Ibukun Awosika is one of Nigeria’s most respected business leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and motivational speakers. She is best known as the first female Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria and the founder of The Chair Centre Group, a leading furniture manufacturing company.
Born Bilkisu Abiodun Motunrayo Omobolanle Adekola, she has built a remarkable career spanning manufacturing, banking, and women’s empowerment. Her journey from starting a furniture business with very little capital to leading one of Africa’s oldest banks is an inspiring story of resilience, vision, and faith.
This comprehensive, easy-to-read biography covers Ibukun Awosika’s early life, education, career milestones, family background, age, husband, and estimated net worth as of 2026.
Early Life and Family Background
Ibukun Awosika was born on December 24, 1962, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Her birth name was Bilkisu Abiodun Motunrayo Omobolanle Adekola. She is the third of seven children.
Her father, Abdulmashood Adekola, was Nigerian (from Ibadan), and her mother, Hannah Aduke Adekola, was Cameroonian. She grew up mostly in Lagos in a disciplined, values-driven home that emphasized education, integrity, hard work, and faith.
Ibukun has often spoken about how her upbringing shaped her strong work ethic and belief in excellence. Although she was born into a Muslim family, she later became a committed Christian before her marriage. This faith has remained a central pillar in her life and decision-making.
Education
Ibukun Awosika received a solid educational foundation:
- Primary School: St. Paul’s African Church Primary School, Lagos
- Secondary School: Methodist Girls’ High School, Yaba, Lagos (where she was nicknamed “The Rabbit” for her speed on the track team)
- University: University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) – B.Sc. in Chemistry
Although she initially wanted to study Architecture, she pursued Chemistry. Even as a science student, she took elective courses in accounting, showing an early interest in business.
She further enhanced her business knowledge through executive education programs at prestigious institutions, including:
- Lagos Business School (Chief Executive Programme)
- IESE Business School, Spain (Global Executive MBA)
- Wharton School and China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) – Global CEO Programme
This combination of scientific training and business education gave her a unique analytical and strategic approach to entrepreneurship.
Career Journey
Ibukun Awosika’s career began during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in Kano State, where she worked as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co. (now Deloitte).
After NYSC, she joined Alibert Nigeria Ltd. (a furniture company) as a showroom manager. At age 25, she made a bold decision: she resigned to start her own furniture manufacturing company, Quebees Limited, in 1989 with very little capital and a borrowed workshop.
Key milestones in her career:
- Grew Quebees into The Chair Centre Limited, later partnering to form SOKOA Chair Centre Limited (a joint venture focused on office furniture and banking security systems).
- Built a successful manufacturing empire despite challenges like import bans, by focusing on local production and quality.
- In 2015, she made history as the first female Chairman of the Board of First Bank of Nigeria, one of Africa’s oldest and largest banks (she served until 2021).
- Co-founded the Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC) to address youth unemployment and skills development in Nigeria.
- Co-founded Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) to empower women in leadership.
- Became a member of the Binance Global Advisory Board in 2022.
- Authored books and hosted the TV program Business – His Way.
Her leadership style combines strategic thinking, faith, and a strong commitment to excellence and people development.
Personal Life: Husband and Family
Ibukun Awosika is married to Abiodun Awosika, a businessman and the Managing Director/CEO of Excel Exploration and Production Company Limited (an oil and gas firm).
They got married on December 24, 1990 — her 28th birthday. Their marriage has been described as supportive, with Abiodun often credited as her “enabler-in-chief,” especially in the early years when he supported the family so she could reinvest profits into the business.
The couple has three sons:
- Oludola Awosika
- Olafusika (Olufusika) Awosika
- Olamiposi Awosika
Ibukun has balanced her demanding career with family life through strong values, discipline, and faith. She is known for her humility and often speaks about the importance of family support in achieving success.
Ibukun Awosika Age
Ibukun Awosika was born on December 24, 1962. As of July 2026, she is 63 years old (she will turn 64 in December 2026).
She remains active in business, speaking engagements, and mentorship.
Ibukun Awosika Net Worth
Ibukun Awosika’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $18.6 million to $25 million as of 2026.
Her wealth primarily comes from:
- The Chair Centre Group (furniture manufacturing and related businesses)
- Investments and board positions
- Speaking engagements and authorship
- Other business ventures
Her success story is often highlighted as an example of building sustainable wealth through manufacturing and strategic leadership rather than quick riches.
Awards and Recognition
Ibukun Awosika has received numerous awards, including:
- Forbes Woman Africa Chairperson Award (2020)
- International Women Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) Award
- International Friendship Award (from the Queen of Spain)
She is widely respected as a role model for women in business across Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ibukun Awosika’s full name? Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika (born Bilkisu Abiodun Motunrayo Omobolanle Adekola).
How old is Ibukun Awosika? She is 63 years old (born December 24, 1962).
Who is Ibukun Awosika’s husband? She is married to Abiodun Awosika, a businessman in the oil and gas sector.
How many children does Ibukun Awosika have? She has three sons: Oludola, Olafusika, and Olamiposi.
What is Ibukun Awosika’s net worth? Estimated between $18.6 million and $25 million.
What companies did Ibukun Awosika found? She founded Quebees Limited, which evolved into The Chair Centre Group / SOKOA Chair Centre Limited.
What is Ibukun Awosika known for? She is known for being the first female Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, building a successful furniture manufacturing business, and empowering women in business.
Final Thoughts
Ibukun Awosika’s life is a powerful testament to what is possible with vision, hard work, faith, and resilience. From starting a furniture company with almost nothing to becoming the first woman to chair one of Nigeria’s biggest banks, she has consistently broken barriers and inspired millions.
Her story teaches valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, leadership, balancing career and family, and the importance of giving back through mentorship and initiatives like WIMBIZ and AGDC.
As she continues to influence the next generation of African business leaders through speaking, writing, and board roles, Ibukun Awosika remains a shining example of excellence and purposeful living.
Henry Jude writes about biotechnology and housing technology, focusing on the latest trends. He has 15 years of experience reporting on and analyzing advances in these fields. Holding both a BSc and an MSc in Biotechnology, he uses his scientific training to explain complex ideas clearly and show how new technologies can be applied in real life.