Guardian Woman Means Business …with Oluwatoyin Osagie-Oboh

As The Guardian Woman festival 2025 comes close, with the theme, Women Mean Business, it is set to highlight and celebrate the resilience of women across sectors. In this week’s column is an Education and Family Empowerment trailblazer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Osagie-Oboh. She speaks on the festival’s theme scheduled to take place at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on March 14.

Career journey
A pioneering figure in education and family development, known for her innovative approaches to fostering positive change. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy from the University of Ibadan, followed by an MBA from Ambrose Alli University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Nottingham University. She also holds certifications from Modern Montessori International, IPC, CAIE, and more. As Executive Director/CEO of Jewels Leading Lights Schools, Mrs. Oboh integrates 21st-century skills into education while ensuring godly nurturing of the students. She is certified as a John C. Maxwell Parenting Coach and has authored books like “Discipleship Journals” and Parenting By Design. Her philanthropic efforts include Kingdom Women in Business and empowering visionary women across sectors. Mrs. Oboh conducts workshops on parenting skills while advocating for family support services through community outreach programs. As she continues leading educational initiatives at Jewels Leading Lights Schools into 2025 and beyond, she expands her influence as a family and parenting coach.

What does ‘Women Mean Business’ represents for you?
“Women Mean Business” embodies strength, audacity, and purpose. As a leader in education and family development, it has been my passion to help more women discover their strength, become more audacious with their goals and live a more purposeful life. That’s why I also founded the Kingdom Women in Business platform. I believe women mean business when they lead with purpose, embrace their divine calling, and drive transformational change in their families, communities, and industries. Leading with purpose means having a clear vision, aligning actions with values, and making a meaningful impact. Esther in the Bible led with purpose, risking her life to save her people.

Today, women like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala drive change in global finance. Embracing divine calling means recognising and stepping into God’s plan. Deborah led Israel with wisdom and courage because she answered God’s calling, just as modern Christian women like Priscilla Shirer inspire spiritual growth through God’s calling in her life. Driving transformational change means influencing lives positively. The Proverbs 31-woman managed business and family effectively. None is left to suffer. However, that transformation starts from the home, then to your community and the world.

How can women continually stay relevant and build a successful business?
To stay relevant and succeed in business, I prioritise continuous personal growth, mentorship, strategic networking, and bold action. Founding Jewels Leading Lights International was an audacious step – I wasn’t certain how it would all work out, but I had to have faith in myself and God who has called me. I also had to grow fast to lead and manage an expanding workforce. It’s not been a walk in the park, but with the right mentors, networks, and consistent action, I’ve navigated challenges and built a thriving, impactful organisation.