2021 Her Network Woman of the Year in Entertainment – Osas Ighodaro
The fifth annual Her Network Woman of the Year Awards took place on Wednesday, December 29, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.
It was an emotional and celebratory night as women from all professions gathered to honour amazing women who have made a big impact in their career, community, or network. This was clear in the way each presenter talked passionately about each category and the impact candidates had. The theme of this year’s event, “Thrive,” represents the courage and devotion these women have demonstrated in making a difference over the last year.
In her welcome speech, the founder Nkem Onwudiwe said, “I created Her Network in 2017 to connect and inspire women. We wanted to acknowledge the impactful work of women in our society, and I am proud to say we have been on this extraordinary journey for five years”. She ended her speech by delivering a heartfelt tribute to one of the award recipients of the Her Network Woman of the Year 2020, Chef Linda Esuabama, who passed away in October 2021.
Nkem Onwudiwe, Founder of Her Network
During the ceremony, Princess Adeyinka Tekenah, the Founder of Happy Coffee and the 2017 Recipient of the Her Network Woman of the Year Award in the Start-Up category, shared her impact story. Keeping to this year’s theme, she spoke on “Thriving Regardless”, even with the challenges life has thrown at her.
The event was hosted by communications strategist and content creator Motunde Ibironke (Motundeoflagos), whose eloquence and interaction kept guests vibrant and engaged. This year’s partners’ premium hair extensions brand LUSH Hair Nigeria ensured that every guest left with a goody bag full of hair essentials. At the same time, Baileys Delight provided delightful cocktails throughout the event.
The 2021 recipients were presented their plaques by previous HNWOTY Award recipients of the nominated categories.
The recipients of 2021 Her Network Woman of the Year Awards are:
Her Network Woman of the Year in Community Service – Timileyin Edwin
Her Network Woman of the Year in Education – Funmi Ilori
Her Network Woman of the Year in Healthcare – Yetunde Ayo-Oyalowo
Her Network Woman of the Year in Start-up – Mariam Lawani
Her Network Woman of the Year in Entertainment presented by LUSH Hair Nigeria – Osas Ighodaro
Her Network Woman of the Year in Advocacy – Rinu Oduala
Her Network Woman of the Year in Future – Blessing Akpan
Her Network Woman of the Year in Entrepreneurship – Jumoke Dada
Her Network Woman of the Year in Tech – Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti
Her Network Woman of the Year in Journalism – Sandra Ezekwesili
The night ended on a high note, with guests dancing with one another, networking and celebrating.
See photos from the event below:
2021 Her Network Woman of the Year in Education – Funmi Ilori
2021 Her Network Woman of the Year in Journalism – Sandra Ezekwesili
2021 Her Network Woman of the Year in Tech – Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti
2021 Her Network Woman of the Year Award for Healthcare Recipient – Yetunde Ayo-Oyalowo
2021 Her Network Woman of the Year in Start-up – Mariam Lawani
The host Motunde of Lagos presenting a guest with a gift bag from LUSH Hair
Ruqoyah Ogunbiyi and Lola Aneke
Mariam Lawani, 2021 Her Network Woman of the Year Awards Recipient – StartUp
Abosede George-Ogan, Her Network Woman of the Year 2020 Honoree and Co-Founder ElectHER, presenting Advocacy Category
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-fancy-gourmet-dish-right-a-michelin-guide-poster.jpg?id=60249825&width=1200&height=400&coordinates=0%2C136%2C0%2C136"/><br/><br/><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/montreal-restaurants" target="_blank">Quebec's culinary scene</a> just got a major upgrade. The Michelin Guide has released its 2025 star list, and nine restaurants across the province have earned a place among the world's finest, including three in Montreal.</p><p>It's also a historic year for Quebec City as La Tanière³ has officially become the province's first-ever restaurant to score two Michelin stars.</p><p><span></span>The awards were announced via <a href="https://michelinmedia.com/pages/blog/detail/article/c0/a1403/" target="_blank">a press release on May 15</a> — a quieter reveal than in years past, but the recognition remains just as prestigious for the chefs and teams behind these top-tier spots.</p><p>Here are the Michelin star winners in Quebec for 2025:</p><p>⭐⭐<br/>• La Tanière³ – Quebec City</p><p>⭐<br/>• Mastard – Montreal<br/>• Sabayon – Montreal<br/>• ARVI – Quebec City<br/>• Jérôme Ferrer – Europea – Montreal<br/>• Kebec Club Privé – Quebec City<br/>• Laurie Raphaël – Quebec City<br/>• Légende – Quebec City<br/>• Narval – Quebec City</p><p>While Quebec City led the pack with seven starred restaurants (including the only two-starred venue), Montreal's dining scene still earned its due with two standout additions:</p><h3>Mastard</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvIwnSOrGhE/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvIwnSOrGhE/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cuisine: Modern Quebecois</p><p>Address: 1879 Rue Bélanger, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: Chef Simon Mathys’ Rosemont restaurant puts seasonal Quebec ingredients front and centre, with a constantly evolving menu that surprises even regulars. Think elevated local fare without the fuss — and now with a Michelin star to back it up.</p><h3>Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer - Europea</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctr3qJrPjb5/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctr3qJrPjb5/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cuisine: Refined French with Quebecois flair</p><p>Address: 1065 Rue de la Montagne, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why it stands out: A staple of Montreal’s fine dining scene, Europea is known for its elegant tasting menus, dramatic plating, and immersive culinary experience. Chef Jérôme Ferrer blends French gastronomy with local ingredients for a meal that feels both theatrical and deeply rooted in Quebec.</p><h3>Sabayon</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-A0vjjx-QI/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C-A0vjjx-QI/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Cuisine: Contemporary French</p><p>Address: 2194 rue du Centre, Montreal, QC</p><p>Why You Need To Go: This Pointe St-Charles gem offers refined French-inspired tasting menus with a warm, intimate vibe. Michelin praised its balance of precision and creativity — and locals already loved it for the same reason.</p><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/valerie-plante" target="_blank">Montreal mayor Valerie Plante</a> later congratulated the local restaurateurs with an Instagram post.</p><p>"Congrats also to Annette Bar à Vin, Restaurant Cadet, Casavant, Le Petit Alep, L'Express, Parapluie, and Rôtisserie La Lune for earning a Bib Gourmand, which celebrates excellent food at moderate prices!" she wrote.</p><p>"A shoutout as well to Foxy (and its owner/sommelier Véronique Dalle) for receiving the Exceptional Cocktails Award, and to Vanya Filipovic (Vin Mon Lapin) who has been nominated for the Michelin Sommelier Award."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrzMhCTfQV/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrzMhCTfQV/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><br/></p><p>You can explore the full 2025 selection on <a href="https://michelinmedia.com/pages/blog/detail/article/c0/a1403/" target="_blank">Michelin's website</a>.</p><p><br/></p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><br/></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
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