Dr. Owen Omogiafo’s career journey is marked by hard work, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. At just 40 years old, she broke a major barrier, becoming the youngest female CEO listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as the Group Managing Director and CEO of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp). Known for her forward-thinking leadership style, Dr. Omogiafo’s story is inspiring a new generation of Nigerian women to aim high in the corporate world.
Owen Omogiafo’s story began with a solid educational foundation. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Benin, she furthered her education with an MBA from Lagos Business School and a Diploma in Leadership from Harvard Business School. This diverse education positioned her well for the challenges of executive leadership, combining local insights with global business principles.
Her career took off at Accenture, where she gained valuable experience in management consulting. From there, she joined the banking sector, where she continued to hone her skills in strategic planning and operations management. Her pivotal move came when she joined the United Bank for Africa (UBA) as Director of Resources, where her contributions helped shape the bank’s culture and business strategy.
One of Dr. Omogiafo’s defining qualities is her focus on building inclusive workplace cultures. At Transcorp, she has championed diversity and inclusion, striving to create an environment where employees from all backgrounds feel empowered to bring their full selves to work. This approach has been instrumental in fostering innovation, which is now a key aspect of Transcorp’s growth strategy.
Dr. Omogiafo’s leadership philosophy centers on resilience and adaptability. As the head of a multi-sector corporation involved in power, oil, and hospitality, she understands the need to pivot quickly in response to market changes. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where her decisive actions allowed Transcorp to minimize losses and keep essential operations running smoothly. Under her guidance, Transcorp showed that adaptability is not only a survival tactic but also a pathway to growth.
A major milestone in her career has been her role in the turnaround of Transcorp’s power business. Since 2020, she has focused on improving Nigeria’s energy supply, a sector notorious for its challenges. By leveraging both technology and strategic partnerships, she has spearheaded initiatives to enhance electricity distribution, delivering tangible results that have earned her recognition as a leader who can solve complex national issues.
Beyond the boardroom, Dr. Omogiafo is a passionate advocate for women in leadership. Through her mentorship programs, she actively supports women’s career development, helping them navigate the unique challenges faced in male-dominated industries. Her message is clear: women can and should aspire to the highest levels of corporate leadership.
Despite her packed schedule, Dr. Omogiafo is committed to balancing her career with her family life. As a wife and mother, she has openly spoken about the need for corporate policies that support working parents. This advocacy aligns with her broader vision for an inclusive, supportive corporate culture that respects the diverse needs of its employees.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. In addition to being named one of Nigeria’s most powerful businesswomen, she has received multiple awards recognizing her contributions to leadership and economic development. Yet, Dr. Omogiafo remains humble, often attributing her success to the strong mentors she’s had and her belief in continuous learning.
Looking forward, Dr. Omogiafo has big plans for Transcorp. Her focus is on expanding the company’s energy portfolio and increasing its impact on the Nigerian economy. She envisions a Transcorp that not only leads in profit but also sets the standard for corporate responsibility in Africa.
For young women across Nigeria and beyond, Dr. Owen Omogiafo’s journey is more than a success story—it’s a roadmap for breaking barriers in business.
