Nigeria can learn from Dubai without trying to be Dubai

-Adeshola, founder, Ladies in Business Magazine Global

**Adeshola Helen Olayiwola is a Nigerian entrepreneur, international businesswoman, women’s empowerment advocate and business diplomacy practitioner. She is the founder of Ladies in Business Magazine Global and President of the African-Arab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She also founded the S.H.E. Global Awards, an initiative created to celebrate, recognise and empower women making meaningful contributions to society. **

Speaking with Sunday Sun, she speaks on the changing dynamics of women in business and international diplomacy, among other issues.

How would you describe your personality and what you do?

I am a trained accountant and I spent over a decade in the banking sector in Nigeria, an experience that significantly shaped my understanding of business, finance, leadership and entrepreneurship. Today, my work takes me across different countries, connecting people, businesses, institutions and opportunities, particularly between Africa and the international business community.

As a person, I would describe myself as passionate, resilient, people-oriented and purpose-driven. I believe strongly in God, and my faith has been a major part of my journey. I also believe that success becomes more meaningful when you use your position and opportunities to lift others. That philosophy influences practically everything I do.

You have an upcoming programme celebrating Nigeria’s independence in Dubai; why Dubai and what are the benefits?

The Nigerian Independence Day celebration in Dubai is very dear to me because it is not simply a celebration; it is also an opportunity to project Nigeria positively and create meaningful connections between Nigerians, the UAE and the wider international community.

Dubai is a global meeting point for business, tourism, investment, innovation and culture. Nigerians already have a strong presence in the UAE, and I believe our Independence celebration provides an excellent platform to showcase the positive side of Nigeria, our creativity, entrepreneurship, resilience, culture and human capital.

The benefits are numerous. It creates opportunities for networking, business relationships, tourism promotion, investment conversations and cultural exchange. It also gives Nigerians in the diaspora an opportunity to celebrate their heritage while engaging with people from other nationalities.

This year’s theme, “Nigeria Unites, We Rise by Lifting Others,” reflects what I want the celebration to represent: unity, collaboration and collective progress. We may come from different backgrounds and sectors, but there is so much we can achieve when Nigerians support one another and build bridges internationally.

Dubai is one of the foremost tourist destinations in the world. Is there anything you wish Nigeria would emulate from this country?

Absolutely. I believe Nigeria has enormous potential and there are lessons we can learn from Dubai without trying to become Dubai.

One thing I admire is the intentionality behind tourism development, infrastructure, branding and international positioning. Dubai has successfully created a strong global identity and has consistently invested in making the city attractive to visitors, investors and businesses from different parts of the world.

Nigeria has incredible natural resources, diverse cultures, historical sites, beautiful landscapes, talented people and a very vibrant creative industry. What we need is greater intentionality in developing and packaging these assets for the global market.

I would also like to see stronger collaboration between government and the private sector, better infrastructure around tourism destinations, improved ease of doing business, and more consistent international branding of Nigeria.

Nigeria doesn’t lack potential. I believe the opportunity is to become more deliberate about converting that potential into sustainable economic value.

As the organiser of SHE Foundation, what inspired this vision and how has it fared since inception?

The vision behind S.H.E. came from my deep conviction that women deserve to be seen, heard and recognised for the value they bring to society.

I have met many remarkable women whose stories, businesses, sacrifices and achievements were not receiving the recognition they deserved. I wanted to create a platform where women could be celebrated, connected and encouraged to believe more strongly in themselves.

That vision eventually evolved into S.H.E. Global Awards, which has grown beyond Nigeria and created opportunities for women to connect across borders.

For me, the greatest achievement is not simply the awards or events. It is seeing a woman gain confidence, make a new business connection, receive recognition, find a mentor, access an opportunity or realise that her story matters.

The journey has not been without challenges, but I am grateful for how far the vision has travelled. My goal is to keep creating platforms that empower women economically, professionally and socially.

What does style mean to you and how did you discover your personal style?

For me, style is a reflection of identity, confidence and personality. It is not necessarily about wearing the most expensive clothes; it is about understanding who you are and expressing that confidently.

Over time, I have discovered that I am naturally drawn to my African style. It distinguishes me from others immediately when I step into any room. It is elegant, feminine, sophisticated and powerful for me. I ensure I wear pieces that make a statement without necessarily being loud.

My personal style has evolved alongside my journey. As I have travelled, met different people and experienced different cultures, I have become more conscious of how I present myself. As an African woman leader who often represents organisations and participates in international engagements, I believe my appearance should communicate confidence, culture, respect and professionalism.

So, for me, fashion is part of communication. Before you say a word, your presentation can already tell a story.

What inspires you, outside of work?

Outside work, my family, my faith and people inspire me greatly.

I am inspired by women who have overcome difficult circumstances and still found the courage to build something meaningful. I am inspired by people who remain kind and generous despite their own challenges.

My faith also gives me strength. I believe that God has a purpose for every season of our lives, and that belief helps me remain grateful even when things don’t happen according to my own timetable.

I also enjoy travelling, discovering new cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds and experiencing new environments. These experiences broaden my perspective and often give me new ideas for my work.

And, of course, I enjoy beautiful moments with my family. Those moments remind me that beyond all the titles, programmes and international engagements, there is a life to appreciate and people to love.

You are a frequent traveller. Which place is your favourite destination?

That is a difficult question because every destination gives me a different experience!

However, Dubai holds a very special place in my heart because of the professional relationships, friendships and opportunities I have built there over the years. I appreciate its multicultural environment and the way people from different parts of the world come together for business, tourism and investment.

At the same time, I have a deep appreciation for Africa and enjoy travelling within the continent because there is so much beauty, culture and untapped potential.

For me, travelling is not just about visiting places. It is about people, culture, opportunities and perspective. Every journey teaches me something.

What is your favourite food?

Without hesitation, beans and fried plantain!

It is one of those simple Nigerian meals that I can enjoy almost anywhere. I love the fact that it is delicious, familiar and comforting.

Sometimes, after all the international travel, meetings and different cuisines, you just want to eat something that feels like home. For me, beans and fried plantain does exactly that!

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