Olajumoke Adenowo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olajumoke Adenowo
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| Born | October 16, 1968 Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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| Education | BSc Hons Architecture [1988], Masters in Architecture [1991] at Obafemi Awolowo University, Chief Executive Programme [CEP] Lagos Business School [2002] |
| Occupation | Chartered Architect - Principal Architect AD Consulting Chartered Arbitrator Founder, Awesome Treasures Foundation Author, Radio Host / Podcaster Speaker |
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Olajumoke Olufunmilola Adenowo (born 16 October 1968) is a famous Nigerian architect. She is known for designing many important buildings. In 1994, she started her own company called AD Consulting. This company focuses on architecture and interior design.
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Early Life and Learning
Olajumoke Adenowo was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Her parents were both university professors. One taught history, and the other taught about crime. She grew up on the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University.
When she was young, trips to Paris and seeing the beautiful Palais de Versailles really inspired her. These experiences made her want to study architecture. She was very smart and started university at just 14 years old. By the time she was 19, she had earned her first degree in Architecture. She even won an award for the best student design! She continued her studies and received a Masters Degree in Architecture in 1991.
Later, Adenowo also attended several top business schools. These included the Lagos Business School, IESE Business School in Spain, the Yale School of Management, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
Her special way of designing is called "NeoHeritage Architecture." This means she uses ideas from old, traditional designs to create new, modern African buildings that are important worldwide.
Designing Buildings
After finishing university, Adenowo began her career as an architect. She worked on big projects, like the Federal Ministry of Finance building in Abuja, when she was only 23.
In 1994, when she was 25, she started her own company, AD Consulting. Her company has designed and built over 114 projects. These include office buildings, auditoriums, homes, hospitals, and large business areas. AD Consulting has worked with big companies like Coca-Cola, L’Oreal, and several major banks.
Being Recognized
CNN has called Olajumoke Adenowo "Africa's Starchitect." This means she is one of Africa's most famous architects. The Guardian newspaper in Nigeria also called her "the face of Architecture in Nigeria." In 2018, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) recognized her as one of the most inspiring women in architecture today.
Teaching and Books
In 2019, Olajumoke Adenowo became a visiting professor in Germany. She taught at the Technische Universitat Munchen (TUM). She was also honored as a special guest scientist there.
She wrote a book called “Neo Heritage; Defining Contemporary African Architecture.” This book is very important because it is the first work by a Black architect to be published by Rizzoli. Rizzoli is a famous publisher of art and architecture books.
Helping Others
In 1999, Adenowo started a group called the Awesome Treasures Foundation (ATF). This group is recognized by the United Nations. Its goal is to help raise great leaders for peace and progress around the world. The foundation works to train 1,000 new leaders by 2030, especially focusing on women and young people.
Awards and Honors
Olajumoke Adenowo has received many awards for her work:
- She was honored by the United States Congress in 2023 for her impact on leadership and helping others.
- She won the Forbes Woman Africa Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020.
- Forbes Africa also listed her among the 50 Most Powerful Women in Africa in both 2020 and 2023.
- She received the New African Woman in Business Award in 2016.
- She was featured in the Hall of Fame at the University of West England, Bristol.
- Her name is on the Wall of Fame at Obafemi Awolowo University.
- She was included in "Who Will Be Who in The 21st Century" in 1991.
- She received The International Alliance for Women World of Difference 100 Award.
- She was given the Ekiti State Merit Awards in 2014.
- Obafemi Awolowo University named her an Ambassador of Excellence in 2018.
Books She Wrote
Olajumoke Adenowo has written several books, including:
- Neo Heritage: Defining Contemporary African Architecture
- Beyond My Dreams
- Acts of the Holy Spirit Vol I
- Acts of the Holy Spirit Vol II
- Ruth: Strategic Wisdom to Overcome the Impossible
- Rahab: Wisdom for a Quantum Change
- Tamar: Destiny Attained Against all Odds
- Appointment with Destiny [Volume 1]: The Path to the Throne
- Lifespring: The Mother's Prayer manual
- The Mysterious Seed: Powerful Secrets of Financial Increase
- Designed for Marriage
- Curating Transcultural Spaces: Perspectives on Colonial Conflicts in Museum Culture (co-authored)
Family Life
Olajumoke Adenowo is married to Olukorede Adenowo. They have two sons.
See also
- List of Nigerian architects
