#Biz-Idol Challenge
The Winning Entry
Topic: Why I would like to choose Mrs. Ibukun Awosika as my business idol
By: Mene Boyi Precious
Inspired? Motivated? Determined? I have not found the perfect word to portray my feelings. I have been pushed to do more and soar higher for the achievement of my dreams despite challenges and obstacles. The reason behind this is a woman who has left an indelible mark in the innermost part of my heart. She is Mrs. Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika, an icon who is worth more than the applause and my everyday choice for a business idol and role model.
Today, I as a girl child and many others alike are faced with the fear and uncertainty of what the future has in store for us and to this end are scared of chasing our dreams. Mrs. Ibukun Awosika stood out in the face of this crisis and followed her heart. Who is she? She is the CEO of The Chair Center Group, Nigeria following her love and passion for architecture. She has opened my eyes to see the million opportunities staring at me in the face which if I have the passion for, with hard work, success is achievable. Being the first female board chairman of First Bank, Nigeria, She spurs me to be better than the best not minding age, gender, religion or class. In a world filled with competition on every side, she has encouraged me to dare to change the story.
Mrs. Ibukun Awosika is a woman who envisions a world where women also have a fair chance in business alongside men and has shown this as she has co-founded Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ). Her deep concern for the devastating state of youths in Nigeria due to the high level of unemployment led her to also co-establish an organization which tackles this malaise. Her humanitarian services have shown me she has a heart of gold and is ever ready to lend that helping hand which I strive to emulate. She has served and still serves in quite a number of organizations including ASPEN Global Leadership Network, National Job Creation Committee (NJCC) and has chaired many boards. Her ability to excel and consistently provide essential services as an entrepreneur is worthy of emulation. Her remarkable excellence has been recognised with many awards and honors to her credit.
Mrs. Ibukun Awosika has played roles in films that address the ills of society and authored books that enable people to be grounded in the art and mastery of business. What a multitalented person she is. An enviable character for everyone who desires motivation to make it in business and in life. She is also a lover of God as she is a pastor in the Fountain of Life Church and has established an organization that caters for the needs of missionaries. She is indeed a gem and a rare one at that. Her reward extends to the next realm; the dream of every man who knows that there is a supreme being somewhere who will judge the acts of men and reward each accordingly.
What more can one desire in a role model or business idol? A creative mind, hardworking spirit, selfless heart, excellence, passion, or the fear of God? All these have I seen in the icon, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and that is my reason for choosing her as my business idol and role model.
