Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika

Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika is a highly distinguished Nigerian business magnate, author, corporate executive, and motivational speaker. She made history in September 2015 when she was appointed as the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria. She is the founder and CEO of The Chair Centre Group, a leading furniture manufacturing and retail enterprise in Nigeria.

Early Life and Background

Born Bilkisu Abiodun Motunrayo Omobolanle Adekola on December 24, 1962, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Ibukun Awosika is the third of seven children. Raised in a supportive environment, she developed an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive for academic excellence from a young age.

Education

She completed her primary education at St. Paul’s African Church Primary School in Lagos and her secondary education at Methodist Girls' High School, Yaba. She subsequently attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. To build her business and leadership acumen, she earned a postgraduate certificate from the Lagos Business School and a Global Executive MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.

Career and Businesses

During her mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Awosika worked as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co. (now Deloitte). She then became a showroom manager at Alibert Nigeria Ltd., a furniture company.

In 1989, driven by an entrepreneurial vision, she established her own furniture manufacturing company, Quebees Limited, which eventually evolved into The Chair Centre Limited. Today, she serves as the CEO of The Chair Centre Group.

Aside from entrepreneurship, she is a towering figure in corporate governance. After becoming the first female Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, she continued to serve on numerous prominent boards, including Cadbury Nigeria Plc, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, and the Binance Global Advisory Board. She is also a co-founder and former Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ).

Major Works and Media Appearances

Awosika is a prolific author, known for empowering books like The "Girl" Entrepreneurs and Business His Way. She hosted a television program also titled Business His Way and appeared as an investor on the first African version of Dragon's Den. In 2020, she made her acting debut in the critically acclaimed movie Citation, directed and produced by Kunle Afolayan.

Personal Life

She is happily married to Abiodun Awosika. The couple is blessed with three sons: Oludola, Olafusika, and Olamiposi. Furthermore, she is an ordained pastor and the founder of the Christian Missionary Fund.

Latest News and Current Activities

In recent years, Awosika has expanded her international influence. She continues to travel globally, delivering keynote addresses on leadership, corporate governance, and women's empowerment. As of 2026, she remains highly active in advising global organizations and participating as a board member across international platforms like the Binance Global Advisory Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ibukun Awosika's full name? Her full name is Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika.

When was Ibukun Awosika born? She was born on December 24, 1962.

Which bank was Ibukun Awosika the Chairman of? She was the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria.

Who is Ibukun Awosika's husband? She is married to Abiodun Awosika.

What did Ibukun Awosika study in university? She holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).