Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika, born December 24, 1962, in Ibadan, Nigeria, is a powerhouse of business leadership, resilience, and pioneering impact. Formerly known as Bilkisu Abiodun Motunrayo Omobolanle Adekola, Ibukun Awosika has etched her name in history as the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, one of the country’s most respected financial institutions. Her visionary leadership and tenacious spirit have made her a symbol of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals across Africa and the diaspora.
A proud Nigerian, Ibukun Awosika was raised as the third of seven children. She began her education at St. Paul’s African Church Primary School in Lagos and later attended Methodist Girls’ High School in Yaba. Though she originally aspired to study Architecture at the University of Navarra, fate led her to pursue a degree in Chemistry from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, where her foundational values of discipline and excellence were further nurtured.
Her professional journey began during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Kano, where she worked as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co., a firm that later evolved into Deloitte. This early exposure to corporate governance and financial auditing laid the groundwork for her remarkable career trajectory. After her service year, she returned to Lagos and joined Alibert Nigeria Ltd., a furniture company, where she served as a showroom manager. It was here that she began crafting her legacy in the manufacturing and design sector, eventually establishing her own furniture manufacturing company, The Chair Centre Group.
In 2008, Ibukun Awosika’s influence soared when she became one of the five Nigerian entrepreneurs featured in the inaugural African edition of the entrepreneurial reality show Dragon’s Den. She later became the host of the television program Business His Way, offering viewers invaluable lessons on entrepreneurship from a faith-driven perspective. Her visibility and authenticity allowed her to mentor a new generation of African leaders with integrity and purpose.
In 2020, she expanded her impact into the creative industry with an appearance in the critically acclaimed film Citation by Kunle Afolayan, co-starring with Temi Otedola. Her participation highlighted the importance of women’s voices in conversations around gender justice and education.
A prolific author, Ibukun Awosika has penned several influential books, including The “Girl” Entrepreneurs, Business His Way, and The “Girl” Entrepreneurs: Our Stories So Far. These works not only spotlight the challenges and victories of African women in business but also offer practical insights for scaling ventures with authenticity and ethical values.
Her global recognition reached new heights in September 2022 when she was appointed to the Binance Global Advisory Board, signaling her influence beyond the African continent and positioning her as a formidable voice in the evolving digital economy.
Ibukun Awosika’s journey from a Chemistry graduate to an international business leader exemplifies the boundless possibilities available to women of African descent who lead with courage, wisdom, and faith. Her legacy continues to inspire countless women and girls to break barriers, redefine leadership, and contribute meaningfully to society, making her one of the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025.
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