Famous Nigerian Business People

Folorunsho Alakija is a prominent Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist. She holds key positions in notable organizations, serving as the group managing director of The Rose of Sharon Group and the executive vice chairman of Famfa Oil Limited. Alakija's professional life is marked by her significant contributions to the business world, particularly in the oil industry. Her leadership roles have solidified her reputation as a successful entrepreneur, garnering respect for her business acumen and dedication to philanthropic endeavors.

Abba Kyari was a prominent Nigerian lawyer who held the position of Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria from August 2015 until his passing in April 2020. During his tenure, he played a key role in the decision-making process of the Nigerian government, advising the President on various matters of national importance. Known for his dedication and commitment to public service, Kyari's professional life was marked by his influential role in shaping policies and strategies that impacted the country's governance and development.

Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo, also known as Pepper, had a distinguished professional career as a Nigerian businessman and politician. He served as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and later as a Senator representing Lagos East in the 9th Nigerian National Assembly. Throughout his tenure, Osinowo demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and worked tirelessly to address the needs of his constituents. His leadership and dedication to improving the lives of the people he represented earned him respect and admiration from his colleagues and the community.

Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is a Nigerian entrepreneur known for her expertise in African agriculture, nutrition, philanthropy, and social innovation. She has made significant contributions to these fields through her work and leadership. Since April 2, 2024, she has held the position of CEO at the One Campaign, where she continues to drive impactful change and address pressing issues in Africa. With a strong focus on improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable development, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli's professional life reflects a commitment to creating positive social impact.

James Pinson Labulo Davies was a versatile Nigerian figure known for his diverse professional endeavors. He established himself as a successful businessman, merchant-sailor, and naval officer. Davies played a significant role in the agricultural sector as a farmer and also ventured into industrial pursuits, pioneering new developments in the sector. Additionally, he engaged in statesmanship, contributing to the governance and development of his community. Davies was also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, reflecting his commitment to supporting and uplifting others.

Mohammed Shitta-Bey, also known as Olowo Pupa, was a distinguished Nigerian Muslim businessman, aristocrat, and philanthropist. He held the title of Seriki Musulumi in Lagos and played a vital role in commerce across Lagos and the Niger-Delta region. He was a prominent leader in the Lagos Muslim community and a patron of the Shitta-Bey Mosque. Shitta-Bey was recognized as one of the founding fathers of legitimate commerce in precolonial Nigeria and was regarded as the most prominent and wealthiest Muslim trader in West Africa at the time of his passing.

Buruji Kashamu was a Nigerian politician who served as a Senator representing Ogun East in the 8th National Assembly. He was a chieftain of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State and held various leadership positions within the party. Kashamu was known for his involvement in party organization and mobilization, particularly in the South West zone of Nigeria. He was also the PDP's candidate for the 2019 Ogun State gubernatorial election. Despite facing expulsion from the party, his political career continued until his passing in August 2020 due to COVID-19.

Antonio Deinde Fernandez was a Nigerian billionaire, business magnate, and diplomat known for his leadership in Pan-African initiatives. As the Permanent Representative of the Central African Republic to the United Nations, he played a significant role in international relations. Fernandez was highly regarded as one of the wealthiest individuals in Africa. He held various chieftaincy titles, including the Apesin Ola of the Egba clan, and was entitled to use the courtesy territorial designation "of Dudley" in Scotland. Fernandez's professional legacy was marked by his success in business, diplomacy, and his commitment to African development.

Femi Pedro is a Nigerian economist and politician known for his roles in the financial and governmental sectors. He served as the deputy governor of Lagos State from 2003 to 2007, following his tenure as a co-owner and CEO of First Atlantic Bank, now FinBank. Pedro currently holds the position of chairman at the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and is the founding chairman of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund. His professional life highlights a commitment to economic development and sports initiatives in Nigeria.

Dencia is a multi-talented individual with a diverse professional portfolio. As a singer, she debuted with the single "Beri Beri" in 2011 and has collaborated with renowned artists in the music industry. In the fashion world, Dencia has made a mark as a designer, creating looks for A-list celebrities and showcasing her own fashion statements at prestigious events. Notably, she launched a skincare line, Whitenicious, which garnered attention for its controversial skin lightening products. Dencia's entrepreneurial spirit is evident through her ownership of multiple successful skincare brands.

Duro Olowu is a Nigerian-born British fashion designer known for his innovative combinations of patterns and textiles inspired by his international background. He launched his eponymous women's wear label in 2004, gaining recognition for his unique designs. Olowu won the New Designer of the Year Award at the British Fashion Awards in 2005, and made his runway debut at London Fashion Week in 2007. He has curated acclaimed contemporary art exhibitions and his designs are held in prestigious collections. Olowu's work has been celebrated by influential figures like Michelle Obama.

Gilbert Ramez Chagoury is a prominent Nigerian billionaire businessman, diplomat, and philanthropist. With a successful career spanning several decades, he has established himself as a key figure in the business world, known for his leadership and strategic acumen. Chagoury has made significant contributions to various industries, fostering economic growth and development in Nigeria and beyond. Additionally, his diplomatic endeavors have strengthened international relations, while his philanthropic activities have positively impacted communities through various charitable initiatives.

Sola David-Borha has had a distinguished career in the financial sector, holding various leadership positions within the Standard Bank Group. She served as the CEO of Stanbic IBTC Holdings and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, as well as deputy CEO and executive director of corporate & investment banking. With a strong background in investment banking, she also held the position of head of investment banking for Africa (excluding South Africa). Additionally, she has been actively involved in various organizations, such as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the governing council of Redeemer's University.

Lola Maja-Okojevoh is a renowned Nigerian make-up artist specializing in special effects, eyebrows, and eyelashes. As the founder and CEO of "Sacred Beauty" & "The SFX Store," she has made a name for herself in the industry. Lola has worked on major fashion events, films such as The Figurine and October 1, and music videos. Her clientele includes celebrities like Genevieve Nnaji and Tiwa Savage, and she has collaborated with fashion magazines and models. Notably, she won the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award for "Best Make-up" in 2015.

Ade A. Olufeko is an American-born designer and technologist based in Lagos, Nigeria, known for his international contributions to humanities. He has given talks and exhibited his work across the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Olufeko's professional endeavors involve direct interactions and collaborations with consortiums, advocacy groups, and artist collectives. He is the founder of Visual Collaborative, an American platform that collaborates with diverse experts on socio-economics. Olufeko's achievements include receiving the IBM Gerstner Award for exceptional service during a malware epidemic and delivering speeches at prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxford, Yale University, and Harvard Business School.

Sunil Vaswani is a prominent Indian-born Nigerian billionaire businessman serving as the chairman of the Stallion Group, a Dubai-based company with a wide range of interests including cars, commodities, food, steel manufacturing, plastics, packaging, petrochemicals, port operations, and technology. With operations spanning across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Vaswani has established a successful career in various industries. As of April 2020, his net worth was estimated at $1.6 billion, reflecting his significant contributions to the business world.

Ronald Chagoury is a Nigerian businessman and co-founder of the Chagoury Group. He studied business studies at California State University, Long Beach. Chagoury's professional life includes serving as the CEO of the Chagoury Group, a successful business venture he co-founded with his brother Gilbert Chagoury. Despite his achievements, Chagoury's name has been linked to the Panama Papers.

Kehinde Smith is a successful entrepreneur and social media influencer known for her self-titled Instagram account. With a degree in international business from Northern Illinois University, she founded and serves as CEO of My Extensionz, a natural hair extensions beauty company. Her high-end fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content has gained her a massive following of over 220,000 on Instagram. Kehinde has collaborated with fellow influencer Kiitana and is recognized for her glamorous aesthetic and business acumen in the beauty industry.

Anita Okoye is a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, known for her active presence on social media platforms such as Instagram. As the wife of renowned Nigerian R&B star Paul Okoye, she has garnered a significant following by sharing insights into her lifestyle. Additionally, Anita has showcased her talents as an author, with the release of her book "The ABCs of Africa" in 2016. She has collaborated with her brother-in-law Peter Okoye on various projects, further solidifying her influence within the industry.

John O. Agwunobi is a Scottish-born Nigerian-American public health official and pediatrician. He has held various leadership positions, including serving as the assistant secretary for health for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Florida's secretary of health, and state health officer. Agwunobi also worked as the senior vice-president of Walmart and was the president of the retailer's health and wellness business. He later became the chief executive officer and executive chairman of Herbalife Nutrition.