Ozioma Okonkwo Honored Among Nigeria’s 100 Persons of the Year 2025

Founder and CEO of OOBIUKU Clothing recognized for her influence and innovation in African luxury fashion

The ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, sparkled with distinction as some of Nigeria’s brightest change-makers gathered for the 8th Edition of the 40 Under 40 Nigeria Awards, celebrating the 100 Persons of the Year 2025. Among the distinguished honorees was Ozioma Okonkwo, Founder and CEO of OOBIUKU Clothing, whose work has reshaped Nigeria’s couture and bridal fashion landscape.

The event, themed “Creating Lasting Impact and Development,” recognized individuals who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and social impact across diverse industries. Ozioma joined an inspiring cohort that included notable names from media, banking, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, all united by their commitment to transforming Nigeria’s creative and economic future.

As the driving force behind OOBIUKU Clothing, a Lagos-based luxury fashion brand, Ozioma has established herself as one of Nigeria’s foremost voices in couture. Her designs are celebrated for their seamless fusion of African cultural elegance with contemporary sophistication, dressing some of the most visible personalities across Africa’s entertainment and social scenes.

Since founding OOBIUKU, Ozioma has personally designed and curated thousands of custom bridal and couture pieces for high-profile clients, including actresses, public figures, and influencers. Her creations have graced prestigious red carpets such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and international fashion exhibitions, reinforcing her position as a leading name in African luxury fashion.

Beyond her artistry, Ozioma is deeply committed to mentorship and empowerment. Through the OOBIUKU Fashion Academy, which she launched in 2019, she has trained and mentored aspiring designers, equipping them with the technical and business skills necessary to thrive in Nigeria’s growing fashion industry. Her academy’s intensive programs in garment construction, pattern drafting, and fashion entrepreneurship have produced a new wave of creative professionals shaping the future of design.

Speaking after receiving the award, Ozioma expressed gratitude for the recognition:

“This honor means a lot because it celebrates impact. Fashion, for me, has always been about more than design, it’s about creating opportunities, inspiring confidence, and telling African stories through style. Being recognized alongside such incredible Nigerians is a reminder of why we must keep raising the standard.”
The 40 Under 40 Nigeria Awards, organized annually, have become one of the nation’s most prestigious platforms for recognizing exceptional young professionals driving progress across various sectors. Past honorees have gone on to become influential voices in policy, innovation, and enterprise. The 100 Persons of the Year recognition, introduced as part of the expanded awards program, further celebrates outstanding contributions to national growth, creativity, and leadership.

Ozioma’s inclusion among this year’s honorees underscores her growing impact not only as a designer but as an entrepreneur contributing to Nigeria’s creative economy. Her brand, OOBIUKU Clothing, continues to attract international attention, with features in top fashion outlets and partnerships across Africa.

In 2025, she also received the African Emerging CEO of the Year Award from the Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation, marking another milestone in a remarkable year of recognition and growth. Through her work, Ozioma continues to redefine African couture, blending artistry, craftsmanship, and purpose into every creation.

As Nigeria’s fashion industry cements its place as a $4.7 billion global player, innovators like Ozioma Okonkwo exemplify how creativity can drive development and inspire a generation.