Modupe Olusola: Nigeria’s trailblazing business executive

Modupe Olusola  popularly known as Dupe Olusola, is a leading Nigerian business executive celebrated for her achievements in banking, agribusiness, and hospitality.

Over a career spanning more than two decades, she has consistently broken barriers, becoming one of Africa’s most influential women in business.

Profile summary

Name: Modupe Olusola

Born: September 26, 1974

Place of birth: Lagos

Tribe: Yoruba

Education: University of Leicester

Religion: Christianity

Career: Business expert

Background

Born on September 26, 1974, in Lagos, Nigeria, Dupe attended Queen’s College, Lagos, where she completed her GCE O-levels in 1991.

She then pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Leicester in 1996, followed by a Master’s degree in Development Economics from the University of Kent in 1997.

Early Career

Dupe began her professional journey in the United Kingdom, working in key roles at Bloomberg and Northern Trust, where she gained experience in finance, investment, and corporate operations.

Returning to Nigeria, she joined SecTrust (now Afrinvest) and later African Capital Alliance, a leading private equity firm.

In 2008, she moved into banking with United Bank for Africa (UBA), handling investor relations before rising to leadership positions managing marketing and global strategy across UBA’s 23-country presence.

Leadership at Teragro Commodities

In 2014, Dupe was appointed CEO of Teragro Commodities Limited, the agribusiness arm of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp Plc).

Her tenure was marked by transformative initiatives, including:

Acquisition of 10,000 hectares of farmland in Benue State for citrus cultivation.

Partnership with Coca-Cola, making Teragro the exclusive local supplier of raw materials for Five Alive Pulpy Orange Juice.

Her strategic leadership earned her recognition among Ventures Africa’s 10 Most Influential Nigerian CEOs in 2015.

Banking Leadership at UBA

Returning to UBA, Dupe served as Group Head of Marketing, overseeing the development and execution of integrated strategies for all bank and non-bank subsidiaries.

Her work strengthened UBA’s brand, expanded market presence, and showcased her ability to manage complex operations across multiple countries.

Transforming Hospitality at Transcorp Hotels

In March 2020, Dupe became Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, succeeding Owen Omogiafo.

She led flagship properties, including Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Transcorp Hotels Calabar, while modernizing the company’s offerings through the launch of Aura by Transcorp Hotels, an online platform for booking accommodations and experiences.

She became the second woman to lead the organization, further cementing her status as a transformative leader in African hospitality.

Personal life

Dupe is married to Lanre Olusola, a life coach, and they have two children.

In her 50th year, she launched an NGO focused on providing education for vulnerable Nigerian children from low-income families, reflecting her commitment to social impact and community development.

Awards and recognitions

Dupe Olusola has received multiple accolades for her leadership and innovation, including:

• Leading Ladies Africa/YNaija’s “100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria”
• Strategic Women in Leadership Award (SAWIL) – Top 4 Women in Africa
• 100 Most Powerful People in African Hospitality – International Hospitality Institute
• CEO of the Year – Leadership Newspaper & Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality Awards
• Guardian Wonder Women Award for Innovative Entrepreneurship & Careers (2024)
• 7 Stars Woman of the Year – Seven Stars Pantheon of Hospitality

Net worth

Dupe Olusola’s journey demonstrates the power of vision, determination, and strategic leadership.

With an estimated net worth of $10–15 million, she continues to shape Africa’s business and hospitality sectors, inspiring future generations of leaders.