Emem Alban honoured as one of the 100 Persons of the Year 2025

Dr. Emem Aniekanabasi Alban distinguished agronomist, social impact advocate, and founder of Emani Farms Giant Ltd—has expressed heartfelt appreciation for her recognition as one of the 100 Persons of the Year 2025, a prestigious honour conferred under the 40 Under 40 Nigeria Awards framework.

The ceremony, held at The Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, celebrated visionaries and nation-builders whose work continues to elevate Nigeria across multiple sectors.

Speaking on the honour, Dr. Alban described the recognition as “a humbling affirmation of years of passion-driven work in agriculture, humanitarian service, and rural development.” Her inclusion on the list reflects her consistent commitment to strengthening food systems, empowering vulnerable populations, and championing equitable access to opportunities for women and young people.

Dr. Alban’s selection is anchored in her far-reaching impact in agribusiness, food security advocacy, and community empowerment. As Founder and CEO of Emani Farms Giant Ltd, she has become a leading voice in conversations around sustainable food production, agricultural innovation, and economic upliftment for rural communities. Her initiatives deliberately target Nigeria’s most persistent challenges—hunger, malnutrition, low food productivity, and the marginalization of women and girls.

Her academic and leadership background—including a B.Sc. in Brewing Science and Technology, a Master’s degree in Crop Science from the University of Uyo, and executive leadership training from the Rome Business School—has shaped her into one of the country’s most resourceful agribusiness experts. These competencies drive her strategic interventions across agriculture, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian development.

Dr. Alban’s acknowledgement of the award also highlights the foundational role of the End Hunger Humanitarian Initiative (EHHI)—a nonprofit she founded to tackle hunger and poverty in underserved communities. Through programs that include food distribution, agricultural and vocational training, women and youth empowerment, and community-led development, EHHI has become a model for structured and measurable social intervention.

She notes that the recognition is a call to deepen her work, stating that every community reached “reinforces the urgency of building systems that protect the vulnerable and strengthen national resilience.”

In addition to this national honour, Dr. Alban was named a Girls and Women Speak Ambassador in 2025 by the Peace Ambassadors Advocacy Network—further solidifying her reputation as a defender of rural women and a promoter of social equity. These recognitions collectively underscore her influence as a development-driven leader committed to ensuring that no community is left behind.

The theme of the 2025 100 Persons of the Year ceremony, “Creating Lasting Impact and Development,” aligns directly with Dr. Alban’s life’s mission. Her work reflects a blend of professional excellence, visionary leadership, and unwavering compassion—qualities that positioned her as a deserving honoree.

As Nigeria continues to navigate challenges around food security, climate change, and socioeconomic inequality, Dr. Alban reaffirms her commitment to national progress. She describes the award as both “a celebration of what has been achieved and a renewed motivation to expand the work ahead.”