In a country full of bright minds, Nigerian women are proving every day that they can lead businesses, create jobs, and make life better for others. Whether it’s banking, technology, health, or fashion, these women are not just making money — they are making a difference. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top female CEOs and rising stars in Nigeria.
Yemisi Edun – CEO, First City Monument Bank (FCMB)
Industry: Banking & Finance
Yemisi became the first woman to be named CEO of FCMB, one of Nigeria’s leading banks. With a strong background in accounting and finance, she worked her way up in the company over the years. Now, she’s focused on making the bank stronger, more digital, and more helpful to small businesses.
Owen Omogiafo – CEO, Transcorp Group
Industry: Power, Hospitality, Oil & Gas
Owen is the first female CEO of Transcorp, a big company that owns Transcorp Hotels and Transcorp Power. She believes in investing in people and giving more young Nigerians the chance to grow. Her leadership style is all about teamwork and performance.
Funke Opeke – Founder & CEO, MainOne
Industry: Technology / Internet Infrastructure
Funke built MainOne from the ground up. The company laid undersea cables that now power the internet for many companies in West Africa. In 2021, MainOne was bought by a global tech giant, Equinix, showing just how valuable her work is.
Ibukun Awosika – Founder, The Chair Centre Group
Industry: Manufacturing & Leadership
Ibukun started The Chair Centre, a furniture company, at a time when very few women were in manufacturing. She later became the first woman to chair the board of First Bank. Today, she trains young entrepreneurs and speaks around the world on leadership and faith.
Amy Jadesimi – CEO, LADOL (Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base)
Industry: Oil & Gas Logistics
Amy leads LADOL, one of the few privately owned industrial facilities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. She has degrees from Oxford and Stanford, and is passionate about making Nigeria a hub for sustainable energy and jobs.
Bola Adesola – Senior Vice-Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Africa
Industry: Banking / Finance
Bola once led Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria as CEO. Today, she advises the bank’s strategy across Africa and supports young leaders through mentorship programs. She’s known for pushing for financial inclusion and women empowerment in the industry.
Folake Soetan – Electricity Distribution
CEO, Ikeja Electric
Folake is the first female CEO of Ikeja Electric, Nigeria’s largest power distribution company. She’s working hard to improve electricity services and customer experience in Lagos and beyond.
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Odunayo Eweniyi – Co-founder/COO, PiggyVest
Industry: Fintech / Digital Savings
PiggyVest helps millions of Nigerians save money easily through their phones. Odunayo is one of the brains behind it. She’s also a strong voice for women in tech and co-founded “Feminist Coalition,” which supports young women and youth movements.
Temie Giwa-Tubosun – CEO, LifeBank
Industry: HealthTech / Medical Logistics
Temie built LifeBank to solve a simple problem — helping hospitals find and receive blood and medical supplies quickly. Her idea has saved thousands of lives, and she’s been recognized by the BBC, CNN, and the World Economic Forum.
Damilola Olokesusi – CEO, Shuttlers
Industry: Transport Tech
Damilola is helping professionals in Lagos commute more comfortably with Shuttlers — a bus-sharing app that reduces stress and costs. Her startup recently raised millions in funding and is expanding to other cities.
Fara Ashiru Jituboh – CEO & CTO, Okra
Industry: Fintech / Software Engineering
Fara is a software engineer who built Okra, a platform that connects financial apps to banks. She leads one of the few tech companies in Nigeria run by a woman, and her work is improving digital banking experiences across Africa.
Solape Akinpelu – CEO, HerVest
Industry: Fintech / Agriculture & Women Empowerment
Solape built HerVest to support female farmers. The platform gives them access to credit, training, and investment. She believes women in rural areas should be part of Nigeria’s economic growth.
Blessing Abeng – Co-founder, Ingressive for Good
Industry: Tech Nonprofit / Branding
Blessing is helping young Africans get into tech through free training and scholarships. She’s also a branding expert, helping startups and creatives tell their stories in powerful ways.
Ire Aderinokun – Co-founder, Helicarrier (formerly BuyCoins)
Industry: Crypto & Web Development
Ire is a top front-end developer and runs a company that makes crypto trading easy in Nigeria. She also teaches other women to code and supports open-source projects.
Why These Women Matter
These CEOs are not just breaking barriers; they’re building bridges for others to cross. They prove that women can succeed in tough industries, start their own businesses, and lead with purpose. Whether they’re in boardrooms or building apps, Nigerian women are creating jobs, solving problems, and lifting others as they rise.
