Learn some Useful business strategy tips from the life and experiences of Mrs. Ibukun Awosika
Brief Profile
Mrs. IbukunOluwa Awosika, currently the chairman, First Bank Nigeria Limited and Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC) graduated from University of Ife,Nigeria with a degree in Chemistry. She also did a Chief Executive Programme in Lagos Business School, the Global Executive MBA in IESE Business School, Barcelona-Spain; and Global CEO Programme of Wharton, IESE and C.E.I.B.S Business Schools.

She founded and presides over The Chair Centre Group- a group of companies comprising The Chair Centre Limited, Sokoa Chair Centre Limited, Furniture Manufacturers Mart Limited, and TCC Systems and Services Limited and are involved in furniture manufacturing, retail and bank-way security systems services.

4 Significant Virtues she demonstrated in her early days

1.Excellence: Mrs. Awosika has always attracted attention and appreciation by her undeniable display of excellence. Beginning from her early days in school where she finished with a Grade 1 and won the Dotun Okubanjo prize for the most outstanding student. She also delivered valedictory message for her set in Church after achieving these excellent academic results.
This excellence was duplicated in The Chair Centre Group, her furniture group of companies where she ensured that all her products and services are of high standard quality.

2.Integrity: She demonstrated integrity in accordance with her faith when she declined using bribery as a means of clearing her furniture shipment at a lower cost than legally required, even when suggested by her agent.
She also proposed not to engage in smuggling when importation of furniture was banned, thereby shutting down about 80% of her company.
It is also intriguing to know that she refused to partner with money launders who loot funds from projects. Therefore, she rejected contract bids that usually require bribe to procure. This made her lose a lot of bids but helped her maintain her Christian faith and earned her respect and trust and also inspired her employees.

3.Intelligence/Creativity: After her Company was shut down due to the ban placed on furniture importation, Mrs. Awosika didn’t ‘throw her hands in the air’ and give up. Instead she devised a strategy to localize production of the same furniture by making a proposal and striking a partnership with the manufacturing company and succeeded in opening a branch here in Nigeria. This was largely dependent on her previous relationship with the company and the aid of external investors.

4.Faith: Lastly and most importantly, this woman had her faith to back up her actions. Having been born into a Muslim family and embraced Christianity after her graduation, she defended this faith when she refused to give bribe to customs or import goods illegally.
She demonstrated faith when she decided to approach the manufacturing company for partnership and also exhibited great leadership capacity when she successfully retained all her employees even when the ban placed on importation shut down her company, thereby making them jobless. I can only imagine what value and impact that action must have made in the lives of her employees.

What’s more? She embraced this faith and having been ordained a Pastor, founded the Christian Missionary Fund; and through this faith-based organization, she works with hundreds of missionaries spread across Nigeria to change lives through provision of medical, educational, and other supplies.
She is happily married to Abiodun Awosika and they are blessed with three wonderful sons. She’s a model to many and I personally think that we as mothers, wives, entrepreneurs, pastors and general leaders should take a cue from Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and attain our highest peak in life.
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