Nigerian media mogul and CEO of EbonyLife Group, Mo Abudu, has been named one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2025 by TIME Magazine.
The prestigious list, which honours global figures for their impact, innovation, and achievements, appears in the April 28 issue of the magazine.
Abudu joins the ranks of past Nigerian honourees including Wole Soyinka, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Aliko Dangote, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Tony Elumelu, and Burna Boy, whose contributions have continued to shape the country’s image on the global stage.
Reacting to the honour, Abudu said:
“Being named to the TIME100 is both humbling and empowering. It’s a reminder that African stories — told authentically by us — have a rightful place on the global stage. I share this honour with every creative, entrepreneur, and change-maker who dares to dream big.
“I’m deeply grateful to my incredible team, my family, friends, and the stakeholders who have supported and believed in this journey from the beginning. Their unwavering support fuels my passion. As I continue to push boundaries with bold initiatives, this recognition strengthens my resolve to keep building platforms that amplify African voices, shift narratives, and inspire the next generation of creatives to shape the future.”
British actor Idris Elba, who partnered with Abudu on the film Dust to Dreams, praised her drive and influence.
“Mo Abudu’s reputation precedes her. Anyone who has worked on anything relating to African film knows her. I had been an admirer of her work for some time before I reached out to her two years ago to connect. Pretty quickly we were hatching a plan to collaborate on a film, which became Dust to Dreams. That’s the thing about Mo, she wastes no time. She has an infectious, can-do attitude and the tenacity to overcome any obstacle in her way,” Elba said.
He continued: “Her sprawling empire—from studios and productions to cinemas and a creative academy—is testament to that. Mo, who launched the $50 million Afro Film Fund last year, cares deeply about the African narrative, and how the continent and its people are portrayed on screen.
“Anyone who wants to understand the filmmaking landscape in Africa—or anywhere else—could learn a lot from Mo, because she gets things done.”
Abudu’s inclusion further underscores the rising influence of Nigerian creatives and entrepreneurs globally.
Nigerians have increasingly shaped world conversations from literature and politics to health, finance, and music, and Mo Abudu’s recognition is yet another testament to that.
- Julius Maada Bio Takes Over as ECOWAS Chairman - June 22, 2025
- Tinubu Orders Arrest of Mob Behind Death of Wedding Guests in Plateau - June 22, 2025
- Eight Wedding Guests from Zaria Lynched by Mob in Plateau, 19 Hospitalised - June 22, 2025