By Ejiofor Toochi
In 2024, Nigerians achieved notable feats across various fields, capturing global attention. From groundbreaking achievements in entertainment and sports to significant strides in business, they continue to showcase their creativity.
In this article is a list of some notable Nigerian achievements in the year 2024.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s Reappointment
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history with her reappointment by the General Council, as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second term. Her new four-year term will commence on September 1, 2025.
Funke Akindele and A Tribe Called Judah
Nollywood actress and producer, Funke Akindele, achieved a remarkable milestone in January with her movie ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ which became the highest-grossing Nollywood film and the first ever to earn 1 billion naira in domestic theatres within just three weeks.
Ogunyemi Becomes First Black President at CMA
Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi, a clinical associate professor of medicine at Memorial University of Newfoundland, was elected as President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) in December. This historic achievement makes him the first Black President-elect in the organization’s 158-year history.
Onyinyechi Mark’s Paralympic Success
Onyinyechi Mark, a 23-year-old athlete, made a stunning debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympics by setting multiple world records in Para-Powerlifting. She not only won her first gold medal, but also established three new world records in the women’s category: 146 kg, 147 kg, and 150 kg.
Rema Receives First Grammy Nomination
Divine Ikubor, aka Rema, received his first Grammy nomination for his sophomore album, ‘HEIS’, which was nominated for Best Global Music Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards. The album, released in July 2024, quickly became a fan favorite.
Food Blogger Breaks a World Record
Popular Nigerian food blogger, Munachimso Brian Nwana, set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the most fast-food restaurants visited in 24 hours, visiting a total of 150 restaurants in April in Abuja, surpassing the previous record.
Nwajagu Samuel’s Mister International Victory
Nigerian model, Nwajagu Samuel made history in Thailand in December by becoming the first African and Nigerian to win the prestigious Mister International title in 2024, marking a groundbreaking moment for representation on the global stage.
Seventeen-year-old Wins Formula Regional World Cup
A seventeen-year-old, Ugo Ugochukwu, made history by winning the 2024 FIA Formula Regional World Cup and the 71st Macau Grand Prix. Ugochukwu became the first American driver to secure this prestigious title since 1981. He is now set to compete in the FIA Formula 3 World Championship in 2025.
Tems’ Fourth BET Award
Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for her song ‘Me & U’ at the 2024 BET Awards. This win marked her fourth BET award.
These are our remarkable Nigerian achievements that shaped 2024. Comment yours!