From the bustling boardrooms of Nigeria’s banking sector to the vibrant corridors of African creativity, Abiola Oluwayemisi Adelana embodies a mind that inspires, a legacy that empowers, and a force of leadership that fosters collaboration. Her vision transcends sectors, demonstrating that strategy, creativity, and social responsibility can work in harmony to create meaningful, lasting impact. Whether it is designing financial solutions for emerging industries, advocating for cultural preservation, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, Abiola consistently shows how inspired thinking can transform ideas into action and influence. Every initiative she undertakes reflects her commitment to uplifting communities, driving innovation, and cultivating leaders who share her passion for purposeful change.
Born in July 1982, Abiola’s professional journey combines academic rigor with visionary thinking. She earned a degree in Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Master’s degree from Ladoke Akintola University, before further sharpening her strategic insight at Harvard Business School. These foundations allowed her to merge analytical precision with bold, creative leadership. Her career in banking saw her rise steadily through roles in risk management, retail banking, and strategy, where her mind consistently inspired teams and initiatives to achieve excellence. Today, as Tourism Business Manager and Head of Tourism Business at Sterling Bank, Abiola leverages her expertise to deliver innovative financial solutions that empower tourism entrepreneurs, stimulate local economies, and support national economic growth. Her work demonstrates how strategic thinking, paired with actionable solutions, can have a lasting impact on entire sectors.
Beyond the corporate sphere, Abiola channels her entrepreneurial spirit into celebrating African creativity and heritage. As co-founder of Pashione, an innovative e-commerce platform, she provides a bridge between African designers, artisans, and global markets. Through this initiative, she empowers women, preserves cultural heritage, and builds a legacy that ensures sustainable social and economic impact. Her efforts highlight that empowerment is not just a goal but a continuous process — one that nurtures talent, inspires confidence, and transforms local communities into centers of opportunity. By blending culture, commerce, and technology, Abiola shows how a mind attuned to possibility can create a legacy that empowers generations.
In March 2025, Abiola extended her influence globally with the founding of Aegis Global Advisory Limited, alongside Elizabeth Olajumoke Johnson. Aegis embodies her philosophy of collaboration and purposeful leadership, serving as a platform where emerging women leaders are mentored, organizations receive strategic guidance, and cross-sector partnerships flourish. Under her stewardship, the firm has become a transformative force that demonstrates the power of collective vision and action. Abiola’s leadership ensures that intellect inspires strategy, collaboration drives results, and empowerment becomes tangible, creating a model for leadership that spans continents and disciplines.
Aegis Global Advisory has become a hub for nurturing talent and amplifying influence. Through mentorship programs, advisory services, and advocacy initiatives, the firm equips leaders with the skills, confidence, and networks necessary to thrive in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Abiola’s guidance ensures that Aegis is not just an organization but a movement, one that champions collaboration, fosters purposeful leadership, and advances equity. The firm’s initiatives embody her belief that meaningful change requires both strategic insight and a shared commitment to empowering others, making it a living testament to her vision of impactful leadership.
Through her work with Aegis and other initiatives, Abiola integrates finance, governance, culture, and social responsibility into a cohesive approach to leadership. She designs programs that advance financial literacy, enhance leadership capacity, and improve organizational effectiveness, creating measurable outcomes for individuals, businesses, and communities. Each effort demonstrates the force of purposeful leadership in action — showing how inspired minds, empowered legacies, and collaborative strategies can reshape industries, uplift communities, and leave a lasting imprint on society.
Described by peers as a “princess of purpose,” Abiola Oluwayemisi Adelana continues to embody intellect, vision, and transformative leadership. From her roots in Ondo State to a global platform of influence, her journey illustrates a mind that inspires, a legacy that empowers, and a force of collaboration and purposeful leadership that uplifts women, strengthens communities, and redefines what it means to lead with impact. Abiola is not simply building a career; she is curating a movement that celebrates ingenuity, amplifies voices, and shapes a purposeful future for generations to come.
