TheCable

For the first time in five years, no Nigerian is named on TIME Magazine 100 most influential people in the world.

The 2016 Time list of the 100 most influential people in the world, had a few Africans, none of which is from Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria.

The last time Nigeria was missing on the revered list of influencers was in 2010.

In 2011, Nigeria had Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the governor of the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the time as its only representative on the list.

For 2012, former president Goodluck Jonathan, was listed, following a bright nomination from Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian president.

“President Jonathan, 54, possesses the qualities needed at this moment of great challenges, having come to power at a crucial moment in the history of Nigeria,” she wrote.

“The country has grown out of its past of corruption, mismanagement and brutality, but the foundation of good governance is still fragile.

“With leaders like President Jonathan, Africa is sure to move toward prosperity, freedom and dignity for all of its people.”

In 2013, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, one of the brightest stars out of Nollywood, was named as Time’s icon, alongside Michelle Obama and Beyonce.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former minister of finance, and Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, were listed for 2014, following brilliant profiling by Bono and Bill Gates respectively.

“Aliko is Africa’s richest man, and his business activities drive economic growth across the continent,” Gates said of Dangote.

“That’s impressive, but I know him best as a leader constantly in search of ways to bridge the gap between private business and public health. This year, Nigeria is on pace for its lowest number of polio cases ever. Aliko is a big reason why.”

Year 2015 was quite controversial, as Nigeria had President Muhammadu Buhari, Oby Ezekwesili and Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau on the list.

Carter Ham, a US army general, described Shekau as the most violent killer Nigeria had ever seen.

Time 100 for 2016 has Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Pope Francis, Arianna Grande, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, Priyanka Chopra among others.