Just hours after Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was ranked third among the world’s most corrupt leaders, Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie brought pride to her country by being named Harper’s Bazaar España’s “Woman of the Year” in Literature.

The prestigious award, which celebrates women who defy adversity with strength and talent, was presented during the 2024 edition of the Bazaar Women of the Year ceremony in Spain.

Chimamanda, whose literary works have won global acclaim, delivered a moving acceptance speech that highlighted the importance of storytelling.

“Through literature, we learn what people care about, what they love, what they respect, what threats they feel, what they regret, how egos are formed. Those things matter. Stories matter,” she said.  

This recognition comes as Chimamanda prepares to release her highly anticipated novel, “Dream Count,” in March 2025.

Known for works like “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Americanah,” Chimamanda has cemented her position as one of the most influential contemporary writers.

Inmaculada Jiménez, director of Harper’s Bazaar España, inaugurated the event with a tribute to women who inspire society through resilience:  

“Women who never allowed their fears to run over on the way to dreams and who were very aware that the barriers they had to face were always external, never in their souls and in their hearts… Women who, in their firm endeavour to achieve what they sought to be, have managed to be what every good society needs,” she said.  

Harper’s Bazaar España’s Woman of the Year award is part of a tradition that honours women who demonstrate unwavering determination and achievement, serving as role models for society at large.