Madame Ibukun Awosika
A Visionary Leader, Trailblazer, and Global Catalyst for Women's Empowerment
Madame Ibukun Awosika stands as one of Africa's most formidable and influential business leaders, whose impact resonates across continents. As the first female Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, she shattered the glass ceiling in Africa's financial sector, paving the way for generations of women leaders to follow.
Pioneering Entrepreneur & Business Leader
The founder and CEO of The Chair Centre Group, Madame Awosika has built a multimillion-dollar furniture manufacturing and retail conglomerate from the ground up, demonstrating exceptional business acumen and visionary leadership. Her entrepreneurial journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and strategic excellence in navigating complex business environments.
Corporate Governance Authority
Madame Awosika's expertise is sought by multinational corporations worldwide, serving on numerous prestigious boards where her insights drive organizational transformation and sustainable growth. Her mastery of corporate governance has established new benchmarks for leadership excellence across industries.
Thought Leader & Author
A prolific author of several best-selling business books, Madame Awosika's thought leadership has inspired entrepreneurs and executives globally. Her writings offer profound insights on business strategy, leadership development, and organizational excellence that continue to shape management thinking worldwide.
Media Influencer & Public Figure
As a star of "Dragons' Den Nigeria" (the Nigerian equivalent of Shark Tank), Madame Awosika has brought entrepreneurial education to millions, using her platform to mentor emerging business leaders and champion innovation. Her commanding presence and strategic insights have made her a beloved figure in business entertainment.
Global Speaker & Advocate
A featured speaker at the world's most prestigious forums including the World Economic Forum, United Nations, and Harvard Business School, Madame Awosika articulates compelling visions for business transformation and societal advancement. Her perspectives on economic development, women's empowerment, and ethical leadership have influenced policy and practice across multiple sectors.
Champion for Women's Leadership
As the founder and convenor of the International Woman Leadership Conference held annually in Dubai, Madame Awosika has created a transformative platform that attracts more than 600 women leaders from around the world. This landmark event has become a catalyst for global female leadership development, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and accelerating women's advancement in business, governance, and social impact.
Recognition & Impact
Named among Forbes' "Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women," Madame Awosika's influence extends beyond business circles. With over 1.5 million social media followers, she leverages her platform to advocate for positive change, economic development, and women's empowerment across Africa and beyond.
We are honored to welcome Madame Ibukun Awosika as our keynote speaker and guest of honor for the second consecutive year at our celebration of Mary Prince's legacy. Her presence embodies the spirit of resilience, excellence, and transformative leadership that Mary Prince represents, connecting historical struggles to contemporary pathways for women's advancement and empowerment.
