Ibukun Awosika

Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika (born Bilkisu Abiodun Motunrayo Omobolanle Adekola on December 24, 1962, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria) is a highly respected Nigerian businesswoman, author, and motivational speaker. She is recognized internationally as a global culture shaper and a leading figure in African enterprise. Early Life and Education Ibukun Awosika began her education at St. Paul's African Church Primary School in Lagos and attended Methodist Girls' High School, Yaba. She pursued higher education at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she earned a BSc in Chemistry. She later completed postgraduate and MBA programs at the Lagos Business School and the IESE Business School – University of Navarra. During her mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in Kano State, she worked as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co. (now Deloitte). Career Progression and Major Achievements Awosika's career in business officially began in 1989. After her NYSC, she joined Alibert Nigeria Ltd., a furniture company, as a showroom manager. Shortly after, she established her own furniture manufacturing and interior design company, which evolved into SOKOA Chair Centre Limited, where she serves as the Founder and CEO. Her most significant achievement in the Nigerian financial sector came with her appointment as the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, a position she held until 2021. Awosika has served on several corporate and non-profit boards, including the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ). In September 2022, she was appointed as a member of the Binance Global Advisory Board. Her professional excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including the Forbes Woman Africa Chairperson Award in 2020. Notable Works and Current Status As an author and speaker, Awosika is known for sharing her insights on leadership, economics, and faith. She is a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative and the Aspen Global Leadership Network. She is the host of the television program "Business – His Way." Awosika has also been involved in film production, serving as the Executive Producer of the movie 'God Calling' (2020) and starring in the Netflix Original blockbuster movie *Citation* (2020), produced by Kunle Afolayan. Ibukun Awosika is married to Abiodun Awosika, and they have three sons. She continues to be an influential figure in global business, entrepreneurship, and motivational speaking.