Dr. Lois Ihwo Wins African Businesswoman of the Year

Dr. (Mrs.) Lois Andrew Ihwo, Her Royal Majesty and Founder and CEO of Dee Utensils, received the African Iconic Woman in Business of the Year Award at the 15th African Iconic Women Recognition Awards (AIWRA) event held in Abuja.

Dr. Lois received recognition for her outstanding contributions to the area of business development, women empowerment, philanthropy, and mentoring that have enabled nurturing entrepreneurship and leadership qualities in women and youth across Africa. She has become a global trailblazer empowering Nigeria’s kitchenware and fragrance industries worldwide by setting novel benchmarks in various domains.

The honor is yet another milestone in the outstanding leadership tenure of Dr. Lois. This comes after she was awarded the title 'Trauraruwan Matan Kasar Jiwa' (Shining Star of Jiwa Land) by His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr. Idris Musa, Emir of Jiwa for her efforts in community development, humanitarian works, and economic development through Dee Utensils.

Key Highlights:

• Dr. Lois Ihwo honoured at AIWRA for business leadership excellence
• Recognition for leadership in empowerment, philanthropy & enterprise growth
• Global and continental awards highlight her expanding impact in Africa

The 15th edition of the renowned African Iconic Women Recognition Awards, which took place under the theme “Elevate at 15th,” was an event with prominent personalities and women leaders from all parts of Africa.

Her continued recognition demonstrates the success of a visionary leader and entrepreneur throughout the years. One of her latest recognitions includes the receipt of the Excellence in Affordable Luxury Kitchen Solutions Award at the Africa – UK Trade and Investment Conference & Awards held in London.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Olufunsho Ajagbonna, Founder and Chairman of Fajag Concept, organizers of the awards, stated that the idea behind the award program is to carefully select and recognize the excellent, honest, and impactful women of Africa who have made exemplary strides in areas such as entrepreneurship, governance, public service, and community development.

According to him, such an initiative aims at showcasing success stories that will inspire the younger generation of women to take up leadership positions and spearhead societal transformation.

“The awards not only celebrate excellence but also deepen conversations around leadership, inclusion, and the transformative role of women in Africa’s development trajectory,” Olufunsho said.

Other notable recipients at the ceremony included Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who received the Most Performing Minister of the Year Award; Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, honoured as Most Egalitarian First Lady of the Year; and Hon. Ginika Florence Tor, recognised as Africa’s Most Egalitarian Personality of the Year. There were several other notable personalities that became an integral part of this ceremony.

The African Iconic Women Recognition Awards, a non-profit award established by FDN Projects, seeks to honor African women who make significant strides through their leadership and service.