Becoming More: How Ibukun Awosika Inspired My Journey of Growth and Purpose

There are certain women whose lives do more than inspire, they give you permission to become more. For me, that woman is Ibukun Awosika, a renowned Nigerian business leader, author, and former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, widely respected for her excellence in entrepreneurship, leadership, and public speaking.

I first encountered her story at a time when I was trying to understand what it truly means to grow beyond limitations. Here was a woman who studied Chemistry, yet refused to be confined by her degree. She built a remarkable career in business, rising to positions of influence and impact, proving that your academic background does not have to define your future. That alone challenged my thinking and expanded my perspective on what is possible.

What stands out most to me about Ibukun Awosika is her commitment to continuous self-improvement. She did not settle into comfort; she chose growth repeatedly. She stretched herself beyond expectations, and that mindset has deeply influenced how I approach my own life. As a recent graduate of Human Anatomy, now transitioning into the tech space, I have had moments of uncertainty questioning whether I was on the right path. But her journey reassured me that growth is not always linear, and that it is okay to evolve in pursuit of purpose.

Beyond her professional achievements, I admire her strong foundation of faith. The way she carries her belief in God with confidence and grace resonates deeply with me. In a world where success is often separated from spirituality, she embodies both. This has encouraged me to remain grounded in my values while striving for excellence in my career and personal life.

I am also inspired by how she honours her role as a wife while excelling as a leader. She represents a balance that is both powerful and graceful. Watching her has reshaped my understanding of what it means to be a successful woman. It is not about choosing between ambition and relationships, it is about building a life where both can thrive in harmony.

As an entrepreneur running my skincare business, Ace Dermapalace, her story has pushed me to think beyond just making sales. She has influenced me to see business as a platform for impact. It is about solving real problems, creating value, and building something meaningful. Because of her, I have become more intentional about how I position my brand, how I serve my customers, and how I grow as a business leader.

Her excellence as a speaker has also had a strong impact on me. The way she communicates with clarity, confidence, and purpose has inspired my own journey in public speaking. I am learning that having a voice is not just about speaking, it is about influencing, educating, and creating change. This realization has pushed me to develop myself more intentionally in this area.

Photo of Funke Obatuyi

Looking at my journey so far from serving in leadership positions to becoming the first female president in my academic society, and now stepping into new opportunities in tech and business - I can see the subtle but powerful influence her story has had on my mindset. She has taught me to embrace growth, pursue excellence, and remain open to transformation.

Ibukun Awosika’s life has shown me that success is not a fixed destination. It is a continuous journey of becoming; becoming better, becoming stronger, and becoming more aligned with purpose.

And as I continue to grow, I am learning to embrace that journey fully without fear, without limits, and with the confidence that I can become more.

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Article written by: Funke Obatuyi, Millennium Fellow of Class of 2024 from Federal University of Technology Akure