The atmosphere was electric at the 13th Annual All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) as Africa’s top corporate visionaries gathered to celebrate excellence across the continent. One of the most powerful moments of the night came when Dr Owen Omogiafo, President and Group Chief Executive of Transcorp Group, was named Businesswoman of the Year 2025.
Graceful and composed, Dr Omogiafo accepted the honour with a deep sense of gratitude and pride. She stood as a symbol of what African women can achieve when determination, discipline and purpose come together.
“Who said a mother can’t do it?”
After receiving her award, she addressed a question many women in leadership face: How do you manage everything?
Her response was honest and empowering.
“I am always a mother. I am always a wife. I am always a Group CEO. And I am always Owen. The key is to integrate everything. Work–life balance is hard to achieve. Work–life integration is what works.”
Leading Nigeria’s Powerhouse
Dr Omogiafo oversees Transcorp Group, one of Nigeria’s most influential conglomerates. The company provides a significant share of Nigeria’s power supply, owns the country’s largest hospitality portfolio, drives new investments in renewable energy and is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Behind all of this is a mission she champions with conviction: to improve lives and transform Africa.
A Recognition She Values Deeply
Winning at AABLA was especially meaningful because of the calibre of the judges and the scope of the event as Africa’s finest businesswomen.
“They looked across the continent at many extraordinary women leading major corporations and they chose me. I am honoured and very proud.”
The Glass Ball Philosophy
Dr Omogiafo shared the life principle that guides her through demanding responsibilities. She calls it the Glass Ball Theory.
“We are all juggling. Some balls are glass, some are plastic and some are rubber.”
The Power of a Support System
Dr Omogiafo’s leadership journey is anchored in the people around her. She expressed heartfelt appreciation for her husband, her children Sosa, Precious and Abigail, her parents, in-laws, trusted executive team and close friends.
A Message to Young Women
“You can do it. You can lead. You can build. Your circumstances do not define your future.”
AABLA 2025: A Moment for the Continent
Dr Owen Omogiafo’s recognition as Businesswoman of the Year is a celebration of African leadership, an affirmation of women in executive spaces and a reminder that excellence grows where purpose is present.