10 Successful Female Entrepreneurs In Nigeria And What They Do For A Living

Author: Tunde Ososanya

Nigeria is home to a lot of hardworking entrepreneurs whose success stories are inspiring those coming behind them. These successful entrepreneurs paid their dues before getting to where they are today.

On the basis of the foregoing, VAM News has gathered you 10 successful female entrepreneurs in Nigeria and what they do.

1. Tara Fela-Durotoye

Tara Fela-Durotoye founded House of Tara in 1991, after which she opened a beauty academy.

She's a lawyer and Africa's top makeup businesswoman. she owns several stores where she sells her brand and her company is respected globally.

Tara Fela-Durotoye started her firm in 1991. Photo credit: @taradurotoye

2. Deola Sagoe

Deola Sagoe is the founder of Deola and she is one of the most popular fashion ladies Nigeria.

The woman has been at the cutting edge of high fashion since 1989. She is the first child of Chief Micheal Ade-Ojo, founder of Elizade University.

Deola Sagoe is a household name when it comes to fashion in Nigeria. Photo credit: Cindy Ord

3. Olajumoke Adenowo

Olajumoke Adenowo is an architect by profession who founded AD Consulting in 1994. She was born on October 16, 1968.

The founder of AD Consulting is also an author and on-air personality.

Olajumoke Adenowo is the founder of AD Consulting. Photo credit: @jumokeadenowo

4. Adenike Ogunlesi

Adenike Ogunlesi founded Ruff 'n' Tumble in 1996 and her company has since become a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children's clothing in Nigeria.

According to Lionesses of Africa, Ruff 'n' Tumble is an instantly recognisable brand in Nigeria and has a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of children's clothing throughout West Africa.

Adenike Ogunlesi is an inspiration to Nigerian women aspiring to greatness. Photo credit: @adenikeogunlesi

5. Bilikiss Adebiyi

Bilikiss Adebiyi is the founder of WeCyclers. The woman, whose company is based in Lagos, believes: "one man's waste is another man's treasure".

She has won a lot of awards for her “green vision” and is believed to be the most popular fighter for safe waste disposal.

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Bilikiss Adebiyi is the founder of WeCyclers. Photo credit: Pius Utomi Ekpei

6. Mo Abudu

The founder and CEO of EbonyLife TV is a Nigerian media mogul with interests spanning electronic broadcasting, filmmaking and content production.

She is also a philanthropist and former human resources management consultant. Abudu has been described by Forbes as "Africa's Most Successful Woman".

Mo Abudu is a media guru and philanthropist. Photo credit: Angela Weiss/AFP

7. Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola

Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola is the founder and editor-in-chief and of Radiant Health Magazine in Nigeria. She's also a public health advocate. The Radiant Health magazine is Nigeria’s first women’s health magazine.

Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola is an inspiration to many women. Photo credit: Radiant

8. Femi Olayebi

The founder of My World of Bags is a talented woman who promotes African culture in her design and textiles.

Her My World of Bags project has grown into a manufacturing company, which now produces stunning handcrafted products, such as leather handbag and accessories.

Femi Olayebi is the founder of My World of Bags. Photo credit: Femi Olayebi/LinkedIn

9. Ngozi Opara

The Nigerian woman is the founder of Heat Free Hair.

Heat Free Hair is not only a business but also a female movement aimed at educating and informing women about how to take care of their natural hair.

Ngozi Opara founded Heat Free Hair. Photo credit: Heat Free Hair

10. Wunmi Amokeodo

The Nigerian fashion designer is the founder of Design for Love, a fashion label which manufactures female clothes and accessories, using Ankara and other fabrics.