Aderonke Ajibola, Senior Finance Executive, Governance Leader, and Founder of Avava Consulting Services, is also an oil and gas professional, whose career spans about two decades of excellence in financial management, financial accountability, and organisational transformation. As a managing partner of Avava Consulting Services, a boutique advisory firm known for helping businesses build structure, strengthen governance, and scale sustainably, her professional footprint extends across the financial services, energy, infrastructure, and real-sector environments, where she is recognised for her disciplined leadership philosophy and her commitment to clarity, competence, and impact. In this interview with LYDIA ENYIDIYA EKE, she spoke on the significance of The Iconic Brand Africa (TIBA) Award she received, her approach to leadership, and her role as a leading female voice advancing finance, governance, and social impact across Nigeria and Africa. Excerpts:
In what category of TIBA Award were you recognised, and how does the honour reflect what you do as an entrepreneur or career professional?
I was honoured as one of the Top 10 Exceptional Professionals of the Year in Finance/Banking. For me, this recognition affirms a principle I've lived by throughout my career "consistency becomes credibility." My work has always centred on bringing structure, clarity, and strategic discipline to organisations. This award reflects the core of my journey: excellence that creates impact, leadership anchored in humanity, and a commitment to building systems that remain strong regardless of pressure or circumstance.
Kindly share with us more about your work. How does what you do relate to the award you received?
Through Avava Consulting, I help organisations build governance frameworks, financial systems, and operational structures that support long-term sustainability. The award aligns seamlessly with this mandate. It recognises that impact in finance goes beyond numbers; it is about stewardship, clarity, and building institutions that can stand, grow, and deliver value across generations.
The theme of the 2025 TIBA Awards and Conference is 'Thriving in business and career through innovation and resilience'. Given Nigeria's current economic outlook, how do you perceive this theme in relation to your work?
This theme mirrors the realities we navigate today. Thriving in Nigeria requires courageous innovation -- the willingness to rethink entrenched systems, redesign processes, and create solutions where none exist. It also demands resilience -- the discipline to remain consistent, ethical, and grounded in the midst of volatility. At Avava Consulting, these two principles guide our work. Driven by truth and guided by insight, we believe innovation opens new pathways, while resilience sustains them. Together, they turn economic pressure into strategic opportunity.
Money can solve money problems, but not purpose-driven problems. What helped you solve purpose-driven problems when money could not?
Purpose became clearer when I stopped striving for control and started listening for alignment. My breakthrough came through service using my expertise to uplift people, strengthen organisations, and create structures that make life easier for others.
I have learned that purpose lives at the intersection of your gifts and the needs you are called to meet. Money may open many doors, but purpose tells you which doors matter. True clarity came through obedience, reflection, and the courage to grow into my assignment.
Let's talk about women, innovation, and influence. How can women leverage innovation to compete favourably with men in the corporate world?
Oprah Winfrey said, "You become what you believe." Innovation allows women to believe and operate from a position of strength. By embracing technology, process automation, data-driven decision-making, and systems thinking, women amplify their efficiency and elevate their strategic value. Innovation does not require women to mirror men; it enables women to outperform through excellence. When competence becomes undeniable, competition becomes favourable by default.
What is your advice to young Nigerian female entrepreneurs striving to scale despite today's economic realities? How can their voices be heard?
As Michelle Obama said, "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." However, ambition must be backed by structure because you cannot scale chaos. Your environment may be challenging, but your vision must be stronger. Start small, build with intention, know your numbers, embrace technology, seek mentorship, and remain adaptable.
Do not just build a business, build a system that can grow, withstand pressure, and deliver consistent value. History honours the woman who keeps showing up.
As a strong and assertive female voice, tell us more about where you have served?
I serve as a Board Member and Strategic Advisor across the non-profit, edtech, real estate, construction, and agriculture sectors. My work focuses on strengthening governance, enhancing financial stewardship, optimising capital structures, and supporting long-term value creation.
My board contributions emphasise ethical leadership, risk management, institutional accountability, and strategic clarity, helping organisations deepen transparency, improve performance, and align their mission with measurable outcomes.
How much social impact have you made as a female voice?
Beyond the boardroom, my greatest passion is people transformation and intergenerational wealth creation. Through my initiative, Empowering mothers to grow wealth that outlives them, I mentor women, especially working mothers, on financial literacy, investment management, and legacy planning. I also mentor young professionals on ethics, career development, and purpose-driven leadership. My philosophy is simple: clarity, competence, and character are essential for nation-building. Through mentorship, public speaking, and advocacy for inclusive finance, I continue to demonstrate that leadership is not only about profit-making it is about people-making. When guided by purpose, finance becomes one of the most powerful tools for societal renewal.