The African business community gathered in South Africa for the prestigious All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA), where Owen Omogiafo, OON, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Plc, was honoured as the 2025 Business Woman of the Year. The award, presented by ABN Group, owners of CNBC Africa, marked a defining moment in a year where Omogiafo’s leadership propelled Transcorp to record-breaking achievements across multiple sectors.
Walking onto the stage to receive her award, Omogiafo reflected on her journey with profound gratitude. She spoke about the mercies and blessings that have shaped her path and paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, whose unwavering support created the foundation that allowed her to embrace opportunities that often took her away from home. She used her moment on the global stage to highlight a universal issue faced by women — the perceived need to choose between career and family. In her words, “we don’t have to choose,” affirming that with the right support system, women can rise, lead, love, build, and succeed with grace.
Her recognition comes at a time when Transcorp is experiencing one of its most impactful years in history. Under her stewardship, the Group delivered extraordinary financial results, with revenue and profit experiencing unprecedented growth. The company recorded a dramatic rise in gross earnings, strengthened its balance sheet, reduced its finance costs through strategic debt repayment, and significantly increased shareholder value through dividends and a strengthened equity position. These achievements reflect not just strong numbers, but the resilience and foresight behind Transcorp’s long-term strategy.
Throughout the year, Transcorp executed major strides across its key sectors. The power business delivered exceptional year-end performance, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s most reliable and efficient electricity producers. The hospitality arm of the Group grew its footprint and capacity, highlighted by the commissioning of the Transcorp Centre in Abuja, a state-of-the-art 5,000-seat events and convention facility that immediately positioned Nigeria as a strong contender in the global meetings and conference space. The facility’s hosting of major international events shortly after launch demonstrated both the demand and the impact of Transcorp’s investment in large-scale infrastructure.
Omogiafo’s leadership also championed strategic diversification. The Group initiated plans to convert its vast land assets in Ughelli into an integrated agro-industrial hub — a move aimed at supporting national food security, creating jobs, and unlocking new revenue streams. This shift reflects her broader philosophy: business success must intersect with national development and improved quality of life.
Throughout the year, she reinforced a culture of disciplined capital deployment and effective risk management, leading to a stronger, leaner, and more resilient organisation. Her oversight of Transcorp’s share capital restructuring further strengthened the Group’s governance and positioned it for expanded investor confidence.
Omogiafo’s award stands as more than a personal accolade. It is a powerful statement about the transformative potential of visionary leadership in Africa. Her year has been defined by impact — financial, operational, social, and symbolic. She has shown that women can lead large corporations while championing empowerment, integrity, and innovation. She has also proven that African companies can compete globally, deliver exceptional shareholder value, and simultaneously drive development that touches the lives of millions.
In her speech, she extended her recognition to the Board of Transcorp Group, led by Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, applauding his mentorship and guidance. She also dedicated the honour to women across the continent who show up every day with determination, as well as to the employees of Transcorp, whom she described as “incredible humans” committed to improving lives and transforming Africa.
“Thank you, All Africa Business Leaders Awards, for this honour,” she concluded — lifting the award as a beacon of possibility, not just for herself, but for women, for leaders, and for Africa’s next generation of changemakers.
