IWD 2025: Celebrating Women Shaping Nigeria’s Wellness & Hospitality Sectors
Nigeria’s wellness and hospitality sectors have seen significant growth in recent years, driven by a growing demand for health-focused services and wellness experiences. This is not only creating new opportunities but also shaping the way Nigerians approach rest, relaxation, and self-care, making wellness an increasingly vital part of our everyday life.
In honor of International Women’s Day 2025, we want to celebrate the women who inspire change, create beautiful spaces, and foster warm, welcoming experiences that nurture both the body and mind for better health, and wellness.
Their dedication and passion are driving growth, inspiring progress and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future in these industries, and today, we honor their contributions. We invite you to check out our curated list celebrating women shaping Nigeria’s wellness and hospitality sectors.
1. Rita Opiah
Rita Opiah is a pioneering leader in Nigeria’s hospitality industry, making history as the first female General Manager at Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) in Nigeria. Driven by her passion for empowerment, she founded the Ezinwanne Foundation, which provides education, mentorship, and opportunities for young girls to thrive. Her commitment to excellence has earned her global recognition, making her a role model and changemaker in the industry.
2. Joycee Awosika
Joycee Awosika is a dynamic leader and the MD/CEO of ORÍKÌ Group, redefining wellness through a diverse portfolio of brands, dedicated to providing spa experiences, quality skincare products, and wellness solutions. With over 10 years of global experience, she expanded ORÍKÌ into 4 countries and forged partnerships with top brands like Uber, Mastercard, Visa, MTN, and McKinsey. Joycee was also recognized on the YNaija 100 Most Influential Women list for her industry impact.
3. Ifeoma Okoroafo
Ifeoma Okoroafo is a Hospitality and Operations Management Consultant, and COO of Pura Vida Beach Ltd. As a skilled professional, she is focused on enhancing guest experiences in wellness and hospitality while contributing to the industry’s long-term goals. Recently, she launched Hospitaliplay, an innovative card game designed to foster deeper connections between hospitality professionals and their guests, serving as both an educational tool and entertainment piece in Africa.
4. Wumi Jubril
Wumi Jubril is the CEO of The Seattle Residences and Spa, a luxury residence in Lagos designed to offer a unique travel and wellness escape. With over 12 years of experience in hotel management, Wumi is passionate about creating spaces where business travelers can also enjoy leisure—what’s known as “Bleisure” in hospitality. Her ability to lead and innovate has driven growth at SRS, resulting in a wellness club with 24-hour facilities and a fine dining restaurant, creating a true sanctuary for guests within the city.
5. Nishita Devanand
Nishita Devanand is the CEO of Savoir Faire Hospitality Ltd and founder of the NAVI App, a tech platform transforming how travelers and locals access authentic experiences across Africa. As a creative brand and content marketing specialist, she plays a key role in Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism industry. Nishita is also the Vice-President of Women in Hospitality Nigeria and a member of Gaia Africa Club, a network for top C-suite executives in Africa.
6. Funke Olusoga-Ogunlade
Funke Olusoga-Ogunlade is a Hospitality and Customer Experience Consultant and the principal consultant at The Funkeo Company, founded out of her passion to uplift and support businesses. She helps hospitality businesses grow, whether starting from scratch or improving at any stage. With a deep understanding of the Nigerian and African markets, she emphasizes that hospitality is about more than just a space, it includes putting the right structures and policies in place and being very conscious and intentional about your customer’s experience.
7. Yvonne Joseph
Yvonne Joseph is the Founder and CEO of 2wenty2 Hospitality, a storytelling and experience design studio that helps bold hospitality brands thrive by combining data and creativity. Yvonne is also a digital media consultant and business advisor to visionary companies across Africa and serves as Director of Events, Public Relations, and Social Media for Women in Hospitality Nigeria. Additionally, Yvonne is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of female hospitality and tourism professionals through her initiative, Girls in Tourism.
8. Dr. Belinda Nwosu
Dr. Belinda Nwosu is a Hospitality Consultant and Faculty Member at Lagos Business School. Her research focuses on human behavior in business contexts, particularly within the tourism and hospitality sectors. She has published several journal articles and book chapters, including the first comprehensive study on human capital development in Nigeria’s hotel industry and was named among the Top 100 Most Powerful People in Africa by the International Hospitality Institute.
