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REGISTER TO ATTEND  Beauty in the motherland Africa's Beauty Event Biggest A more
beautiful
Africa
PEOPLE. BRANDS. CULTURE. OPPORTUNITY OCT 5TH - 7TH
2026
Eko Convention Center
Victoria Island, Lagos

Pioneering beauty revolution in Africa's beauty industry, born from a passion for celebrating and advancing the continents rich human and natural resources. The vision 2030 goal is to ensure the industry in Africa attains $100billion value. Led by an African team with a combined experience of over 40 decades, we bring unmatched expertise and insight into the continent’s dynamic beauty market, to empower, create structure and provide access to markets, in other to further advance the growth of the Africa's beauty and personal care market.

Showcasing Beauty,

Celebrating Excellence

More than 300 brands with proven interest in the African Beauty Market unite for the 4th edition, of the continent’s fastest-growing beauty event - Beauty in the Motherland ’26. The three-day exhibition, conferences, Business Pitch, Nail Art Competition, awards will take place from 5th October to 7th October 2026 at the Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.

500

Leading Brands

10k

Beauty Professionals

60

Speakers

20

Partners

400

Exhibitors

26

Countries

Who should attend

Beauty Professionals & Leaders

Among the attendees are renowned beauty brands, top retailers, and seasoned industry professionals, joined by exploring fresh opportunities in Africa’s dynamic beauty market.

Thought Leaders

The gathering will bring together leading global and African brands, visionary buyers, creative innovators, and forward-thinking investors, alongside thought-leaders shaping tomorrow’s beauty trends.

Creators

Connect with content creators, influencers, digital storytellers, beauty lovers, and trend-seekers, all gathering to share ideas & amplify the energy of Africa’s fastest-growing beauty showcase.

Meet the BITML’26 Panelists

Panel Topic

Positioning in the Beauty Industry for the Next Phase of Growth

Pearl Ubani

Founder, Myria Gee

Panelist

Pearl Ubani is an award-winning beauty entrepreneur and economist who is quickly becoming one of Nigeria’s most visionary beauty voices, with a mission to redefine the African makeup industry. She is the founder of Myria Gee, a trailblazer pioneering makeup manufacturing in Nigeria, by Nigerians, for the world.
Pearl has solidified her business leadership by emerging as the winner of the reality TV entrepreneurship show, The Next Titan Nigeria Season 10 in 2025 and was later honoured as the recipient of the Trailblazer in Beauty, Wellness, and Cosmetics award at the 2026 National MSME Awards.
With the continued success of MyriaGee, alongside her work in public speaking, storytelling, and leading global conversations, Pearl continues to inspire young women to build sustainable wealth through business and lead fearlessly.

Abigail Oluchi

Founder & CEO, Aby Natural

Panelist

Abigail Ebegbuna Oluchi is a Nigerian beauty entrepreneur, cosmetologist, cosmetic formulator, and educator, and the Founder & CEO of Aby Naturals and Organic Products, a Nigerian hair-care and beauty brand established in 2020.
With a growing presence in the beauty and manufacturing industry, Abigail is passionate about developing effective beauty products, advancing local cosmetic manufacturing, and creating opportunities for emerging beauty entrepreneurs. Through Aby Naturals, she oversees product development and the production of hair-care solutions for different hair types, while also offering R&D, product formulation, private-label, white-label, and contract manufacturing services.
She is also the Founder and Lead Tutor of Aby Naturals Formulation School, where she equips aspiring formulators and beauty entrepreneurs with practical knowledge and hands-on skills in cosmetic formulation and product development.
An alumna of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and the YALI West Africa Regional Leadership Center, Abigail is currently pursuing an MBA in Business Administration. Her work sits at the intersection of beauty, innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and African manufacturing.
As a wife, mother, woman of faith, and purpose-driven entrepreneur, Abigail is committed to building a globally recognised African beauty brand and contributing meaningfully to the growth of Africa’s beauty and cosmetics industry.

Esther Uzodinma

Founder, EsteBare

Panelist

Esther Uzodinma is a creative cultural builder, faith-driven entrepreneur, and passionate storyteller with 7+ years of experience across sales, marketing, media, entertainment and PR, working with global brands and multinationals.
She is the founder of EsteBare, a Nigerian personal-care brand creating innovative hair-removal solutions for melanin-rich skin, born from her personal experience with hirsutism. A selected founder on a global accelerator, Esther brings together culture, technology, storytelling and commercial experience to build EsteBare into a global African heritage brand. She’s building an eco-system where black female founders can believe they can build anything from African soil.

Oyedunmade Otun

Founder, Curls & Tresses

Panelist

Oyedunmade Otun is the founder of Curls & Tresses, a natural haircare brand dedicated to helping adults and children confidently care for their Afro-textured hair. Inspired by her own natural hair journey, she created the brand to provide effective haircare products, sustainable tools, and practical education that make healthy haircare easier. As a certified Hair Loss Practitioner through the United States Trichology Institute, Oyedunmade is passionate about helping women embrace their natural hair, rock their Afros with confidence, and challenge the negative beliefs surrounding Afro-textured hair.

Sandaram Mohammed

Founder & CEO Infused Organics

Panelist

Sandaram Mohammed is the Founder and CEO of Infused Organics, a natural hair and skincare brand dedicated to ethically sourced, plant-powered wellness. Inspired by her personal journey of healing following a struggle with thyroid dysfunction, she combined rigorous botanical research with ancestral skincare wisdom to formulate authentic, clean beauty solutions.
Honoring a rich African heritage spanning Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Chad, Sudan, and Nigeria, Mohammed bridges multi-generational traditions with modern cosmetic science. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Product Design from Ahmadu Bello University, applying human-centered design principles and meticulous artistic innovation to product development and botanical infusions. Through Infused Organics, she leads a brand celebrated for clean beauty innovation, homegrown excellence, and heritage-led storytelling.

Omotunde Ibironke

Head of Partnerships & Growth, BellaNaija

Moderator

Omotunde Ibironke is a seasoned Media Executive, Project Manager, and Business Strategist with nearly a decade of experience leading cross-functional campaigns across Africa and globally.

She currently serves as the Head of Partnerships and Growth at one of Africa's leading media-tech platform, BellaNaija, where she has successfully project-managed & led high-profile initiatives with Organizations Netflix, GoalKeepers, The Gates Foundation, Global Citizen, and the BellaNaija x The She Tank 'Her Money, Her Power' campaign (to mention a few), driving measurable impact across digital and social platforms.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, she brings a strategic, data-informed lens to media innovation. She is also a digital content creator and skilled event compere, known for building brand saliency across diverse markets.

Passionate about African storytelling and global collaboration, Omotunde continues to shape narratives that connect, inspire, and deliver value.

Panel Topic

Strategies to Overcoming Challenges in Africa's Beauty Sector

Eniye Benjamin

Founder & Creative Director, Body Secrets Africa Group

Panelist

Eniye Benjamin is a Beauty Entrepreneur, Founder & Creative Director of Body Secrets Africa Group, Certified Cosmetic Formulator, Nutritionist, Cosmetic Manufacturing & Factory Expert, Body Care Specialist, Wellness Expert.

With professional training across the UK, Asia, Nigeria, Dubai and Ghana, she has built expertise across skincare, haircare, perfumes, wellness, nutrition, formulation, product development and manufacturing. She is the visionary behind Body Secrets Africa, a leading African beauty, body care and lifestyle brand with 50+ secured locations and counting across Nigeria, the UAE and Ghana.
Through her growing beauty ecosystem Eniye works across product development, manufacturing, retail, distribution, wellness and beauty education, with collaborating factories and laboratories across Asia and Dubai and warehouses in Nigeria, Dubai and Ghana. Her mission is to create effective, accessible, high-performance beauty, Body care and lifestyle essentials that promotes self-love, self-confidence and self-care

Sasha Sahnoon

Founder & CEO, Slash Beauty

Panelist

Sasha Sahnoon is a lawyer and the Founder and CEO of Slash Beauty, an award-winning beauty brand committed to quality, innovation, and redefining beauty standards. Sasha launched Slash Beauty in 2018 and has since built it into a trusted name in the beauty industry.
Under her leadership, the brand has been recognized for its impact and innovation, earning Beauty Brand of the Year 2025. Sasha is passionate about building products that fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles while pushing the beauty industry forward through thoughtful innovation and inclusivity.

Favour Bradie

Founder & CEO, FBH Cosmetics

Panelist

Favour Braide is the visionary Founder and CEO of FBH Cosmetics, a Port Harcourt-based beauty brand established in 2016. Driven by a passion for beauty, innovation, and excellence, she founded the company with a clear vision: to create high-quality cosmetic products that enhance natural beauty, inspire confidence, and meet the diverse needs of beauty lovers.
Under her leadership, FBH Cosmetics has grown from a locally founded business into a globally recognized beauty brand. The company offers an expanding range of makeup and skincare products designed to deliver quality, performance, and accessibility to customers across different skin types and beauty preferences. Favour Braide’s entrepreneurial journey reflects determination, creativity, resilience, and a strong commitment to building a trusted African beauty brand.
Today, Favour Braide is recognised not only as the Founder and CEO of FBH Cosmetics but also as a passionate beauty entrepreneur dedicated to empowering people through beauty. Her story is one of vision, hard work, and the courage to transform a passion into a growing global brand.

Omobolaji Mogaji

Founder Rubellite™️ Cosmetics & Rubellite™️ Hair

Panelist

Omobolaji Mogaji is an accomplished beauty brand consultant, educator, and entrepreneur specializing in helping founders build sustainable beauty businesses across Africa. She holds degrees in Mass Communication, Media Management, Brand Management from the University of Valencia, and Marketing from Rome Business School.
Drawing on over seven years of advertising experience, Mogaji founded Rubellite™ Cosmetics and Rubellite™ Hair, establishing a strong track record as an industry expert. Through her consultancy firm, TBE Global, she has guided over 20 cosmetics, skincare, and lifestyle brands in launch positioning, manufacturing, and marketing strategy.
Recognized as the ELOY Innovative Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year and listed among Nigeria’s 40 Under 40 CEOs, she continues to empower emerging beauty entrepreneurs across the continent.

Geraldine Iheme

Founder FACE Coat

Panelist

Geraldine Iheme is a lawyer, author, and beauty entrepreneur best known as the Founder and Creative Director of Face Coat Company. She holds a Master’s degree in Oil and Gas Law from the University of Dundee and is the author of the bestselling book Disfigured Emotions.
Drawing on her background in law, media, and literature, Iheme founded Face Coat in 2020 to offer modern women a simpler, effortless approach to makeup through multi-functional products. Under her leadership, the brand has scaled from an Instagram-based Nigerian business into an award-winning cosmetic company serving customers across Africa and international markets. Honored with Cosmetology awards for Best Cosmetic Brand and Best Makeup, Iheme continues to combine creative direction and strategic leadership to drive innovation in African beauty.

Denise Eseimokumoh

Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire Nigeria

Moderator

Denise Eseimokumoh is the Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire Nigeria, where she leads the publication’s editorial, creative, and strategic direction. A multidisciplinary creative director, strategist, and cultural entrepreneur, she is known for building editorial systems that balance global brand integrity with sharp cultural relevance, positioning Marie Claire Nigeria as a forward-facing platform shaping conversations across fashion, beauty, and women’s culture in Africa and the diaspora.
Under her leadership, the publication has expanded its global reach and produced high-impact collaborations with institutions and luxury houses including Chanel and Dior. She has also served as a juror for the prestigious Prix d’Excellence de la Beauté Marie Claire, recognising excellence across the global beauty industry.
Panel Topic

Skin Deep Beauty Practices & Longevity: Opportunities In Africa

Dr. Khalimat Moradeyo

Medical Doctor & Evidence-Based Skincare Educator

Panelist

Dr. Khalimat Moradeyo is a seasoned medical doctor with over four years of clinical experience and a passion for skincare and dermatological wellness. Through her growing social media presence, Dr. Moradeyo educates her audience on the science behind healthy skin, debunks common skincare myths, and empowers people to make informed choices about their skin health.
She bridges the gap between clinical medicine and beauty, leveraging her medical expertise and deep interest in evidence-based skincare to make skin health education accessible, practical, and engaging. Her content focuses on creating awareness around healthy skincare practices and helping her audience better understand their skin, as well as the products and routines they use.
Through her platform, Dr. Moradeyo champions healthy skin, evidence-based practices, and realistic expectations. She is passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to care for their skin confidently and make choices that support their overall well-being.

Dr. Adaora Onyilimba

Medical Doctor & Aesthetic Medicine Specialist

Panelist

Dr. Adaora Onyilimba is a medical doctor with over 9 years of clinical experience as a general practitioner and two (2) years of hands-on experience in aesthetic medicine. She holds a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine and has a strong passion for evidence-based, results-driven treatments.

She is skilled in clinical assessment, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of skin concerns, including acne, hyperpigmentation, and skin aging including injectables. With an in-depth understanding of skincare formulations and aesthetic treatments, Dr. Adaora combines medical expertise with aesthetic precision to deliver safe, natural-looking results.

Beyond the clinic, she is a skin-med influencer, using social media to educate, simplify skincare science, and promote healthy, realistic skincare practices.

Dr. Mayowa Timothy

Clinical Head at Phoenix Dermatology Clinic

Panelist

Dr. Oluwamayowa Timothy (MBBS) is a medical doctor and licensed aesthetic physician specializing in evidence-based cosmetic treatments and dermatological care. She earned her MBBS from Babcock University and holds advanced certifications in facial therapies, cosmetic science, skin peeling, and injectables from Laserderm Aesthetic Academy and Derma Aesthetics.
Currently serving as Clinical Head at Phoenix Dermatology Clinic in Lagos, Dr. Timothy previously practiced at Laserderm Clinics. Widely known as SkinwithDrMay, she bridges clinical practice with public health education through digital content on aesthetic conditions and preventative care. Partnering with global skincare brands including Eucerin, Vaseline, and Uncover, Dr. Timothy remains committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions for healthier skin.

Dr. Adetola Adegoke

Aesthetics Doctor & Founder of Yokuro Skincare

Panelist

Dr Adetola Adegoke is an experienced General Practitioner, GP Trainer and Aesthetics Doctor whose work bridges clinical medicine, education and innovation in skin health. With more than a decade in medical practice, she brings a rare combination of frontline clinical insight and entrepreneurial vision.
As the founder of Yokuro Skincare, Dr Adetola has translated her medical expertise into a brand grounded in evidence-based care. Alongside her clinical and business work, she is committed to shaping the next generation of healthcare practitioners.

Dr. Jacinta Amadi

CEO/Medical Director Skin Health Aesthetics & Dermatological Clinic

Panelist

Dr. Jacinta Amadi is a foreign-trained medical doctor with a Master's degree in Dermatology, the Founder of Skin Health Aesthetics and Dermatological Clinic, and the Nigerian distributor of Matis Paris skincare.

She has extensive training in aesthetic medicine, including specialised laser therapy training in London and other international aesthetic educational programmes. As a passionate advocate for skin health, innovation and continuous medical education, she is dedicated to advancing the standards of dermatological care and medical aesthetics in Nigeria.

Driven by her belief that Nigerian skin deserves world-class care and premium skincare, she introduced Matis Paris to Nigeria to make high-quality professional skincare more accessible.
Through her clinical practice and industry contributions, Dr. Amadi is committed to promoting evidence-based treatments, ethical aesthetic practice and excellence in skincare.

Tomike Adeoye

Media Personality, Actor & Influencer, Co-Founder Malia World

Moderator

Tomike Adeoye is a Nigerian media personality, actress, and entrepreneur whose career bridges storytelling and strategic leadership across Africa’s entertainment sector. With over a decade of experience in television, partnerships, and creative business, she has delivered high-impact projects that engage diverse audiences.
She gained recognition as Tania on Jenifa’s Diary and as a presenter on EbonyLife TV, where her charisma and professionalism earned industry respect. Today, she combines performance and brand strategy, partnering with leading companies like Meta, Jumia, and Xiaomi to deliver purposeful storytelling and authentic consumer engagement.
Beyond the screen, Tomike co-founded Malliá World, a luxury hair and beauty label, and leads LightHill Studio, a Lagos-based creative hub. She also nurtures her vibrant community of “Family Members,” offering mentorship, masterclasses, and social impact initiatives, reflecting her commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s creative economy.
Panel Topic

Local Manufacturing in Nigeria

Toyin Odulate

Founder and CEO of OLORI Cosmetics

Panelist

Toyin Odulate is the Founder and CEO of OLORI Cosmetics, an African beauty company taking authentic African haircare and body care to global consumers.

Founded in Lagos in 2015, OLORI was born from Toyin’s family hair-care traditions and has evolved into a modern beauty company spanning textured haircare and body care, with products sold across Africa and in the US. At the heart of OLORI is the research, development and use of African ingredients as a core component of its formulations, bringing Africa’s botanical resources and beauty traditions into products designed for today’s global consumer.

An experienced consumer goods executive, Toyin brings nearly two decades of leadership experience across L’Oréal, MTN Nigeria, Accenture and Danone, where she held senior commercial and strategic roles across Africa. She currently also serves on the boards of AB InBev (International Breweries Plc) and Afrinvest West Africa Limited, and as a Board Observer at Daystar Power Group.

Fluent in French and Yoruba, Toyin holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from Temple University and an MBA from INSEAD (France and Singapore).

Adetola O. Famojuro

Founder, Ebun Derma

Panelist

Omotoke Famojuro is a beauty entrepreneur, skincare professional, and founder of Ebun Derma, with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry. Her journey began in makeup before transitioning into professional skincare, driven by a passion to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigeria’s beauty industry.

A defining moment in her career was attending the Beauty Therapy Institute Lagos, an experience that changed the trajectory of her professional journey. She went on to obtain two internationally recognised qualifications, CIDESCO and ITEC, which deepened her knowledge and shaped her approach to professional skincare.

With a strong commitment to raising the standards of the Nigerian beauty industry, Omotoke has built her career around a simple philosophy: beauty businesses must deliver real value, not just sell products. She is passionate about innovation, product efficacy, consumer education, and creating beauty experiences that earn trust. Through Ebun Derma, she is building a Nigerian skincare brand with the ambition to compete confidently on a global stage, while championing quality, client loyalty, and community building.

Ngozi Ezeka-Atta

CEO, Jaga Beauty Skincare

Panelist

Ngozi Ezeka-Atta is a licensed cosmetic scientist, CIDESCO-certified medical aesthetician, and founder of Jagabeauty Skincare and SKINN
Aesthetic Clinic. Her journey began in 2007 as a makeup artist, training 500+ professionals before transitioning into skincare innovation.
Inspired by personal skin challenges, she launched science-backed products using African ingredients, now sold across Nigeria, Africa, Europe, and the U.S.
Named among Africa’s 100 Most Inspirational Female Founders (2024), she continues to champion safe, inclusive beauty and empower women globally.

Adeagbo Taiwo Zainab

Founder & Creative Director of Rawbloom Skincare

Panelist

Adeagbo Taiwo Zainab is the Founder and Creative Director of Rawbloom Skincare, a Nigerian skincare brand dedicated to creating effective, thoughtfully formulated skincare products with a passion for beauty, innovation,and local manufacturing.

Joy Erekosima

Founder, Soibi Botanicals & Soibi Aesthetic Clinic

Panelist

Joy Erekosima has worked long enough in skincare to know that good results don’t come from doing more; they come from deciding better.
She is the founder of Soibi Botanicals and Soibi Aesthetic Clinic, an ITEC and CIDESCO-licensed aesthetician, beauty entrepreneur, educator, speaker and mentor. Joy works at the intersection of skincare, beauty business and personal development.
She helps women take better care of their skin, build meaningful beauty businesses and grow into the women they are becoming, bringing together practical expertise, education and intentional growth. Through her work, Joy has built a community around skin health, responsible skincare, entrepreneurship and intentional growth, helping women develop the knowledge, confidence and clarity to build lives and businesses they are proud of. She speaks on skincare, beauty, entrepreneurship, personal growth, confidence, purpose and becoming.

Tomike Adeoye

Media Personality, Actor & Influencer, Co-Founder Malia World

Moderator

Tomike Adeoye is a Nigerian media personality, actress, and entrepreneur whose career bridges storytelling and strategic leadership across Africa’s entertainment sector. With over a decade of experience in television, partnerships, and creative business, she has delivered high-impact projects that engage diverse audiences.
She gained recognition as Tania on Jenifa’s Diary and as a presenter on EbonyLife TV, where her charisma and professionalism earned industry respect. Today, she combines performance and brand strategy, partnering with leading companies like Meta, Jumia, and Xiaomi to deliver purposeful storytelling and authentic consumer engagement.
Beyond the screen, Tomike co-founded Malliá World, a luxury hair and beauty label, and leads LightHill Studio, a Lagos-based creative hub. She also nurtures her vibrant community of “Family Members,” offering mentorship, masterclasses, and social impact initiatives, reflecting her commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s creative economy.
Panel Topic

Positioning the African Nail Industry for Growth

Nana Amobi-Chambers

Founder & CEO, Rooted

Panelist

Nana Amobi Chambers is a Ghanaian beauty innovator, serial entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of Rooted and Polish’d. Beginning her entrepreneurial journey in 2016 with Accra’s premier nail studio Polish’d, she went on to establish Hair Rack in 2019, specializing in premium products for African hair textures.
In 2026, she launched Rooted, a clean, science-led nail and body care brand featuring HEMA-free formulations designed for deep skin tones, which earned recognition from Allure as a top Black-owned skincare brand.
Educated at Kennesaw State University and alumna of executive programs at Cornell and Stanford Seed, Chambers leverages her background to build culturally resonant, high-growth beauty brands distributed across West Africa, North America, and Europe.

Hafsat Bamidele Bakare

Founder & CEO, The Nailscope Limited

Panelist

Hafsat Bamidele Bakare is a veteran nail care pioneer, industry educator, and Founder of The Nailscope Limited. Starting her career in 1993, she trained at the prestigious Nail Studio in Ikoyi before establishing her salon in 1996, which operated for 30 years before expanding into a premier professional beauty supply business.
Bakare has undertaken advanced international training, including a master Gel Nail application program in Germany. A key figure in beauty education, she has conducted specialized workshops for associations such as LABHCA and NASHCO, receiving civic and industry honors for her contributions. Today, she supports the African beauty ecosystem by importing and distributing high-quality nail care products, equipping professionals with the tools and standards to elevate their practice.

Irene Syrimis

Executive Director of Nail Studio Ltd

Panelist

Irene Syrimis is the Executive Director at The Nail Studio Ltd. She has over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and brings a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise to the field. Trained as both a lawyer and sociologist she has developed a strong understanding of the business and personal aspects of the industry.
Passionate about continuous learning she regularly attends beauty courses, training programmes and seminars. She has also served on various panels both locally and internationally.

Layo Ogunbanwo

Founder & CEO, Splice

Panelist

Layo Ogunbanwo is a seasoned product strategist and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building impactful digital products across Africa, Latin America, and the U.S. She is the visionary behind Splice, an all-in-one booking, payment, and management platform tailored for beauty and wellness businesses in Africa. Splice has empowered over 1000 Nigerian salons and spas, serving 200,000+ clients since its public launch in October 2024
Before launching Splice, Layo served as VP of Product Strategy at PiggyVest, West Africa’s leading savings and investment platform, where she helped scale its product adoption and user engagement. Her career also includes pivotal product leadership roles at Nubank (largest digital bank in the world) and Axxess (a U.S. healthcare-tech provider), collectively touching more than 100 million users across continents
Layo is a founding member of the Feminist Coalition, championing women’s rights and gender equality in Nigeria. She is also the host of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, a weekly series empowering salon and spa founders through candid conversations on business pain points - from no-shows to pricing strategies.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Layo is an avid reader, beauty lover, tennis player, and restaurant enthusiast.

Neya Kalu

Founder/CEO, Basecoat

Panelist

Neya Kalu is a Nigerian business executive, lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is Chairman of The Sun Nigeria, Vice Chairman of Sun Heavens Hotels and Resorts, and Founder/CEO of Basecoat, a chain of nail salons in Nigeria.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and an MSc in Financial Services Management from the University of Buckingham, UK. With over 12 years of experience across banking, shipping and business, Neya has led teams and implemented strategic initiatives across diverse industries.
Since launching Basecoat in 2019, she has built the brand around exceptional beauty experiences and self-care. Passionate about women’s empowerment and social development, Neya contributes to the OUK Foundation’s work supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. She is also an avid reader with a particular love for African literature.

Tomike Adeoye

Media Personality, Actor & Influencer, Co-Founder Malia World

Moderator

Tomike Adeoye is a Nigerian media personality, actress, and entrepreneur whose career bridges storytelling and strategic leadership across Africa’s entertainment sector. With over a decade of experience in television, partnerships, and creative business, she has delivered high-impact projects that engage diverse audiences.
She gained recognition as Tania on Jenifa’s Diary and as a presenter on EbonyLife TV, where her charisma and professionalism earned industry respect. Today, she combines performance and brand strategy, partnering with leading companies like Meta, Jumia, and Xiaomi to deliver purposeful storytelling and authentic consumer engagement.
Beyond the screen, Tomike co-founded Malliá World, a luxury hair and beauty label, and leads LightHill Studio, a Lagos-based creative hub. She also nurtures her vibrant community of “Family Members,” offering mentorship, masterclasses, and social impact initiatives, reflecting her commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s creative economy.
Panel Topic

Beauty Retail as a Science on Consumer Behavior (What is working today in Africa)

Ife Bakare

Executive Director (Strategy & Innovation) Medplus Pharmacy

Panelist

Medplus is the leading retail pharmacy chain in Nigeria with over 155 stores nationwide. His expertise includes managing digital transformation and strategic growth at Medplus, where he also oversees corporate finance and investor relations. He was instrumental to Medplus securing growth capital from Private Equity Investor Verod Capital. Prior to this, he worked at Flutterwave, the Pan African payments company where he managed growth for SME's.

He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and Management from MIT. Ife is also an active angel investor on the continent in Silicon Valley and the Nigerian tech scene. He is a graduate of the Owner Manager Programme at Lagos Business School. He is an avid tennis/padel player and supporter of young African artists and athletes.

Chinedu Okoye

MD/CEO, Perfect Trust Beauty and Wellness

Panelist

Mr. Chinedu Okoye is the Managing Director of Chisuf Ventures Ltd, a leading Nigerian beauty and cosmetics distribution company with over 20 years of nationwide impact.
A visionary business leader, he has brought innovation and structure to Nigeria’s deep trade while upholding consumer safety as his foremost priority. His commitment to authenticity and excellence inspired the creation of Perfect Trust Beauty and Wellness, a thriving retail network of nearly 300 team members, 15 official stores, and over 50 retail partnerships across the country.

This achievement reflects his dedication to bridging the gap between global beauty innovation and local market realities through exclusive distributorships, robust routes to market, and an uncompromising devotion to product authenticity. As a market reformer, Mr. Okoye continues to drive a legacy built on trust, innovation, and service excellence — ensuring that the Nigerian beauty industry evolves with integrity, and an unwavering focus with the consumer at its heart.

Alex Frank Okonkwo

Chairman & Co-Founder, Giddy & Claire Cosmetics Ltd

Panelist

Alex Frank Okonkwo is a visionary entrepreneur, business leader, and Chairman and Co-Founder of Giddy & Claire Cosmetics Limited, a fast-growing company in Africa’s fragrance and cosmetics industry.

For more than nine years, he has helped lead the company’s growth from an ambitious startup into an expanding beauty business with a strong distribution footprint across Africa, particularly West Africa. Under his leadership, Giddy & Claire has focused on identifying market opportunities, developing commercially successful products, and building fragrance brands that connect with diverse consumers.

The company’s portfolio includes notable brands such as Storm and the Genie Collection, which have become strong performers in the fragrance market and key contributors to its growth. As Giddy & Claire approaches its tenth year, Okonkwo continues to drive its ambition to compete successfully in the global cosmetics market.

Chidiebere Okonkwo

CEO & Co-Founder of Giddy & Claire Cosmetics Ltd

Panelist

Chidiebere Okonkwo is a fragrance entrepreneur, business executive, and CEO and Co-Founder of Giddy & Claire Cosmetics Limited, a Nigerian fragrance and cosmetics company with a growing presence across West Africa. He co-founded the company with his brother and business partner, Alex Frank Okonkwo, more than nine years ago to build a beauty company serving African consumers while competing in the wider fragrance market.

As CEO, Chidiebere leads commercial growth, operations, product development, and market expansion. A dedicated fragrance enthusiast, he has developed extensive knowledge of perfume, fragrance composition, notes, accords, and scent profiles, with a refined ability to recognise individual fragrance characteristics.

His leadership combines product expertise with commercial execution across fragrance development, business strategy, sales, distribution, and expansion. Giddy & Claire’s portfolio includes Storm and the Genie Collection. As the company approaches its tenth year, he remains focused on strengthening its portfolio and expanding African fragrance brands.

Subuola Oyeleye

Founder & CEO, Beauty Hut Africa

Panelist

Subuola Oyeleye is an entrepreneur, beauty industry leader, and the Founder and CEO of Beauty Hut Africa, a fast-growing beauty retail and distribution company transforming access to beauty products across Africa. With a strong background in skincare and beauty commerce, Subuola has built her career around connecting consumers with quality, authentic beauty products while creating opportunities for brands to scale within the African market.
Through Beauty Hut Africa, she has expanded beyond traditional beauty retail to create a platform spanning skincare, makeup, haircare, fragrance, and personal care. The company works to improve access to both global and African beauty brands, responding to the evolving needs of Africa’s rapidly growing beauty market.
Under her leadership, Beauty Hut Africa continues to strengthen its position within Africa’s beauty ecosystem, combining retail, distribution, technology, and brand-building to shape the future of beauty commerce on the continent.

Tomike Adeoye

Media Personality, Actor & Influencer, Co-Founder Malia World

Moderator

Tomike Adeoye is a Nigerian media personality, actress, and entrepreneur whose career bridges storytelling and strategic leadership across Africa’s entertainment sector. With over a decade of experience in television, partnerships, and creative business, she has delivered high-impact projects that engage diverse audiences.
She gained recognition as Tania on Jenifa’s Diary and as a presenter on EbonyLife TV, where her charisma and professionalism earned industry respect. Today, she combines performance and brand strategy, partnering with leading companies like Meta, Jumia, and Xiaomi to deliver purposeful storytelling and authentic consumer engagement.
Beyond the screen, Tomike co-founded Malliá World, a luxury hair and beauty label, and leads LightHill Studio, a Lagos-based creative hub. She also nurtures her vibrant community of “Family Members,” offering mentorship, masterclasses, and social impact initiatives, reflecting her commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s creative economy.
Panel Topic

Scent of Us: Reclaiming Africa's Olfactory Identity

Fatima Babakura

Founder, Yerwa Secrets

Panelist

Fatima Babakura is an award-winning Nigerian entrepreneur and the founder of Yerwa Secrets, a fragrance brand built on a simple belief: great scent is universal. Guided by the tagline sharing culture through perfumery, her fragrances are inspired by travel and the traditions she encounters — drawing on her own Kanuri heritage, where perfumery has long been woven into cultural life. Through Yerwa Secrets, she brings that heritage to the world while creating economic opportunity for women, equipping them with the resources to build sustainable livelihoods.

An entrepreneur across beauty and fashion — she is also the founder of the luxury accessories brand Timabee — Fatima is a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honoree and cover star who has delivered a TEDx talk and, through a partnership with Harvard University, saw her fragrances featured in the university's event swag bags. A sought-after speaker and mentor, she champions creativity, cultural connection, and the power of fragrance to reveal what we all have in common.

Adewale Aladejana

CEO, Sapphire Scents

Panelist

Adewale Aladejana is the founder of Sapphire Scents. Nigeria’s foremost perfume and scenting company which he started In 2015 with N30,000.

Today, Sapphire Scents has over 2000 distributors in 30 states of Nigeria, the UK, USA, Ireland, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Cyprus and South Korea and Austria.

In 2017, Adewale was voted one of 100 most influential Nigerians and also one of the top 100 Young African Entrepreneurs. In 2018, he was voted Entrepreneur of the year and was interviewed by the BBC.

Sapphire Scents has also been ranked as one of the top 100 growing businesses in Nigeria. In 2019, he was featured in the prestigious online website; The Entrepreneur.com and on Forbes.com

In 2020 Sapphire Scents was listed on fragrantica.com the prestigious perfume website. In the last 10 years Sapphire Scents has become one of the most popular and widely appreciated Nigerian perfume brand and scenting company.This has earned him global media attention. And he was featured on CGTN and DW Germany and in 2025 Wale Jana was featured as the first African perfumer on fragrantica.com.

Olamide Olopoenia

Founder & Creative Director, LOHN

Panelist

Olamide “Lami” Olopoenia is an interior designer, fragrance creative and the founder of LOHN, a Lagos-based fragrance and lifestyle house.
With a creative practice rooted in scent, space and storytelling, she explores how fragrance can shape atmosphere, evoke memory and transform the way we experience our surroundings.
Her work brings together contemporary African luxury, art and design, creating sensory experiences that feel both deeply personal and distinctly modern.

Eyitayo O. Idowu

Founder, Jan Deux

Panelist

Eyitayo Oyindamola Idowu (Thayour B) is a Nigerian entrepreneur and creative founder, and the founder of Jan Deux, a luxury fragrance house, and The Body Magic, a wellness and lifestyle brand. Her work sits at the intersection of beauty, culture, lifestyle and entrepreneurship, with a focus on building brands that feel distinctive, intentional and deeply connected to the people they serve. Through her ventures, Thayour has developed a perspective on what it takes to build, grow and sustain modern consumer brands in today’s market.

Deola Abela

Founder, Abela World Limited & Abela Centre for Olfactory Art

Panelist

Deola Abela Inyang is a visionary artist and olfactory curator reshaping Africa’s sensory landscape through scent, art and culture. She is the founder of ABELA®️ WORLD LIMITED and the ABELA®️ CENTRE FOR OLFACTORY ART in Lagos, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading a groundbreaking movement in olfactory education, cultural preservation and immersive sensory experiences.

With over two decades of expertise in research, strategy and brand management, Deola launched ABELA®️ World in 2016 and founded the ABELA®️ Centre in 2020 to reawaken Africa’s sensory heritage and inspire a deeper engagement with our sense of smell. Through immersive installations, education and storytelling, she invites us to rediscover scent as a vital part of our identity and artistic language.

She is the pioneer of Afro-Baroque Perfumery®️, a sensory movement she birthed that fuses ancestral African olfactory memory with rebellious Baroque grandeur. As a perfumer, storyteller and cultural visionary, her works stir the soul, reclaim forgotten scent histories and mirror emotional truths where language fails.

Through ABELA®️ World, she has built an artistic category of her own, one that history will remember not as a trend, but as a transformation. At the heart of her vision is a commitment to mentorship and cultural advocacy.

Tomike Adeoye

Media Personality, Actor & Influencer, Co-Founder Malia World

Moderator

Tomike Adeoye is a Nigerian media personality, actress, and entrepreneur whose career bridges storytelling and strategic leadership across Africa’s entertainment sector. With over a decade of experience in television, partnerships, and creative business, she has delivered high-impact projects that engage diverse audiences.
She gained recognition as Tania on Jenifa’s Diary and as a presenter on EbonyLife TV, where her charisma and professionalism earned industry respect. Today, she combines performance and brand strategy, partnering with leading companies like Meta, Jumia, and Xiaomi to deliver purposeful storytelling and authentic consumer engagement.
Beyond the screen, Tomike co-founded Malliá World, a luxury hair and beauty label, and leads LightHill Studio, a Lagos-based creative hub. She also nurtures her vibrant community of “Family Members,” offering mentorship, masterclasses, and social impact initiatives, reflecting her commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s creative economy.
Panel Topic

The Future of Beauty Services

Mimi Whyte Femi

Founder & CEO, Skin Therapy Beauty and Spa

Panelist

Mimi Whyte Femi is a globally trained aesthetician, beauty entrepreneur and Founder of Skin Therapy Beauty and Spa, one of Nigeria’s leading beauty and wellness brands. Her journey began as a teenager navigating acne, inspiring her to master the science behind skincare and build solutions that help people feel confident in their skin.

Certified by leading international institutions in advanced laser procedures and aesthetic therapies, Mimi has pioneered melanin-focused skincare and introduced world-class aesthetic technology to Nigeria. Under her leadership, Skin Therapy has grown to three branches across Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt and serves customers across Africa and internationally.
Beyond business, Mimi is a passionate advocate for women’s advancement and entrepreneurship. Through mentorship, professional training and coaching, she equips aspiring beauty professionals with practical skills and pathways to sustainable careers.
Her work has earned recognition from Forbes, TEDx Maitama Women, Leading Ladies Africa, Lioness of Africa and HerStory International.

Abimbola Fasoranti

Founder & CEO, Hair by Beesroots

Panelist

Abimbola Fasoranti is the Managing Director of Hair by Beesroots, a Nigerian premium human hair extension and wig brand she founded in 2010. With over 16 years of experience in the beauty and hair industry, she has built the brand around quality, luxury, customisation and personalised customer experiences.
Her entrepreneurial journey began by selling hair from her car, eventually growing Hair by Beesroots into an established beauty business. Abimbola oversees the company’s operations, including hair sourcing, product development and customer service, with a focus on delivering high-quality, durable and natural-looking hair products.
A participant in the 2025 CEIBS Women Entrepreneurship & Leadership for Africa programme, she continues to expand her expertise in business structure, leadership and international collaboration, while exploring opportunities for stronger China–Africa business partnerships.

Ugochukwu George

C.E.O. Makeme Beauty Place

Panelist

Ugo started his career in 1998 as a stylist and he later floated his own salon called: MAKE ME BEAUTY PLACE in 2004, now the best beauty salon in Nigeria. Since then his ingenuity in hair style creation has seeing him all over the world, where he was interviewed by CNN crew and aired on CNN “Quest Mean Business” by Richard Quest, styling hair for different top designers, models, actress and superstars.
His creative hair style is seen all over the Magazines, TV stations, Movies, Musical Videos, Beauty Products packs and weaves and attachments packs alike. In March 2017 L’Oearl, in the same partnership with Make Me opened L’oreal Professional African Salon Institute with Nigeria’s most travelled and award winning best hair stylist in Nigeria, Ugochukwu Igbokwe at the helm of affair
He is a man who is committed to his mission and vision. He is one hair stylist with a difference. Like he would always say (The least I can offer is to meet my client expectation).

Kufre Nnah

Founder & CEO, Kayzplace Barbershop

Panelist

Kufre Nnah (popularly known as Mr. Kay) is the Founder and CEO of Kayzplace Barbershop, widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading luxury grooming destinations.

After serving a seven-year apprenticeship and relocating to Lagos with just N5,000, Nnah launched his first salon in Lekki in 2012. Over more than a decade, he transformed Kayzplace into a multi-branch brand across Lagos and Akwa Ibom state. Nnah elevated male grooming by introducing luxury amenities, including VIP executive lounges and interactive game centers designed to eliminate customer wait-time friction.

Today, Nnah leads over 70 staff members and serves a high-profile clientele of top politicians and major African entertainment icons, including Wizkid, Davido, and 2Face Idibia.

Laila Cadne-Rahman

Founder, Cadne Skin

Panelist

Laila Cadne-Rahman is a multidisciplinary beauty entrepreneur, editorial makeup artist, visual director, and Founder of Cadne Skin. Renowned for her high-concept editorial work, film artistry, and visual design, she has established a distinguished presence across the West African beauty, fashion, and contemporary art landscapes.
Building on years of hands-on artistry with cultural icons and global editorial projects, Cadne-Rahman launched Cadne Skin to deliver clean, results-oriented skincare products tailored for melanin-rich skin. Her artistic portfolio includes major cover shoots, film productions, and conceptual exhibitions like Beauty In Its Time.
Combining clinical skincare formulation with creative vision, Cadne-Rahman continues to push industry boundaries, redefining modern African beauty standards through both holistic skin health and expressive visual storytelling.

Tomike Adeoye

Media Personality, Actor & Influencer, Co-Founder Malia World

Moderator

Tomike Adeoye is a Nigerian media personality, actress, and entrepreneur whose career bridges storytelling and strategic leadership across Africa’s entertainment sector. With over a decade of experience in television, partnerships, and creative business, she has delivered high-impact projects that engage diverse audiences.
She gained recognition as Tania on Jenifa’s Diary and as a presenter on EbonyLife TV, where her charisma and professionalism earned industry respect. Today, she combines performance and brand strategy, partnering with leading companies like Meta, Jumia, and Xiaomi to deliver purposeful storytelling and authentic consumer engagement.
Beyond the screen, Tomike co-founded Malliá World, a luxury hair and beauty label, and leads LightHill Studio, a Lagos-based creative hub. She also nurtures her vibrant community of “Family Members,” offering mentorship, masterclasses, and social impact initiatives, reflecting her commitment to innovation and sustainable growth in Africa’s creative economy.
Panel Topic

The Aesthetic Blueprint: Fine Line Between Enhancement & Excess

Dr. Beatrice Ige

CEO/Medical Director, Brich Aesthetics Clinic

Panelist

Dr. Beatrice Ige (Dr. Bea) is a leading Nigerian medical doctor, aesthetic dermatologist, and the founder of Brich Aesthetics Clinic located in Ikoyi, Lagos.She specializes in non-surgical skin rejuvenation, facial anatomy, and advanced cosmetic injection techniques.

Her medical practice focuses on natural-looking enhancements and regenerative skin treatments under the philosophy that true aesthetics reveal rather than transform.

Beyond her clinical work, she is a speaker, media voice, and advocate for mental health, women's empowerment, and SME growth.

Dr. Chidinma Akpa Pheoby

CEO, CGE Healthcare

Panelist

Dr. Chidinma Akpa Pheoby, popularly known as Dr. Dinma, is a Nigerian medical doctor, aesthetic and cosmetic surgeon, and healthcare entrepreneur with a growing footprint in beauty, wellness and aesthetic medicine.

She is the founder of CGE Healthcare, where she leads a multidisciplinary practice spanning cosmetic surgery, medical aesthetics, surgical aftercare and skin health. Her clinical interests include body contouring, facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery, supported by continuous international training and a strong emphasis on patient safety and quality of care.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Dinma is passionate about advancing standards within the aesthetic healthcare industry. She is an educator, speaker and advocate for responsible cosmetic medicine, and has contributed to conversations around surgical safety, body image, beauty, patient education and women’s wellbeing.

Through her work, she continues to build at the intersection of medicine, beauty, entrepreneurship and leadership, with a vision to contribute meaningfully to the future of healthcare in Africa.

Dr. Fola David

Medical Doctor & Visual Artist

Panelist

Dr. Fola David is a Nigerian medical doctor, visual artist, and internationally recognised hyperrealist artist known for combining medicine, creativity, and visual storytelling. His unique ability to translate human anatomy and beauty into art has earned him recognition both in Nigeria and internationally.

Beyond her clinical work, she is a speaker, media voice, and advocate for mental health, women's empowerment, and SME growth.

Beyond medicine and art, he has built a strong platform using creativity to celebrate African identity and culture, inspiring audiences through his distinctive visual approach.

Freda Edewor Francis

CEO, Oasis Med Spa & Executive Director Medizone Group

Panelist

Freda Edewor Francis is a dvnamic entrepreneur and visionary leader in the aesthetics and wellness industry. As Executive Director of Medizone Nigeria and CEO of Oasis Medspa, one of Lagos's premier aesthetic and wellness clinics she brings a unique blend of business acumen, industry expertise, and a deep passion for advancing aesthetic medicine in Nigeria.

Her strategic leadership has been pivotal in positioning Medizone Nigeria as a trusted distributor of world class medical aesthetic technologies across West Africa, empowering clinics and practitioners with cutting edge solutions and unparalleled support

George Chabtini

Founder, AfriMed International

Panelist

George Chabtini is a pioneer in medical aesthetics based in Nigeria and a graduate of Regent's University London. He is the founder of Afrimed International, a Lagos-based company that launched as Nigeria's first full-fledged aesthetic solutions distributor and now represents more than 18 exclusive brands.
As a first mover in the market, Mr Chabtini and Afrimed have reshaped Nigeria's aesthetic medicine industry. The company brings leading international brands into the country and pairs them with training and technical support, raising standards of practice and making treatments available locally that many Nigerians once travelled abroad for. Its pioneering role was commended at its launch by the Minister of State for Health at the time, Dr Tunji Alausa.
Today, Afrimed works with more than 500 aesthetic and beauty providers, offering complete solutions that include equipment maintenance and after-sales support, ongoing training, and marketing assistance. Mr Chabtini is also an active voice on the industry's growth, noting that Nigeria's aesthetic clinics have grown from about 300–400 to nearly 1,000 in three years, and he called for better regulation and greater consumer awareness to sustain that growth.

Adaeze Aduaka

Media Personality, Aesthetician & Founder, Xandora Beauty

Moderator

Adaeze Aduaka is a seasoned television presenter, event compere and red-carpet host, recognised for her engaging presence, elegance and ability to connect with audiences. She was nominated for OAP of the Year at The Future Awards Africa 2025, further highlighting her growing influence in the media and entertainment space.

Beyond television, Adaeze is the founder of Xandora Beauty, a skincare brand dedicated to providing effective, result-driven solutions that support healthy, confident skin.

Through her media career and YouTube platform, Adaeze is passionate about empowering women to build confidence, embrace self-development and embody elegance in every area of life. Her work sits at the intersection of media, beauty and personal development, using her platform to inspire women to become more intentional about how they look, live and show up in the world.

Panel Topic

The Everyday Reset with Dr Teal's- POWERED BY MAGNESIUM

Adejumoke Adefila

Mental Health & Wellness Creator

Panelist

Adejumoke "JD" Adefila is a Lagos-based brand and creative strategist and a mental health and wellness creator, making the case for proactive care as a cultural movement rather than a clinical niche. She works where wellness, culture and brand meet.
She thinks we've put care in the wrong place. It sits in clinics and crisis lines, waiting for people to arrive already broken. She'd rather live where we actually are: at home, at work, at the party, in the group chat, in how we rest at the end of a long week.
JD is the friend who asks how you're actually doing, and then waits for the real answer. She believes rest is not a reward you earn after burning out. It's the thing that keeps you from getting there. So she builds it into ordinary life.

Tijani Aboh Alexander

Professional Makeup Artist, Actor & Creator

Panelist

Tjan is a Nigerian content creator, actor and professional makeup artist known for blending beauty, entertainment, humour and storytelling into engaging digital content. With a charismatic personality and a passion for creativity, Tjan creates relatable beauty, lifestyle and grooming content that connects with his growing digital community. His work has seen him collaborate with leading local and international brands including Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, Zaron, Dr. Teal’s, Nestlé, Flying Fish, AXE Body Spray, TikTok, Instagram, Orange Culture, GTCO and Beauty in the Motherland.

Rahmah Olubiyi

Pharmacist & Cosmetics Scientist

Panelist

Rahmah Olubiyi, professionally known as “The Skincare Pharmacist,” is a Pharmacist, Cosmetic Science professional, and digital content creator based in Lagos, Nigeria.
With a background that bridges pharmaceutical science, cosmetic formulation, beauty, and e-commerce, Rahmah is passionate about making skincare knowledge more accessible, practical, and evidence-based. Through her platform, she educates consumers on safe and effective skincare practices, helping them make informed decisions about the products and routines they use.
Her unique blend of clinical expertise, cosmetic science, and digital storytelling positions her at the intersection of healthcare and beauty, where she continues to champion smarter, science-backed approaches to skin health.

Dorothea Ekereuwem

Certified Nutritionist, Beauty & Lifestyle Creator

Panelist

Dorothea Ekereuwem is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Beauty and Lifestyle Content Creator, and the founder of Theadiets. She creates content around skincare, nutrition, wellness and lifestyle, with a focus on helping her audience make simple and informed choices about their health and beauty.
With her background in nutrition and experience in the beauty space, Dorothea is passionate about the connection between what we put into our bodies and how we care for ourselves on the outside. Through her platform, she shares relatable beauty, nutrition and wellness content while encouraging people to approach beauty and self-care from a more holistic perspective.
She has also worked with several leading beauty, skincare and lifestyle brands and continues to use her platform to educate, inspire and connect with her growing community.

Abdulmalik Ashimi

Event Host & Creative Entrepreneur

Panelist

Abdulmalik Ashimi is a multifaceted creative and brand influencer who has established a strong presence on social media by consistently delivering content that resonates across different demographics.
Abdulmalik has mastered the art of storytelling, seamlessly blending entertainment, education, and engagement. His content spans diverse niches, from everyday rants that spark conversations to invaluable life lessons that inspire, lifestyle vlogging that keeps audiences entertained, and deep dives into technology, finance, and real estate.
Beyond the creator world, he’s also a star in the event ecosystem as a seasoned event host for both social and corporate events.

Vivienne Odofin

Lead Partner, Shefa Ink and CEO of BRV Consulting

Moderator

Vivienne Odofin is a highly recognized brand and business strategist, entrepreneur and growth advisor from Africa and the Lead Partner at Shefaink and CEO of BRV Consulting.
With about 2 decades at the intersection of brand, business, culture and commercial growth, she is recognised for building distinctive brands, identifying untapped opportunities and developing strategies that translate ideas into market value, building international trade systems that work.

Her work spans beauty, wellness, personal care and lifestyle, with a growing influence on the evolution of Africa’s consumer economy. Vivienne always sees the opportunity, builds the architecture, and knows how to make the market care.

Her work remains relevant blueprints on how brand stories come alive.
With over 50 brands in her portfolio including GUCCI, HUGO BOSS, BVLGARI, GUERLAIN, DR TEAL’S, DOLCE&GABBANA, REVLON, SHEAMOISTURE, SANOSAN, BLACK UP PARIS and More...

Panel Topic

Capital, Cash Flow, & Financial Scaling for Beauty Brands.

Chetachi Okechukwu

Regional Bank Head at Fidelity Bank Plc

Panelist

Chetachi Okechukwu is a Nigerian banking executive, business leader, mentor and advocate for women’s empowerment, with more than two decades of experience spanning banking and telecommunications. She currently serves as Deputy General Manager and Regional Bank Head at Fidelity Bank Plc, where she has built a reputation for strategic leadership, relationship management, business growth and developing high-performing teams.
Chetachi has undertaken executive education at leading institutions including Harvard Business School, Cambridge and Lagos Business School, strengthening her expertise in leadership, finance and organisational development.
Beyond her corporate career, she is passionate about mentoring women and supporting initiatives that create opportunities for underserved communities, including widows and children. She also serves as Financial and Investment Advisory Lead on the Board of JAGABEAUTY.
Through her professional and social-impact work, Chetachi champions women’s advancement, financial empowerment and purposeful leadership, inspiring women to pursue excellence and create lasting impact.

Ugochi Osinigwe

Divisional Head, SME Banking at Fidelity Bank Plc

Panelist

Ugochi Osinigwe is the Divisional Head, SME Banking at Fidelity Bank Plc, where she provides strategic leadership for the bank’s SME business, driving innovative solutions, partnerships and financing initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises across Nigeria.
A seasoned accounting and finance professional with over three decades of experience, Ugochi previously served as Chief Audit Executive, overseeing internal audit, risk management and control functions. She has also contributed to industry-wide initiatives through the Bankers’ Committee and the Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria.
Ugochi is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and holds a BSc in Accounting from the University of Port Harcourt and an MBA from the University of Lagos. She is also an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

Arese Ugwu

Managing Director/CEO of NASD Plc

Panelist

Arese Ugwu is the Acting Managing Director/CEO of NASD Plc and a capital-markets professional, entrepreneur, author and filmmaker with over 15 years of experience spanning financial services, investment, media and consumer engagement. Her career has focused on expanding participation in financial markets connecting institutions, businesses and individuals to capital and investment opportunities.

She is the creator of the bestselling Smart Money Woman franchise, which has expanded from publishing into television and digital media. Her work combines financial expertise with storytelling, technology and strategic partnerships to make complex financial ideas accessible to mass-market audiences.

At NASD, she is focused on expanding market participation, developing new products and distribution channels, deepening liquidity, and positioning the market as an increasingly important source of capital for Nigerian businesses and investment opportunities for institutional and retail investors.

Oluwatosin Olaseinde

Founder, Money Africa

Panelist

Oluwatosin is a professional accountant with over 10 years of experience spanning across accounting, audit, financial management, and taxation. She is the Founder/CEO of Money Africa, an edtech platform that enhances financial literacy and investments leveraging on technology with a community of over 500,000 people.
Oluwatosin is a Washington Mandela Fellow, a LinkedIn Top Voice Finance and Economy 2020. She was a finalist for The Future Awards in 2019, she was selected as one of the top 100 women by The Leading Ladies Africa, she was one of the top 8 traders by CNBC Africa in 2012, a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Oluwatosin has spoken at TedX, featured on BBC UK, Al Jazeera, Guardian, and several others. She is championing the financial literacy movement in Africa.

Ife Durosinmi-Etti

Founder & CEO of Herconomy

Panelist

Ife Durosinmi-Etti is an award-winning Nigerian entrepreneur, author and advocate for women’s economic empowerment. She is the Founder and CEO of Herconomy, a women-focused financial technology and community platform created to provide women with access to savings, funding, jobs, scholarships, skills development and other economic opportunities.
Ife began her entrepreneurial journey with AGS Tribe, which evolved into Herconomy as she identified the need for more inclusive financial solutions for women. Under her leadership, the platform has grown into a community dedicated to helping women achieve greater financial independence and build sustainable livelihoods.
She is also the author of *Self Made: The 12 Steps to Becoming Your Own Boss*, sharing practical insights from her entrepreneurial journey. A graduate of Covenant University with an MBA in Global Business from Coventry University, Ife has received recognition for her work in entrepreneurship, innovation and women's empowerment, and continues to champion inclusive economic growth across Africa.

Pelumi Buari

TV Presenter/ Media Personality

Moderator

Pelumi Buari is a dynamic media personality, celebrated for her work as a TV presenter, actor, content creator, red carpet host, and voice-over artiste. Her energetic and authentic style has lit up platforms such as Zee World, Wazobia, and Ebonylife TV.
With charisma and versatility, she brings stories to life, captivates audiences, and elevates every stage she graces. Purpose-driven and creatively unstoppable, Pelumi Buari proudly owns the title of Your Favourite Media Girl.
Panel Topic

Building the Brand: The Journey Behind the Business

Leslie Okoye

Founder, Cookie Skin

Panelist

Leslie Okoye is a pioneering skincare educator, advocate, and Founder of CookieSkin, a brand dedicated to advancing the celebration and scientific understanding of melanin-rich skin. With over two decades of experience, she helped establish a dedicated marketplace for African skincare when global beauty standards offered minimal research or product representation for African consumers.
By championing formulas informed by melanin science and challenging traditional industry assumptions, Okoye helped shape an inclusive beauty category that values African skin. Her foundational work laid the groundwork for today’s emerging African beauty entrepreneurs. A respected voice and advocate across the global skincare sector, Okoye remains committed to driving purposeful innovation, industry representation, and lasting impact rooted in heritage, family, and community empowerment.

Thelma Lawson

Founder, Bellissimo Store by Thelma

Panelist

Thelma Lawson is a Nigerian entrepreneur, beauty enthusiast and founder of Bellissimo Store by Thelma, a skincare and beauty retail brand built on the belief that effective skincare should be authentic, accessible and tailored to the individual.
With over eight years of experience building her business, Thelma began her entrepreneurial journey while she was still a student and has grown Bellissimo from a small venture into a growing beauty brand serving customers in Nigeria and beyond.
Her approach to skincare is centered around understanding each customer’s skin concerns, goals and budget before recommending products, with a strong emphasis on authenticity and informed skincare choices.
Beyond her work with Bellissimo, Thelma is also a media personality and former Big Brother Najia housemate, where she became known for her entrepreneurial spirit and strong personality. She has leveraged her platform and experiences in media to build a personal brand while continuing to grow her business.

Badejo Atinuke

Founder & CEO, Tinu’s Place

Panelist

Badejo Atinuke grew up watching her mother rise every day, hair in hand, always keeping her children close through it all — a resilience that shaped everything that followed.
That inheritance became Tinusplace Luxury Hair, serving clients worldwide with one promise: real value with every amount spent. From a little girl by her mother’s side to a brand of her own, Atinuke’s journey proves consistency compounds — and with grace leading every step, she’s only getting started.

Precious John

Founder Iluna Candles & Co.

Panelist

Precious John is a Nigerian entrepreneur, creative director, and fashion model, and the founder of ILuna Candles & Co., a luxury home fragrance and lifestyle brand founded in 2023. With a background in fashion, modeling, and brand collaborations, she has grown ILuna into a creative lifestyle brand centered around beautifully crafted candles, home fragrances, and scent-led experiences.
Precious is passionate about entrepreneurship, personal branding, creativity, and building businesses that merge artistry with commercial value. Through her journey, she brings a unique perspective on turning creative ideas into tangible brands, navigating the realities of entrepreneurship, and building a business while maintaining a strong personal brand across fashion, lifestyle, and content creation.

Dr. May Amamgbo

Founder & Creative Director of L’Avyanna Beauty Group

Panelist

Dr. May Amamgbo (Ph.D) is a British-Nigerian entrepreneur, policy expert, and Founder & Creative Director of L’Avyanna Beauty Group. With over two decades of global experience, including advising the United Nations and African Union on gender policy, she has spent 11 years building L’Avyanna into an international multi-brand beauty business.

A former Miss ECOWAS, Dr. Amamgbo holds a PhD in Law from the University of Hull. She possesses extensive expertise in developing, manufacturing, and scaling beauty products across Africa, Europe, and Asia to global standards. Passionate about transforming Africa’s beauty landscape, she advocates for local manufacturing, intellectual property, and robust value chains, driving economic opportunities for African women and transitioning the continent from import dependency to globally competitive brand creation.

Denrele Edun

Media Maverick

Panelist

Denrele Edun is an award-winning Nigerian television personality, actor, presenter, model and brand strategist whose career spans more than two decades. He began his career as a child actor on NTA’s KIDIVISION 101 in 1994 and went on to become one of Africa’s most recognisable entertainment personalities.
Across a 20-year VJ career, Denrele has won over 100 local and international awards and interviewed global icons including Beyoncé, Tyler Perry, Forest Whitaker, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Akon. He has hosted major events across Africa and internationally and was inducted into the Caribbean Fashion Hall of Fame in Barbados.
His television credits include Soundcity, Channel O Africa, MTV Base, EbonyLifeTV and CNN. He also appeared in Netflix’s Dangerous World of Comedy and has featured in numerous Nollywood productions.
Today, Denrele continues to influence African entertainment through media, acting, brand partnerships and youth culture.
Panel Topic

The Makeup Revolution-Redefining African Beauty Standards

Bimpe Onakoya

Luxury Beauty Expert & Founder, The Beauty Collective by Bimpe

Panelist

Bimpe Onakoya is a multiple award-winning international makeup artist, beauty educator, and creative force with over two decades of experience in the global beauty and fashion industry.
Renowned for her refined artistry, technical precision, and ability to create timeless, high-impact beauty looks, Bimpe has built a distinguished career spanning bridal beauty, fashion, editorial, television, advertising, and major beauty and fashion events.
As a panelist for “Influence to Impact: Authenticity and Accountability in Beauty Influencing,” Bimpe brings more than two decades of practical industry experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to build influence that transcends trends and creates lasting impact.

Founded in Lagos in 2015, OLORI was born from Toyin’s family hair-care traditions and has evolved into a modern beauty company spanning textured haircare and body care, with products sold across Africa and in the US. At the heart of OLORI is the research, development and use of African ingredients as a core component of its formulations, bringing Africa’s botanical resources and beauty traditions into products designed for today’s global consumer.

An experienced consumer goods executive, Toyin brings nearly two decades of leadership experience across L’Oréal, MTN Nigeria, Accenture and Danone, where she held senior commercial and strategic roles across Africa. She currently also serves on the boards of AB InBev (International Breweries Plc) and Afrinvest West Africa Limited, and as a Board Observer at Daystar Power Group.

Fluent in French and Yoruba, Toyin holds a degree in Environmental Engineering from Temple University and an MBA from INSEAD (France and Singapore).

Laura Ikeji

Founder, Laura Beauty

Panelist

Laura Ikeji is a powerhouse entrepreneur and brand influence expert with over a decade shaping Africa’s fashion and beauty landscape. As CEO of Laura Beauty Africa, she has built a bold reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic influencers, blending creativity with sharp business instincts.
Her influence extends from starring in The Real Housewives of Lagos to gracing covers like Guardian Life and TW Magazine. Author of How to Make Money on Instagram, she continues to inspire through speaking engagements, including Beauty Meets Business and Beauty Meets Influence.

Jane Ogu

Founder & CEO, Flawless Faces by Jane

Panelist

Jane Nkechi Ogu is a prominent Nigerian beauty entrepreneur, master makeup artist, and creative director best known as the Founder and CEO of Flawless Faces by Jane. A trail-blazer in the African cosmetics space, she co-founded Nuban Beauty—a celebrated cosmetics brand created to deliver international-standard beauty products tailored specifically for African complexions.
Beyond her signature beauty hub, Ogu has expanded her entrepreneurial footprint across lifestyle, fashion, and luxury, establishing venture brands including Peach House, BabbeLuxury, and Luxury Braiding Extensions. Built on her core philosophy that "beauty means enhancing, not transforming," she combines technical artist expertise with strategic brand positioning. Today, Ogu continues to drive growth and innovation across the African beauty landscape as a leading brand strategist and industry visionary.

Layefa Ebitonmo

CEO, Layefa Beauty

Panelist

Layefa Ebitonmo is the CEO of Layefa Beauty, a Lagos-based makeup artist with over 12 years of experience in the beauty industry. Her work is centred on enhancing natural beauty while giving clients a polished, confident look for every occasion, from everyday elegance to unforgettable bridal moments.
At Layefa Beauty, her mantra is “Covered in Grace. Defined by Beauty.” a reflection of the intentionality, excellence, and confidence she brings to every client experience.
Beyond makeup artistry, she has been a YouTuber for over 9 years, sharing beauty, lifestyle, and creative content, while also expressing herself as a fashion creator.

Anita Adetoye

CEO, Anita Brows Beauty

Panelist

Anita Adetoye (popularly known as Anita Brows) is an award-winning Nigerian master makeup artist, creative director, and CEO of Anita Brows Beauty. With over a decade of industry expertise, she has built one of West Africa’s most sought-after luxury beauty brands, specializing in high-end bridal, editorial, and celebrity makeup artistry.
A trained artist with a background in media and marketing, Adetoye pioneered the seamless "barely-there" skin-like finish that redefined African makeup standards. Her high-profile clientele spans African royalty, top corporate leaders, and global entertainment icons. Beyond artistry, she is a dedicated beauty educator who has trained thousands of emerging artists across the globe, driving professional standards, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth within the African personal care and beauty industry.

Denrele Edun

Media Maverick

Panelist

Denrele Edun is an award-winning Nigerian television personality, actor, presenter, model and brand strategist whose career spans more than two decades. He began his career as a child actor on NTA’s KIDIVISION 101 in 1994 and went on to become one of Africa’s most recognisable entertainment personalities.
Across a 20-year VJ career, Denrele has won over 100 local and international awards and interviewed global icons including Beyoncé, Tyler Perry, Forest Whitaker, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Akon. He has hosted major events across Africa and internationally and was inducted into the Caribbean Fashion Hall of Fame in Barbados.
His television credits include Soundcity, Channel O Africa, MTV Base, EbonyLifeTV and CNN. He also appeared in Netflix’s Dangerous World of Comedy and has featured in numerous Nollywood productions.
Today, Denrele continues to influence African entertainment through media, acting, brand partnerships and youth culture.
Panel Topic

Influence to Impact, Authenticity and Accountability in Beauty Influencing

Enioluwa Adeoluwa

Ph.d Student. Host, Filmmaker, African Genz Star, African Beauty Boy

Panelist

Enioluwa Adeoluwa is a award-winning digital strategist, content creator, actor, and film producer widely recognized as one of Africa’s most influential youth cultural voices.
Holding a Master’s degree in Marketing Communication, he gained global prominence as a trailblazing beauty and fashion influencer, becoming the first EU-Africa Ambassador and Nigeria’s first Crocs ambassador, while collaborating with major cosmetics houses like Fenty Beauty and MAC.
Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa list, Adeoluwa has expanded his impact into mainstream entertainment as the lead actor and executive producer of the series All of Us.
Through his platform, he champions gender inclusivity in skincare, self-expression, and youth empowerment, continually shaping modern digital culture, media representation, and brand strategy across the continent.

Nicole Chikwe

Beauty & Wellness Entrepreneur

Panelist

Nicole Chikwe is a Nigerian content creator, writer, and entrepreneur dedicated to beauty, skincare, and wellness. Renowned for her elevated yet relatable approach, she crafts content that seamlessly blends expert-led education, transparent product discoveries, and the nuanced realities of navigating beauty as a woman in her thirties.
Through her platform, Chikwe inspires women to embrace beauty with confidence, curiosity, and intention. Her authority and influence in the personal care space have led to partnerships with leading global beauty brands, including L’Oréal, La Roche-Posay, and CeraVe. As an engaging storyteller and entrepreneur, she continues to shape modern beauty conversations, empowering her audience to make informed, intentional choices in their skincare and wellness routines.

Beverly Osu

Actress. Model. Beauty Creative. Entrepreneur

Panelist

Beverly Osu is a Nigerian actress, model, beauty enthusiast and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience across fashion, beauty, entertainment and visual culture. She began her career in modelling, establishing herself as a distinctive presence in Nigeria’s fashion and entertainment industry. Her work has spanned fashion, editorial, music videos, television and film, where she has become known for her Authentic striking presence, versatility and strong personal style. As an actress, Beverly has built an impressive body of work across Nollywood, with credits including Òlòtūré, Òlòtūré:

The Journey, Chief Daddy, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, I Do Not Come to You by Chance, A Ghetto Love Story and other film and television productions. Beauty has remained a consistent thread throughout her career. From modelling and fashion to makeup, skincare and personal style, Beverly has developed a strong understanding of beauty as both a form of self-expression and a powerful part of contemporary African culture. She is also the founder of OCB Skin, a beauty and skincare venture inspired by her passion for skin, self-care and confidence.

Through OCB Skin and her wider creative work, Beverly continues to explore the connection between beauty, individuality and the modern African woman. Today, Beverly Osu continues to work across acting, modelling, fashion and beauty, bringing together her experience, creativity and distinctive aesthetic while contributing to the evolving conversation around African beauty and representation.

Osas Ighodaro

Actor, host, producer and humanitarian

Panelist

Osas Ighodaro is an award-winning Nigerian-American actor, host, producer and humanitarian. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Pennsylvania State University, with minors in Entrepreneurship and Theatre, and an MFA in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.
She is known for acclaimed performances in projects including Man of God, Rattlesnake, Smart Money Woman, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens and Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns. Osas is the founder of Imuetinyan Productions, which produces entertainment projects designed to both entertain and create positive impact.
A two-time Best Actress in a Drama winner at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, she was also named Woman of the Year in Entertainment in 2021. In 2010, she became the first Nigerian American to be crowned Miss Black USA.
Beyond entertainment, Osas founded Joyful Joy Foundation, advocating for malaria prevention across Africa.

Diana Eneje

Founder, The Shine Cartel

Panelist

Diana Eneje is a dynamic content creator, beauty entrepreneur, and lifestyle influencer shaping Africa’s youth culture. With a bold style, creativity, and authentic storytelling, she bridges beauty, fashion, and entertainment, inspiring young people to embrace self-expression with confidence.

As founder of The Shine Cartel, a lifestyle and beauty brand, she creates products and experiences that celebrate individuality while pushing African beauty into global conversations.
Through powerful brand collaborations, Diana proves the influence of digital creators in shaping trends and elevating African creativity worldwide.

Shalimar Abbiusi

International Media Personality, Presenter, Actress & Diplomatic Affairs Advisor

Panelist

Shalimar Abbiusi is an international media personality, television presenter, actress, producer, and former International Beauty Queen for Belgium. Her career began in beauty and entertainment, where she represented Belgium on international stages before expanding into television, acting, presenting, and media production, building a combined social media audience of more than half a million followers. With an academic background in Biomedical Science and advanced studies in International Relations and Diplomacy, Shalimar has built a career connecting media, humanitarian advocacy, and global affairs. Today, she works as a Diplomatic Affairs Advisor and Consultant, collaborating with governments, international organisations, business leaders, and development institutions across Africa, Europe, and beyond. She is the Founder of the I Am Human Foundation, dedicated to advancing human rights, empowering women and girls, and supporting vulnerable communities. In recognition of her advocacy, she was recently appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Women Empowerment and Humanity by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC). Drawing on her experience across beauty, media, diplomacy, and humanitarian work, Shalimar brings a global perspective to conversations on empowerment, leadership, personal branding, and beauty as a catalyst for confidence, influence, and positive change.
Panel Topic

Standardizing Governance, & Structure in the Beauty Industry

Nneka Okekearu

Director, Enterprise Development Centre

Panelist

Nneka Okekearu is a respected enterprise development leader with over 20 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs across Africa. As Director of the Enterprise Development Centre at Pan-Atlantic University, she has designed and led programs that provide training, mentorship, and access to opportunities for thousands of small and growing businesses.
A passionate advocate for women’s economic empowerment, Nneka has worked extensively to equip female founders with the tools to thrive in competitive industries, from finance and technology to the fast-evolving beauty sector. Her expertise in business strategy, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth makes her a trusted voice in helping entrepreneurs.

Nwando Ajene

Principal Lead of Roots2Market (R2M)

Panelist

Nwando Ajene is a strategic communications, marketing, and development leader with over 25 years of experience across the public, private, and social impact sectors. She is the Principal Lead of Roots2Market (R2M), an advisory firm advancing entrepreneurship, market access, and inclusive economic growth across Africa.
She currently serves as Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI). Ajene’s background includes executive leadership as Category Marketing Manager at Nestlé Nigeria and Head of Corporate Communications at the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
An advisor to governments and global entities, she serves on the boards of Royal Foam and AACE Foods and facilitates at Pan-Atlantic University and Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, championing youth and female entrepreneurship across the continent.

Efe Barber

Executive Director, Kuramo Foundation for Sustainable Development (KFSD)

Panelist

Efe Barber is a senior investment and policy adviser with nearly 15 years of experience in management consulting, private equity, and market development. She is the Executive Director of the Kuramo Foundation for Sustainable Development (KFSD), where she leads initiatives connecting women-led fund managers with institutional capital, helping secure nearly $100 million in commitments for gender-smart African SMEs.
Barber also serves as Special Adviser on Investment to Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. Previously Managing Director at CrossBoundary Nigeria—mobilizing over $150 million across West Africa—her earlier career includes roles at Citibank and Boston Consulting Group. A Black Women in Asset Management 40 Under 40 honoree, she holds First Class engineering degrees from Imperial College London.

Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes

Managing Partner of Aruwa Capital Management

Panelist

Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes is the Founder and Managing Partner of Aruwa Capital Management, a women-owned growth equity and gender lens fund managing $80 million in assets across two funds. She brings over 15 years of investment banking and private equity experience across developed and emerging markets, including at J.P. Morgan. Prior to founding Aruwa, she served as Partner and Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Syntaxis Capital. She has won the 2X Global Woman Fund Manager of the Year award, has been recognised as one of Institut Choiseul's 100 Laureates under 40 shaping Africa's future and is a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. She is the first female solo GP in Africa to raise over $50m in a fund.
She serves on several boards across healthcare, consumer, and financial services in Nigeria. She holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Bristol.

Gbolade Okeowo

Director at Kuramo Capital Management LLC

Panelist

This investment banker, private equity professional, and former barrister brings over 15 years of corporate finance experience across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. She serves as Director at Kuramo Capital Management, an $800M multi-asset investment platform dedicated to unlocking catalytic commercial capital for African businesses that impact women and youth while delivering strong investor returns.
Expert in transaction structuring, portfolio management, and value creation, she leads investment teams and investor relations across New York, Lagos, and Nairobi. She has a proven track record of engineering tailored debt and equity solutions, advancing ESG tracking, and instituting world-class governance structures. A frequent industry speaker and advisor, she remains passionate about shaping African private capital and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs across the continent.

Shalimar Abbiusi

International Media Personality, Presenter, Actress & Diplomatic Affairs Advisor

Panelist

Shalimar Abbiusi is an international media personality, television presenter, actress, producer, and former International Beauty Queen for Belgium. Her career began in beauty and entertainment, where she represented Belgium on international stages before expanding into television, acting, presenting, and media production, building a combined social media audience of more than half a million followers. With an academic background in Biomedical Science and advanced studies in International Relations and Diplomacy, Shalimar has built a career connecting media, humanitarian advocacy, and global affairs. Today, she works as a Diplomatic Affairs Advisor and Consultant, collaborating with governments, international organisations, business leaders, and development institutions across Africa, Europe, and beyond. She is the Founder of the I Am Human Foundation, dedicated to advancing human rights, empowering women and girls, and supporting vulnerable communities. In recognition of her advocacy, she was recently appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Women Empowerment and Humanity by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC). Drawing on her experience across beauty, media, diplomacy, and humanitarian work, Shalimar brings a global perspective to conversations on empowerment, leadership, personal branding, and beauty as a catalyst for confidence, influence, and positive change.
Panel Topic

The Global Roadmap for Beauty Brands

Kehind Smith

Co-founder of The Smith Sisters Group

Panelist

Kehinde Smith is a Nigerian entrepreneur and co-founder of The Smith Sisters Group, which she built alongside her sister and business partner, Taiwo Smith. Together, they have developed a growing portfolio of hospitality and lifestyle brands, including Cafeteria, Maple, PANU, Blank Space, FORNO, Batters & Brunch, The Hair Studio / My Extensionz and SPIKED. Kehinde co-founded Cafeteria during the COVID period in Nigeria, recognizing an opportunity to introduce a fresh, lifestyle-driven approach to brunch and hospitality in Lagos. What began as one concept has since grown into a diverse portfolio of brands that blend Nigerian culture with global influences. Within The Smith Sisters Group, Kehinde leads the creative direction, branding, partnerships and business growth, working closely with Taiwo, who leads the group’s culinary vision. Together, they have built a business rooted in creativity, collaboration and a shared vision for the future of Nigerian hospitality. Kehinde’s work reflects her passion for building distinctive brands, creating memorable experiences and contributing to the evolving hospitality and lifestyle landscape in Nigeria.

Taiwo Smith

Co-founder of The Smith Sisters Group

Panelist

Taiwo Smith is a Nigerian entrepreneur, chef and nurse, and co-founder of The Smith Sisters Group, which she built alongside her sister and business partner, Kehinde Smith. Together they have developed a growing portfolio of hospitality and lifestyle brands, including Cafeteria, Maple, PANU, Blank Space, FORNO, Batters & Brunch, The Hair Studio / My Extensionz and SPIKED. Taiwo co-founded Cafeteria during the COVID period in Nigeria alongside Kehinde recognizing an opportunity to introduce a fresh, lifestyle-driven approach to brunch and hospitality in Lagos. What began as one concept has since grown into a diverse portfolio of brands that blend Nigerian culture with global influences. Within The Smith Sisters Group, Taiwo leads the culinary vision and development, bringing her expertise as a chef to the group’s food concepts, menus and recipes. Working closely with Kehinde, who leads the group’s creative direction, branding, partnerships and business growth, Taiwo plays a key role in shaping the culinary identity of each brand. Taiwo’s work reflects her passion for food, hospitality and creating distinctive culinary experiences, while drawing on the discipline and people-focused perspective of her nursing background to contribute to the evolving hospitality landscape in Nigeria.

Olamide Olopoenia

Founder & Creative Director, LOHN

Panelist

Olamide Olowe is a Forbes 30 under 30 Entrepreneur and Investor. She is the youngest Black Woman to raise $2M from investors, having raised $15M in Venture Capital funding before the age of 26.
Olamide got her start as an entrepreneur in 2015 when she co-founded the beauty brand Shea girl, in partnership with Shea Moisture, which was later acquired by Unilever in 2017. In 2020, Olamide combined her passion for creativity and love for business to launch Topicals which is currently the fastest growing skincare company at Sephora.
She serves as the Founder and CEO of Topicals and has donated over $200K to various mental health organizations. She has received notable recognition from Harvard Business School, Google, The UCLA Alumni Association, and Forbes.

Joycee Awosika

Founder, Oriki Group

Panelist

Joycee Awosika is the award-winning founder and CEO of ORÍKÌ, Africa’s first all-natural farm-to-skin brand with a rapidly expanding chain of premium wellness spas and globally distributed products. In just eight years, she has grown ORÍKÌ to 10 spa locations, including a branch in Nairobi, while offering contract manufacturing services to hotels, hospitality brands, and other businesses.

Passionate about positioning African brands on the world stage, Joycee has built ORÍKÌ into a symbol of excellence and innovation, showcasing how homegrown businesses can scale internationally while staying rooted in culture and authenticity. Her work has been featured on CNN, CNBC, Huffington Post, Ebony Magazine, and The Guardian, inspiring entrepreneurs across the continent to think global while acting local.

Deola Abela

Founder, Abela World Limited & Abela Centre for Olfactory Art

Panelist

Deola Abela Inyang is a visionary artist and olfactory curator reshaping Africa’s sensory landscape through scent, art and culture. She is the founder of ABELA®️ WORLD LIMITED and the ABELA®️ CENTRE FOR OLFACTORY ART in Lagos, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading a groundbreaking movement in olfactory education, cultural preservation and immersive sensory experiences.

With over two decades of expertise in research, strategy and brand management, Deola launched ABELA®️ World in 2016 and founded the ABELA®️ Centre in 2020 to reawaken Africa’s sensory heritage and inspire a deeper engagement with our sense of smell. Through immersive installations, education and storytelling, she invites us to rediscover scent as a vital part of our identity and artistic language.

She is the pioneer of Afro-Baroque Perfumery®️, a sensory movement she birthed that fuses ancestral African olfactory memory with rebellious Baroque grandeur. As a perfumer, storyteller and cultural visionary, her works stir the soul, reclaim forgotten scent histories and mirror emotional truths where language fails.

Through ABELA®️ World, she has built an artistic category of her own, one that history will remember not as a trend, but as a transformation. At the heart of her vision is a commitment to mentorship and cultural advocacy.

PSamuel Josephs

CEO, 25PSYKN

Panelist

PSamuel Josephs is a clinical research associate, cosmetic scientist, and renowned aesthetic practitioner specializing in skincare solutions for melanin-rich skin. He is the Founder of 25 Pskyn, Nigeria’s first bio-available skincare line formulated specifically to address the unique physiological needs of people of color.
A globally recognized cosmetic educator and thought leader in the aesthetics community, Josephs is a member of the prestigious American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Through his clinical practice, formulation expertise, and educational advocacy, he bridges dermatological science with inclusive cosmetic innovation. Josephs remains dedicated to advancing clinical research, elevating industry standards, and creating effective, evidence-based skincare solutions tailored to diverse skin types across Africa and the global market
Panel Topic

Digitizing the Future of African Beauty Retail & Commerce

Boma Bave

Founder, Bave Design Studio

Panelist

Boma Dave is the Founder and Creative Director of Bave Design Studio, a web design and e-commerce agency that helps businesses build, improve and scale their digital operations.

Since beginning her journey in web design in 2017, Boma has led Bave Design Studio in delivering over 100 projects, working particularly with growing retail, beauty and e-commerce businesses. Beyond website design, her work spans e-commerce strategy, business systems, technology integrations and digital operations, helping brands connect their websites with the tools and processes they need to operate effectively.

She is passionate about making technology practical for African businesses and helping entrepreneurs build digital systems that support sustainable growth.

Seun Alley

Co-Founder & CEO, Fez Delivery Co.

Panelist

Seun Alley is a Nigerian entrepreneur, business executive and logistics innovator, best known as the Co-Founder and CEO of Fez Delivery Co., a last-mile logistics platform.
She brings over a decade of experience across banking, fintech and business operations, having worked with Fidelity Bank and First Bank before leadership roles at OPay and Bloc. At OPay, she served as Director of Operations for ORide and Director of Partnerships and Government Relations, while at Bloc she was Chief Operating Officer.
Seun founded Fez Delivery from firsthand experience with Nigeria’s fragmented logistics ecosystem. Under her leadership, Fez has grown into a nationwide platform serving businesses and individuals, backed by Ventures Platform, Techstars and other leading investors.
She is passionate about building efficient, inclusive solutions for businesses.

Abon Ayodeji

Co-Founder & CTO, Shipbubble

Panelist

Abon Ayodeji is the cofounder and CTO of Shipbubble, a technology company building logistics and commerce infrastructure for businesses operating across Africa.
Over the past decade, he has built technology across logistics, energy, healthcare, automotive services, and financial technology. Notable projects include Lugwa Monitor, a platform government uses to track electricity consumption along highways, and HyCharge, an IoT solution that gives users real-time visibility into their energy use.

Today, he leads Shipbubble’s technology across shipping, fulfillment, and merchant infrastructure, with the goal of making it easier for African businesses to sell and ship anywhere.
Abon holds a B.Sc. in Management Information Systems from Covenant University and a Diploma in Leadership Development from the African Leadership Development Centre (ALDC).

Engr. Chinedu Omenkukwu

Founder of Packetclouds Technology

Panelist

Engr. Chinedu Omenkukwu is a technology leader, entrepreneur, author, and digital transformation specialist with extensive experience across artificial intelligence, enterprise and cloud architecture, cybersecurity, networking, ERP systems, and business process automation.
He is currently the Founder of Packetclouds Technology, a technology consulting and digital transformation company with operations in Canada and Nigeria, where he leads initiatives that help organizations leverage technology to improve operational efficiency, resilience, automation, and overall business performance.
Chinedu is also the Co-Author of Mastering ERP Projects, a practical guide focused on helping organizations and professionals successfully navigate ERP implementations and transformation projects. His work in the ERP space combines technology, business process improvement, project delivery, and organizational change, giving him a practical perspective on why enterprise transformation initiatives succeed—or fail.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, an MBA from the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, and has undertaken specialized studies in Artificial Intelligence Analysis, Design and Implementation at Durham University, Canada.
Beyond technology implementation, Chinedu is passionate about the intersection of technology, business, and people. He writes and speaks on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, cloud adoption, automation, and the future of work, and has participated in industry discussions on the practical application of AI in the workplace.
Through his work, Chinedu advocates a pragmatic approach to innovation—one where emerging technologies are translated into practical solutions that solve real business problems, improve decision-making, enhance productivity, and create sustainable value.

James Oladapo

Sales Lead, Paystack

Panelist

James Oladapo is a seasoned sales leader passionate about helping businesses access the credit, payment solutions, and tools they need to grow and accelerate their goals. He is currently driving sales on the team at Paystack, where he has had the opportunity to impact businesses at scale. Previously, as Head of Growth at a healthcare financing company, he drove impact for around two thousand businesses. With deep expertise across payments, banking, and cross-border payment solutions, James is genuinely driven by one mission: making sure businesses grow and thrive.

PSamuel Josephs

CEO, 25PSYKN

Panelist

PSamuel Josephs is a clinical research associate, cosmetic scientist, and renowned aesthetic practitioner specializing in skincare solutions for melanin-rich skin. He is the Founder of 25 Pskyn, Nigeria’s first bio-available skincare line formulated specifically to address the unique physiological needs of people of color.
A globally recognized cosmetic educator and thought leader in the aesthetics community, Josephs is a member of the prestigious American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Through his clinical practice, formulation expertise, and educational advocacy, he bridges dermatological science with inclusive cosmetic innovation. Josephs remains dedicated to advancing clinical research, elevating industry standards, and creating effective, evidence-based skincare solutions tailored to diverse skin types across Africa and the global market

Beauty Uncovered

FEATURES / SPOTLIGHT // LAUNCHES

LaunchesSustainable Beauty Makes Its Mark: Green Innovations Unveiled
September 10, 2025

Sustainable Beauty Makes Its Mark: Green Innovations Unveiled

Sustainability was more than a trend at Beauty in the Motherland ’25 — it was a movement. Exhibitors unveiled eco-friendly products that combined beauty with responsibility. Brands showcased refillable containers,…
FeaturesInside Beauty in the Motherland ’25: A 3-Day Celebration of Culture and Innovation
September 10, 2025

Inside Beauty in the Motherland ’25: A 3-Day Celebration of Culture and Innovation

From vibrant displays to thought-provoking panels, Beauty in the Motherland ’25 was more than an exhibition — it was a celebration of African culture, beauty, and innovation. The Governor of…
SpotlightThe Rise of African-Owned Skincare: From Local Roots to Global Shelves
September 9, 2025

The Rise of African-Owned Skincare: From Local Roots to Global Shelves

Africa’s beauty industry is witnessing a renaissance. At Beauty in the Motherland ’25, African-owned skincare brands took center stage, showcasing products that merge heritage ingredients with modern science. Their stories…

Beauty in the Motherland | September 30th to October 2nd, 2025 | Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotel & Suites | Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria | Thank you for Participating