Ibukun Awosika, born on December 24, 1962, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, is a distinguished business magnate, author, and motivational speaker. She is renowned for being the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
As the third of seven children, Awosika completed her primary education at St. Paul’s African Church Primary School in Lagos and her secondary education at Methodist Girls’ High School in Yaba. She then attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), earning a B.Sc. in Chemistry. She furthered her education with executive programs at Lagos Business School and IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.
Career
During her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in Kano State, Awosika worked as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co. She later joined Alibert Nigeria Ltd. as a showroom manager. In 1989, she founded Quebees Limited, a furniture manufacturing company, which evolved into The Chair Centre Limited and subsequently The Chair Centre Group. The group includes companies such as Sokoa Chair Centre Limited.
In September 2015, Awosika made history as the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria. She has also served on various boards, including Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ).
Media Presence and Authorship
Awosika appeared as one of the entrepreneurs in the first African version of the television show “Dragon’s Den” in 2008. She hosts a TV program titled “Business His Way” and starred in the 2020 Nigerian film “Citation,” directed by Kunle Afolayan. She has authored several books, including “The ‘Girl’ Entrepreneurs” and “Business His Way.”
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Awosika has received numerous accolades, such as the International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge Award in 2008 and the Forbes Woman Africa Chairperson Award in 2020.
Personal Life
Ibukun Awosika is married to Abiodun Awosika, and they are blessed with three sons. She is also a pastor and enjoys watching investigative and legal series in her leisure time.
