Omolola Akinboade Honored Among the 100 Persons of the Year 2025 by 40 Under 40 Nigeria

Tolu Oke

Omolola Akinboade, the visionary Founder and Creative Lead of LolaExpress Hair, has been officially recognized as one of the distinguished honorees at the 8th edition of the 100 Persons of the Year Awards hosted by 40 Under 40 Nigeria. The prestigious award celebrated exceptional Nigerians making remarkable contributions to business, creativity, leadership, and social impact.

Omolola stood tall among a diverse class of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders from across industries who have consistently demonstrated excellence and impact in their respective fields. Joining notable figures such as actor Tobi Bakre, content creator Ozain, comedian Craze Clown, and Jide Sipe of the Bank of Industry, Omolola’s recognition underlines her growing influence not only in the beauty and lifestyle sector but also in entrepreneurship and empowerment across Africa.

For over eight years, Omolola Akinboade has built LolaExpress Hair into one of Nigeria’s most trusted luxury hair brands, known for its premium quality products and exceptional client experiences. What sets her apart is not only her mastery of the craft but also her relentless commitment to empowerment. Through a series of training initiatives, both in Nigeria and internationally, she has equipped hundreds of aspiring stylists with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to launch successful businesses. From her widely attended masterclasses in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Tanzania, to free empowerment programs in Nigeria for underprivileged women, Omolola has consistently merged entrepreneurship with social responsibility.

The 100 Persons of the Year Award further cements her place as a leading voice in redefining global standards in the hair and beauty industry. The 2025 edition, themed “Creating Lasting Impact and Development,” resonates deeply with Omolola’s journey. Her brand is not just about aesthetics, it embodies empowerment, economic participation, and global competitiveness. Each initiative she launches reflects her mission to ensure that beauty entrepreneurs in Africa are equipped to thrive in a global market.

Speaking on the recognition, Omolola expressed heartfelt gratitude to 40 Under 40 Nigeria, her peers, and her ever-growing community of supporters. “This award is not just about me, it is about every woman who has walked through the doors of LolaExpress Hair or joined one of our classes to gain a new skill and a fresh start. I see this as a call to keep pushing boundaries, mentoring others, and proving that African entrepreneurs can set global benchmarks.”

The 100 Persons of the Year Awards is an initiative by 40 Under 40 Nigeria to recognize young Nigerians making waves in diverse sectors. Over the years, it has spotlighted trailblazers in media, fashion, finance, health, technology, and social entrepreneurship. Omolola’s inclusion is both timely and symbolic, as she represents the rising generation of Nigerian women entrepreneurs transforming passion into thriving global enterprises.

Her journey has not been without challenges, but Omolola has continuously turned obstacles into stepping stones. From opening her new flagship store in Lagos in 2023, to launching her exclusive product line in 2024, she has consistently expanded her brand while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality and innovation. Her success story embodies resilience, creativity, and leadership, qualities that align with the very essence of the 40 Under 40 movement.

As the ceremony drew to a close, it was evident that the honorees collectively represented the heartbeat of a new Nigeria, bold, innovative, and committed to driving sustainable impact. For Omolola Akinboade, being counted among this circle of excellence not only celebrates her past achievements but also signals the greater heights ahead for her and the LolaExpress brand.

LolaExpress Hair is a leading luxury hair brand founded by Omolola Akinboade. With a reputation for high-quality products and exceptional customer service, the brand has become synonymous with style, confidence, and empowerment. Beyond business, LolaExpress Hair runs empowerment programs, offering both free and paid trainings across Africa and beyond, ensuring that aspiring stylists gain the skills and resources to succeed in the beauty industry.

40 Under 40 Nigeria is a premier recognition platform dedicated to celebrating young Nigerians making an indelible mark in various industries. Through the annual 100 Persons of the Year Awards, it highlights the power of innovation, leadership, and creativity in shaping the future of Nigeria and the African continent.