Let’s explore the inspiring Ibukun Awosika biography.
Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika, popularly known as Ibukun Awosika, is a Nigerian business magnate, author, and motivational speaker.
She is widely recognized for her groundbreaking leadership as the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions.
With decades of experience in business, she has played a pivotal role in shaping entrepreneurship, leadership, and corporate governance in Nigeria and beyond.
Her influence extends across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, banking, and philanthropy.
A staunch advocate for ethical business practices and women’s empowerment, she continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Ibukun Awosika Biography Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika (née Bilkisu Abiodun Motunrayo Omobolanle Adekola) |
| Date of Birth | December 24, 1962 |
| Place of Birth | Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | B.Sc. in Chemistry (Obafemi Awolowo University); MBA (Lagos Business School); Executive Programs (IESE Business School, University of Navarra) |
| Occupation | Businesswoman, Author, Motivational Speaker |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Notable Roles | First Female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria; Founder of The Chair Centre Group |
| Spouse | Abiodun Awosika |
| Children | Three |
Early Life and Education of Ibukun Awosika
Ibukun Awosika was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, into a devout and disciplined family.
She was the third of seven children born to Mr. Abdulmashood Adekola and Hannah Aduke Adekola. Raised in a home that placed a high value on education and integrity, she developed an early interest in academics and leadership.
She attended St. Paul’s African Church Primary School in Lagos and later proceeded to Methodist Girls’ High School, Yaba, Lagos, for her secondary education.
Initially, she aspired to become an architect but eventually pursued a degree in Chemistry at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). While in university, she actively participated in student leadership activities, which helped hone her organizational and leadership skills.
Eager to expand her knowledge, Ibukun later attended Lagos Business School for an MBA program.
She also participated in executive education programs at IESE Business School, University of Navarra, where she sharpened her business acumen and strategic leadership skills.
Ibukun Awosika Career
Ibukun Awosika’s career began in a rather unconventional manner.
After completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co. (now Deloitte), she took up a job as a showroom manager at Alibert Nigeria Ltd., a furniture company.
It was during this period that she developed a passion for furniture manufacturing and business management.
In 1989, she took the bold step of launching her own business, Quebees Limited, a furniture manufacturing company that later evolved into The Chair Centre Group.
The company has since grown into a multi-faceted business conglomerate comprising The Chair Centre Limited, Sokoa Chair Centre Limited, and TCC Systems and Services Limited.
These companies specialize in the manufacture and distribution of high-quality office furniture, as well as banking security systems services.
Her remarkable business acumen and leadership skills earned her various board appointments.
In 2015, she was appointed the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, making history in the Nigerian banking sector. Her tenure saw a period of strategic transformation and increased financial stability for the bank.
Apart from banking and manufacturing, Ibukun has made significant contributions in policy advisory roles. She is a board member of several multinational and local corporations, including Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) and the Binance Global Advisory Board.
Ibukun Awosika Personal Life
Ibukun Awosika is married to Abiodun Awosika, and they have three children. She is a devout Christian and actively integrates her faith into her professional life. She is passionate about ethical leadership and often speaks about integrity in business.
Recent Activities and Advocacy
In recent years, Ibukun Awosika has continued to advocate for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. In 2025, she called for a leadership shift to empower Nigerian women, emphasizing their inclusion in decision-making roles as a catalyst for economic growth.
She has also championed the inclusion of entrepreneurial studies in Nigeria’s school curriculum, arguing that it will help cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets from an early age.
She is also set to speak at the Exponential Conference 2025, where she will address global ministry and business leaders on leadership, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ibukun Awosika’s notable achievements?
Ibukun Awosika has achieved numerous milestones, including being the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, founding The Chair Centre Group, and serving on various international advisory boards. She is also an accomplished author and keynote speaker on leadership, business ethics, and financial empowerment.
How has Ibukun Awosika contributed to women’s empowerment in Nigeria?
She has been a strong advocate for gender inclusion in leadership and entrepreneurship. Through WIMBIZ and other platforms, she mentors and supports aspiring female entrepreneurs and professionals, encouraging them to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
What is Ibukun Awosika’s educational background?
She holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Obafemi Awolowo University, an MBA from Lagos Business School, and has completed executive programs at IESE Business School, University of Navarra.
What recent initiatives has Ibukun Awosika been involved in?
She is currently advocating for the integration of entrepreneurial studies in Nigeria’s school curriculum and is scheduled to speak at the Exponential Conference 2025, a global leadership gathering.
How does Ibukun Awosika integrate her faith into her professional life?
As a strong Christian, she incorporates ethical leadership and integrity into her business and professional dealings. She has hosted faith-based business programs, such as “Business His Way,” where she discusses aligning career goals with spiritual values.
Ibukun Awosika remains a formidable force in business, leadership, and social impact, continuously inspiring new generations of leaders and entrepreneurs.
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