FirstBank Chairman, Ibukun Awosika’s Greatful Heart

Ibukun Awosika’s success story deserves to be adapted into a book. If well knitted, it would be an award winning masterpiece for rookies and well established business entrepreneurs.
The Chairman of FirstBank has a reason to be happy with songs in her mouth and joy in her heart. Her furniture making company, The Sokoa Chair Centre, a business she nurtures from the cradle recently celebrated its 30th years of existence against all odds.

The company in its early years of existence witness a major typhoon that almost sank it. At that time, the Federal government, gave a directive on importation ban of some goods which her business was directly affected. With dedication, prayer, doggedness, resilient and hardwork, Ibukun was able to weather the storm to remain in business. With her impeccable negotiation skills and wealth of knowledge in business, she was able to secure a foreign direct investment by setting up her own factory here in Nigeria.

Ever since she made that audacious business decision, she has leapfrogged from a small scale furniture business owner to a multi national furniture production outfit thereby redefining the industry with great and affordable designs. The stylish mother of 3 has often linked her success to her husband Abiodun Awosika, who supported and gave her the opportunity to pursue her dreams.

In a bid to give back to the society, at the 30th anniversary celebrations, she donated cash worth millions of naira for 30 widows as capital to start their own business. As she also gave out cash prices and furniture to several people. For her contributions to humanity, business and banking her alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo Univeristy, Ile-Ife at its 44th convocation ceremony, awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration (Honoris Causa).