Described as “Africa’s Starchitect” and by some as “the face of Architecture in Nigeria”, Jumoke Adenowo is a Christian woman who is a Force to Reckon with within the African Architectural space and as a woman in ministry in Nigeria.
Who is she?
Olajumoke Olufunmilola Adenowo was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria on October 16,1968.
She describes herself as a Quintessential Polymath, Chartered Architect, Visiting professor, philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Author, Radio host, Arbitrator and Apostolic Leader.
Olajumoke is one of the most successful and influential architects in Nigeria. She is a speaker, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. She has been featured in the world’s foremost Architectural Journal, Architectural Record and is a force in her profession, an industry typically dominated by men.
Olajumoke Adenowo uses her radio show ‘Voice Of Change’ to teach youths how to ask the right questions from their leaders and hold them accountable. She has authored many books and gives back to society through her faith-based NGO; Awesome Treasures Foundation.
She founded her own interior design and architectural firm, AD Consulting in 1994, and holds the position of a Principal Partner. Her company is known for bespoke, detailed designs and structures, designing every aspect of any building from inception to the fittings. As the principal partner of AD Consulting, she has designed and overseen the construction of over 70 projects including Nigerian government buildings, Coca-Cola, L’oreal and banks.
Olajumoke has held positions such as Vice President of the Chief Executive Programme at the Lagos Business School and Chairperson of the National Tank Youth Development Committee during her career. She is a member of the board of directors for several companies, including the British School of Lome, Fountain Holdings Ltd., the Centre for Social Reformation, and Leadway Tours & Travels Limited.
She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the Interior Design Association of Nigeria, the European Coaching Institute, and the International Mentoring Association, among other professional organizations.
The African Leadership Network, the Global Philanthropy Forum, and the African Philanthropy Forum are all organizations that count Olajumoke as a fellow member.
As a public speaker, Adenowo has lectured on the arts, architecture, gender issues, women’s empowerment, and entrepreneurial activities in Africa. She has spoken at the Global Women’s Forum and Harvard Business School (African Business Club).
She has been featured by international media outlets such as CNN and Fortune magazine.
As an Apostolic Leader, She has made impacts in the life of many via her teachings which are often audacious, striking a chord in the hearts of those who hear her.
Her Early Years were at Obafemi Awolowo University With her professor parents during her entire childhood. Her mother was a criminology professor, and her father taught history at the university level.
She received her primary education at the University of Ibadan Staff Primary School and her secondary education at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) in Oyo.
At 14, she enrolled in Obafemi Awolowo University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Architecture at age 19. As an undergraduate, she won the prize for Best Student Design. She obtained her Master of Science in Architecture, with distinction, from the same university in 1991.
The beautifully planned surroundings of the University of Ife, where Olajumoke Adenowo grew up, as well as her trip to Paris when she was young, were the two primary influences that led to the development of her passion for structures and architecture. She has always been interested in architecture and has always been clear about the direction she wanted to take in her career.
Today, Olajumoke is a published author; to date, she has written and released the following works: “The Mother’s Prayer Manual,” “The Mysterious Seed,” “Secrets of Financial Increase,” “Designed for Marriage,” and “Covenant Forces.”
She is married to Olukorede Adenowo and their marriage is blessed with two sons.
She once said, “ you need to discover your purpose early in life and you need to define where you’re heading”.
