Meg Thee Stallion, Tomi Adeyemi and others named among Time Magazine’s 100 Most influential people

2020 has been the year in which we have seen the world change, one event after the other.

We have witnessed a global civil rights movement, a global economic collapse and an unforeseen pandemic.

But in all of this, there have been people doing amazing things, facilitating change and making contributions to the world through their dedication, art and skills.

READ MORE: The 4 Ghanaians who made it into 2019 Forbes Africa’s #30Under30 list

Time magazine has released the 17th edition of their annual 100 Most Influential individuals to honour and celebrate these people.

This year’s lists includes some very deserving Africans and people of colour such as Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, Jennifer Hudson, The Weekend, Maya Moor and Naomi Osaka.

Here are a few of our favourites on the Time Magazine list:

Tony Elemelu

Tony Elemelu is the chairman of United Bank for Africa, a Nigerian bank that is now operational in 20 African countries, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In his tribute written by world-famous Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote he is described as having a “charming, tenacious personality: a man who hardly backs down from any challenge. The same engaging qualities have propelled him from a modest beginning in Nigeria to becoming chair of the United Bank of Africa, and one of the most innovative and ambitious business leaders of his generation.“

Some followers of his have sent their congratulations, including current President of  the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Buhari.

He is also the chairman of Transcorp Plc, a fund management firm and a tall list of other prestigious organisations. He is celebrated this year for his achievements in business and his very impressive strides in philanthropy and investment.

Opal Tometi, Patrisse Cullors and Alicia Garza

In 2013, Opal Tometi and her co-founders Patrisse Cullors and Alicia Garza started a website for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

According to Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martins, the boy whose death in kickstarted the movement, knowing that these three women were fighting for justice made her feel supported.

Support has poured in from various individuals and organisations for these women on this achievement.

According to some analysts, it has become the biggest movement in the history of the United States and these ladies deserve to be celebrated.

Opal is the child of Nigerian-born parents but is just as American as her co-founders Patrisse and Alicia.

They are involved in other activist activities like Prison reforms and abolition, LGBTQ rights, health and students rights and other social issues.

Tomi Adeyemi

Tomi Adeyemi is a Nigerian-American novelist and creative writing coach who is on the 2020 Time Magazine list.

Her book Children of Blood and Bone, the first in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy won the 2018 Andre Norton Award for Young Adult Science Fiction and Fantasy. Describing the trilogy “as a cross between Harry Potter, the Chronicles of Narnia and Yoruba gods“, Hollywood actor John Boyega paints a beguiling tribute on why Tomi deserves a mention on the list.

It also won the 2019 Waterstones Book Prize and the 2019 Hugo Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book.

In 2019, she was on the Forbes30 Under 30 list. In 2020, she has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People Of 2020.
The writer took to her twitter page to announce the news to her followers, opening the door to congratulatory messages from singer and actor Ryan Destiny and the likes.


Tunji Funsho

Tunji Funsho, is a Nigerian physician who was very instrumental in the eradication of polio from Africa.

He is said, by Time Editor at Large Jeffrey Kluger, to have done “more than any other person to drive polio to continent-wide extinction”

Tunji Funsho worked with other partners including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to achieve Africa’s certification as polio-free on August 25.

Meg Thee Stallion

Hot Girl Meg made the list as a pioneer, “harnessing the power of influence to forge genuine progress.”
Born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, the 25-year-old is among the high-profile “pioneers” who have impacted the world.
She is described as “the epitome of tenacity,…pulling herself up by her bootstraps” by award-winning actor Taraji Henson.

Miss Thee Stallion has churned out back to back number one hit songs in the past year and has risen above the challenges that confronted her in the music industry, including her widely publicised shooting by fellow rapper Tory Lanez.

Though she is yet to post anything about it on her twitter, her fans have been showing love and support since the news broke.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Sponsor

spot_imgspot_img

Latest

#RawlingsGoesHome: 21 unforgettable moments at the funeral service of Flt Lt J.J Rawlings

Ghana's longest-serving Head of State, Jerry John Rawlings went home today after his demise on November 12, 2020.The state funeral which took place at...

Who Rocked it Better: Funke Akindele and Omoyeni were both spotted in the same dress at #AMVCA7

Popular Nigerian actress, Funke Akindele Bello of Jenifa's diaries and Entrepreneur Omoyeni of Mwanga Africa found themselves wearing similar gowns to the #AMVCA7

The 3 African models nominated for the Model of the Year at the 2019 Fashion Awards

Models of African descent, Adut Akech, Adwoa Aboah and Adesuwa Aighewi are in contention for this year’s Model of the year at the 2019 Fashion Awards.

7 ways to make money while you’re still in school.

In all facets of life, money is important. Even more so as a student at a university in Ghana, where everything is planned to suck away your finances; from expensive food to handouts or relationships. It can be a lifesaver to have extra cash as a student, particularly when it comes from gaining work experience, alongside the money you receive from your parents.

The male guide to taking care of bae during her menstrual cycle

Most women experience a range of emotional and physical discomfort during their menstrual cycle and extra care from their partner is all they mostly need.