ifreke Brendan, Ololade Daniel-Pepple, Lola Esan, Katrina Modupe-Akindele, Oyinade Kuku, Taiwo Dayo-Abatan, and Amaka Obalum.
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Others are Ifeoma Okoruen, Funke Amobi, Esther Akinnukawe, Abiodun Oyebimpe-Olubitan, Adeshola Aliogo, Seyifunmi Oderinde, Thelma Ibeh, Temi Dalley, Nkem Offonabo, Adora Ikwuemesi, Deji Ajibola, Eniola Onimole, Efi Obajaja-Edo, Kemi Onadiran, and Adeteniola Olorunfemi.
Also included are Gift Ebi, Rose Omoruyi, Aderinsola Akande, Adekunbi Adekunle, Adebimpe Ayo-Elias, Ejiro Ogunbanjo, Ema Clark, Yewande Ayowole-Oso, Oghenetega Vuevu, Elizabeth Temiloluwa Ajiwoju, Chima Onyinyechi-Gift, Grace Afe, Tosin Famuwagun-Adewuyi, Oyiza Salu, and Ifeadi Anigbogu.
WordenHCD is a human capital development and workforce strategy firm committed to strengthening organisations through people-centred leadership, talent optimisation, workforce transformation, and inclusive growth strategies.
Through advisory services, research, talent development initiatives, and national advocacy campaigns, it continues to position itself as a trusted authority in shaping sustainable human capital systems across Nigeria and Africa.
This recognition initiative reinforces our mission which is to elevate conversations, recognise excellence, and drive measurable impact within the future of the work ecosystem.
