#TheCOGBig4 – Dupe Olusola: Exceptional Business Leader and Women’s Advocate 

In this issue of Chief Original Gangstar and on the number 4 spot of our Women’s Month “Big 4” Exclusive, we are celebrating the exceptional Dupe Olusola. Dupe Olusola is no newbie to the national spotlight; a pioneering figure in the Nigerian business landscape, a phenomenal leader, and an epitome of inspiration for women everywhere. Born and raised in Nigeria, Dupe’s journey to success is nothing short of a story that depicts her resilience, determination, and unyielding commitment to excellence.

Dupe’s path to leadership began with her education and early career experiences. After graduating from the University of Leicester with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and obtaining a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of Kent, she ventured into the corporate world with roles at Bloomberg and Northern Trust in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria.

Her journey in Nigeria led her through various sectors, from working with SecTrust (now Afrinvest) to African Capital Alliance, where she gained valuable experience in private equity and investments. In 2008, she joined the investor relations department of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, marking the beginning of her impactful career in the financial industry.

Dupe’s leadership abilities burned brightly as she rose through the ranks at UBA, eventually serving as Group Head of Marketing and overseeing the development and delivery of integrated marketing strategies for the entire UBA Group. Her tenure at UBA was marked by significant achievements, including the expansion of the bank’s stake in various sectors across Africa and beyond.

In 2014, Dupe took on the role of Managing Director and CEO of Teragro Commodities Limited, an indigenous agricultural company. Under her leadership, Teragro forged a groundbreaking partnership with Coca-Cola to produce Five Alive Pulpy Orange Juice, solidifying its position as a key player in the local market.

Her impressive track record caught the attention of Transcorp, one of Nigeria’s leading conglomerates, and in March 2020, Dupe was appointed as the Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, becoming the first female CEO of a publicly quoted company in Nigeria with a market capitalisation of over one trillion naira.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dupe’s leadership steered Transcorp Hotels to profitability, with its share price experiencing remarkable growth. Her innovative initiatives, such as the launch of Aura by Transcorp Hotels, have further solidified the company’s position as a leader in the hospitality industry.

Dupe’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she has been recognised on both local and global stages for her contributions to business and leadership. From being named Leadership CEO of the Year 2023 to receiving accolades from Brand Communicator and World Leader’s magazine, Dupe’s impact continues to inspire and empower women across Nigeria and beyond.

As we celebrate Women’s Month and honour the accomplishments of trailblazers like Dupe Olusola, let us draw inspiration from her journey of resilience, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence. May her story serve as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible.