Mo Abudu and Kwame Onwuachi Join TIME’s 2025 List of Global Change-Makers

Two Nigerians are making global headlines for all the right reasons. Media mogul Mo Abudu and star chef Kwame Onwuachi have been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2025, a prestigious recognition reserved for individuals redefining impact across industries and continents.

Abudu, known for her pioneering work in African storytelling and founder of EbonyLife Group, has long championed narratives that reflect the richness and depth of African identity. Her inclusion in the list affirms her role as a creative force shifting global perceptions of Africa through film, television, and media innovation.

“This honour is not just mine,” she said. “It belongs to every African creative who dares to dream big and tell our stories our way. We are reshaping the narrative—and the world is listening.” the

Her work was applauded by international actor Idris Elba, who’s currently collaborating with her on a film project. Elba highlighted Abudu’s relentless drive and deep passion for African representation on screen, describing her as a “doer who doesn’t wait around to make things happen.”

Back home, President Bola Tinubu praised Abudu’s global recognition, calling it a win for Nigeria and the continent. He noted her leadership in building platforms that spotlight African voices and talent, including the EbonyLife Academy and the groundbreaking $50 million Afro Film Fund.

In the culinary world, Kwame Onwuachi continues to break barriers. The Nigerian-American chef, who blends West African flavors with Caribbean flair, was also honoured in the TIME100. Best known for his Washington, D.C. restaurant Dogon, Onwuachi has become a symbol of cultural pride and innovation in gastronomy

Actress and producer Keke Palmer, who penned his TIME tribute, described him as “a chef who pours heart, history, and heritage into every dish—turning kitchens into stages of empowerment.”

From media to the kitchen, Abudu and Onwuachi exemplify the power of authentic storytelling. Their inclusion in the TIME100 is a celebration of African excellence, ambition, and the unapologetic pursuit of purpose on the world stage. the 2025 TIME100 issue hits newsstands Friday, April 18.