Ibukun Awosika: The Woman Who Leads With Legacy in Mind

In the evolving landscape of African leadership, few names resonate with depth, dignity, and direction as powerfully as Dr. Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika. A quintessential example of visionary leadership and integrity-driven entrepreneurship, Dr. Awosika has distinguished herself as a multi-dimensional figure, entrepreneur, global leader, author, mentor, culture shaper, and woman of faith, whose influence spans industries and continents.

From Chemistry to Corporate Boardrooms

Born on December 24, 1962, in Ibadan, Nigeria, Ibukun Awosika’s journey is marked by resilience and reinvention. Though she earned a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), her academic path was never confined by her degree. She complemented her education with executive training at prestigious institutions including Lagos Business School, IESE Business School (Spain), Wharton School (USA), and CEIBS (China), a testament to her global mindset and commitment to lifelong learning.

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Her early professional life began as an audit trainee during her NYSC service with Akintola Williams & Co. (now Deloitte). She later joined Alibert Nigeria Ltd. as a showroom manager. But it was in 1989, driven by a bold entrepreneurial spirit, that she founded Quebees Limited, a furniture company that eventually evolved into The Chair Centre Group, Nigeria’s leading provider of furniture and security systems.

A Trailblazer of Firsts

Dr. Awosika’s career is defined by her many pioneering achievements:
• First Female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, the country’s oldest and largest financial institution.
• First Nigerian recipient of the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Award.
• First African to receive the International Friendship Award from the Queen of Spain in 2019.
• First Chairperson of the Nigerian National Advisory Board for Impact Investing.

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She has served as a board member or chairperson across multiple sectors, education, finance, retail, manufacturing, energy, IT, and social impact, both in Nigeria and globally. Her ability to lead across industries speaks to her rare blend of strategic insight, ethical values, and cultural intelligence.

A Legacy of Impact and Service

Beyond business, Dr. Awosika is deeply committed to social transformation and leadership development. She founded the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy, mentoring future African leaders grounded in integrity and impact. Her faith-based philanthropy is evident in initiatives like the Christian Missionary Fund, which supports missionaries across Nigeria.

Through the Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC), which she founded in 2007, she has tackled Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis head-on by equipping graduates with employability and entrepreneurial skills.

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She is the convener of The International Woman Leadership Conference in Dubai, a platform that empowers women to lead with purpose and power on the global stage.

Voice, Vision, and Versatility

Dr. Awosika’s influence transcends the boardroom. She hosted the inspirational TV show “Business – His Way,” where she taught ethical business principles from a Christian worldview. She also appeared in the 2020 Netflix movie “Citation,” using the arts as a platform to address gender injustice.

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Her writings and speeches echo her life’s themes: leadership, integrity, purpose, and service. As an author and motivational speaker, she continues to ignite minds and shift paradigms across Africa and beyond.

Recognitions That Reflect Her Reach

Her work has earned her numerous accolades:
• Forbes Woman Africa Chairperson Award (2020)
• Beta Gamma Sigma Business Achievement Award (2020)
• Golden Heart Award by the International Women Society
• Listed among Avance Media’s 100 Most Influential African Women (2023)

She is also a Fellow of the African Leadership Initiative (ALI) and the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN), demonstrating her alignment with global leadership excellence.

Rooted in Faith, Anchored in Family

Despite her global accomplishments, Dr. Awosika remains deeply rooted in her values. She is happily married to Abiodun Awosika, and together, they are blessed with three sons. Her family remains her greatest joy and support system.

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Conclusion: The Woman Who Leads With Legacy in Mind

Dr. Ibukun Awosika is not just a name; she is a movement of impact, innovation, and inspiration. From building businesses to building people, from shaping policy to shaping culture, her life is a masterclass in how faith, integrity, and excellence can lead to a life of significance.

In an Africa yearning for ethical and visionary leaders, Ibukun Awosika is a torchbearer, proof that when leadership is rooted in purpose, it can indeed transform nations.

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