Success in business rarely comes by accident. Behind every strong brand or respected leader is a long journey of discipline, learning, mistakes, and consistency. Ibukun Awosika’s story fits perfectly into this reality. She is one of those Nigerians whose name naturally comes up whenever conversations around leadership, business ethics, and women in enterprise are mentioned. Her journey is not built on noise or shortcuts, but on steady growth, values, and structure.
In this article, you’ll get a clear and complete picture of who Ibukun Awosika is, her background, family, career journey, businesses, sources of income, net worth, public image, and the impact she has made over the years.
Who Is Ibukun Awosika?
Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika (née Ibukunoluwa Abiodun) is a Nigerian entrepreneur, author, speaker, and corporate leader. She is best known for building one of Nigeria’s most successful furniture manufacturing companies and for making history as the first female chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria. Beyond titles, she is widely respected for her strong views on leadership, integrity, and institution building.
Early Life and Background
Ibukun Awosika was born on December 24, 1962, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. She grew up in a structured family environment where discipline, responsibility, and values were emphasized. One of her earliest exposures to business came from helping her grandmother run a small store, an experience she has often credited as the foundation of her entrepreneurial mindset.
She attended St. Paul’s African Church Primary School in Lagos for her primary education and later Methodist Girls’ High School, Yaba, for her secondary education. Although she initially wanted to study architecture, she eventually earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
Career Journey
After completing her National Youth Service Corps in Kano State, Ibukun Awosika began her professional career as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co. (now Deloitte). She later worked briefly at Alibert Nigeria Limited as a showroom manager. During this period, she identified a major gap in the local furniture manufacturing industry, particularly the lack of quality and consistency.
Rather than complain, she made a bold decision to leave paid employment and start her own business. At the age of 25, she founded Quebees Limited, which later evolved into what is known today as The Chair Centre Group, now operating under the SOKOA Chair Centre brand. The company grew steadily from a small operation into a major player in Nigeria’s furniture manufacturing and retail space, serving corporate organizations, institutions, and individuals.
Her leadership journey later expanded beyond entrepreneurship into corporate governance and board leadership.
Major Career Milestones
Some of the defining moments in her career include:
- Founder and former CEO of The Chair Centre Group
- First female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria
- Board member of several local and international organizations
- Co-founder of Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ)
- Author of leadership and business-focused books
- Global speaker on leadership, ethics, and entrepreneurship
These roles positioned her not just as a business owner, but as a trusted voice in corporate leadership and governance.
Business Interests and Ventures
Ibukun Awosika’s primary business interest is in furniture manufacturing and retail through SOKOA Chair Centre Limited, a joint venture with a French furniture company. The business focuses on producing high-quality office and home furniture, with operations extending across Nigeria and parts of West Africa.
In addition to this, she has interests in real estate, private investments, executive coaching, and advisory roles. Her income streams are diversified but consistently aligned with long-term value creation rather than short-term profit.
Family and Personal Life
Ibukun Awosika is married to Abiodun Awosika, and their marriage has spanned several decades. The couple has three children. Despite her public profile, she has maintained a relatively private family life and rarely puts personal family details in the spotlight.
She often speaks openly about the importance of family balance, personal discipline, and values, especially when addressing young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Sources of Income and Net Worth
Ibukun Awosika’s wealth comes from multiple structured sources, including:
- Furniture manufacturing and retail business operations
- Board appointments and corporate governance roles
- Speaking engagements and executive coaching
- Book sales and intellectual property
- Private investments and real estate
Her estimated net worth is placed at over ₦3 billion. While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, her long-standing business operations, board-level roles, and investments support this valuation.
Public Image and Controversies
Ibukun Awosika has largely maintained a clean and respected public image. Over the years, there have been instances of false information and scams using her name or image, especially online. These have been publicly addressed and debunked by her team.
She has also faced public debates around her views on leadership, feminism, and values, but these are ideological discussions rather than scandals. No verified records link her to financial, legal, or ethical misconduct.
Faith, Leadership Style, and Impact
One of the defining aspects of Ibukun Awosika’s life is her strong faith-based approach to leadership. She openly integrates personal values, discipline, and accountability into her business philosophy. Her mentorship work, especially through platforms like WIMBIZ, has impacted thousands of women and young professionals across Nigeria.
She is known for promoting structure, long-term thinking, and ethical leadership over shortcuts or hype-driven success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Ibukun Awosika still active in business?
Yes. While she is no longer the CEO of her company, she remains active as an entrepreneur, board professional, speaker, and investor.
What made her popular nationwide?
Her success with The Chair Centre Group and her historic role as the first female chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria significantly raised her public profile.
Is Ibukun Awosika an author?
Yes. She has authored books focused on leadership, business, and personal development.
Does she mentor young entrepreneurs?
Yes. Through speaking engagements, leadership programs, and organizations like WIMBIZ, she mentors upcoming professionals.
Conclusion
Ibukun Awosika’s life and career reflect what is possible when discipline, values, and long-term thinking are applied consistently. Her journey shows that success in business is not about speed, trends, or shortcuts, but about structure, learning, and responsibility.
Beyond her titles and achievements, her real influence lies in the systems she has built, the people she has mentored, and the standards she continues to promote within Nigeria’s business and leadership space.