IN SHORT

Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu is the first woman in both Nigeria and all of Africa to reach such a distinguished rank in the Navy. Her career was a complete divergence from her family’s expectations, but she persevered nonetheless, satiating her desire for challenge. Her path to success has not been easy, but she has remained determined to work hard and demonstrate her worth. “You’ve got to believe in yourself. Don’t ever let anybody put you down. Even when it gets really rough – don’t give up, because somewhere along the line you’re going to get where you need to be.”