ENTREPRENEUR WEEKLY SPOTLIGHT

🌟 Ibukun Awosika — The Woman Who Built Her Own Chair

When you think of Ibukun Awosika, think of a woman who decided not just to sit at the table — but to build the chair herself.

👧🏽 Growing Up with Big Dreams

Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika was born on December 24, 1962, in Ibadan, Oyo State, into a large, close-knit Yoruba family.

She grew up curious, outspoken, and full of energy — the kind of child who never believed “you can’t.” Even as a little girl, she was driven to make something meaningful out of her life.

Her parents were strict but loving, and they taught her the value of hard work, honesty, and faith — values that became the foundation of her success story.

🎓 The Curious Scientist Who Found Business

At the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ibukun studied Chemistry — but it wasn’t long before she realized her heart beat for something else.

While her classmates dreamed of working in laboratories, Ibukun dreamed of building something — of creating jobs, solving problems, and leading people.

That dream began to take shape when she worked as a showroom manager at Alibert Nigeria Ltd, a furniture company. She became fascinated with the beauty and craftsmanship of furniture — and more importantly, she noticed a gap in Nigeria’s office furniture market.

That spark lit a fire that would change her life.

💼 The Chair Centre Story

In 1989, at just 27, Ibukun took a huge leap of faith. She resigned from her job and started The Chair Centre Limited, a small furniture company with big dreams.

She had no huge investors, no powerful connections — just vision, determination, and faith.

There were challenges everywhere:

Suppliers didn’t take her seriously because she was a woman.

Banks were skeptical.

The economy was tough.

But she refused to give up. She worked long hours, learned from her mistakes, and built her business brick by brick.

Years later, that little startup grew into The Chair Centre Group, a leading furniture manufacturing company serving top organizations across Nigeria and West Africa.

👑 Breaking Barriers in Banking

Her business success opened doors she never imagined.

In 2015, Ibukun Awosika made history as the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria — the country’s oldest and one of its most respected banks.

It was a powerful moment, not just for her, but for every Nigerian woman who had ever been told “you can’t.”

She led with integrity, grace, and a sense of duty, proving that leadership is not about gender — it’s about character, competence, and courage.

🌍 A Global Voice

Today, Ibukun’s influence stretches far beyond Nigeria.

She sits on international boards, speaks at global conferences, and mentors thousands of young entrepreneurs across Africa.

Whether at the United Nations, Harvard Business School, or a local youth event in Lagos, her message is always the same:

“You are not defined by your background, but by your choices.”

🏆 Awards & Legacy

Over the years, she’s earned countless awards — Businesswoman of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Decade, and global recognitions by Forbes and the BBC.

But ask her what truly matters, and she’ll tell you it’s impact — not titles.

“Success is not how high you climb, but how many people you lift as you rise.”

💫 Why Ibukun Awosika Matters

Ibukun Awosika’s story is not just about business.

It’s about faith meeting courage.

It’s about a woman who believed that integrity is the best currency.

It’s about building — not just furniture, but people, institutions, and legacies.

She is a reminder that in every Nigerian girl lies the power to dream big, start small, and rise strong.