The involvement of women in nation-building is an inalienable right, as well as inescapable reality for a holistic and comprehensive political, economic and social advancement in the modern world. Over time, some women who have been entrusted with leading roles to manage human and material resources have, more often than not, proved that given adequate backing, they can perform creditably. Indeed, the 21st Century has birthed the long-awaited desire of women to be in the corridors of power, to be vocal about their needs, and to execute their dreams by contributing their quota to national development.

One of these fast rising amazon is Lola Udu, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lavita Group – an indigenous multifaceted conglomerate and contracting firm founded in 2011, and operates across several industries, including retail, health and wellness, and energy. As a Nigerian business leader whose work spans healthcare infrastructure and energy, As Chief Executive Officer of Lavita Group, she leads businesses that address essential needs across Nigeria’s health system, institutions and commercial operations.

Since 2011, Lola has led Lavita Life Limited in the development, upgrading and equipping of public healthcare facilities, nationwide. Her approach considers the full life of a project, from infrastructure advisory to implementation and continued technical support. She also leads Kachy Petroleum & Gas Limited (KPG), which supplies petroleum products and related services to government institutions, international nongovernmental organisations, private sector including mega estates, hospitality businesses, manufacturing plants, and educational institutions.

A significant part of Kachy Petroleum & Gas Limited work supports offshore marine and oil operations, where dependable supply and careful logistics are critical. Lola is also guiding the Group’s development of new energy solutions.

Lola holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an MBA in International Business, with a focus on public health policy, from Wayne State University. She began her career in international tax at KPMG, then worked as a financial analyst for Wayne County in Detroit. Her experience in the United States and Nigeria has shaped a leadership style that brings financial discipline and an international outlook to the realities of delivering projects locally. She also serves as a Non-Executive Board Member of Louer Capital & Advisory Partners.

Beyond business, Lola runs the Lola Udu Foundation (LUF), which supports indigent children’s education and provides relief assistance to widows. She is committed to building lasting institutions, developing opportunities for Nigerians and helping essential services reach the people who rely on them.

Based on available record of your transformative accomplishments, exemplary leadership, pragmatic approach and measurable contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s economy, Lola Udu has been recognised by The Guardian as one of the “Sixty (60) Most Inspiring, Visionary, and Transformative Business Leaders That Shaped Nigeria’s Economic Growth In 2026”.

While reacting to this recognition, she spoke with The Guardian on her business career journey, Lavita Group’s key projects, engagements/partnerships, the company’s quality assurance and global best practice, challenges and opportunities in the Nigeria’s business environment, and the long-term vision for Lavita Group, amongst sundry issues.

Excerpts ….

What do you consider the greatest passion that has brought you this far in your business career?

My greatest passion is building businesses that solve practical problems and improve lives. In healthcare, that means helping facilities obtain the infrastructure, equipment and technical support they need to serve patients well. In energy, it means delivering dependable products and services that allow organizations to keep operating.

I am particularly motivated by the gap between what is possible in Nigeria and what people experience every day. Closing that gap requires more than a good idea. It takes disciplined execution, capable teams and a willingness to stay with a project until it works.

How has professional training shaped your worldview, career journey and day-to-day work as Chief Executive Officer of Lavita Group?

I studied Accounting at Wayne State University and went on to earn an MBA in International Business, with a focus on public health policy. I began my career in international tax at KPMG, then worked as a financial analyst for Wayne County in Detroit. I later served as International Marketing Director at Laboratory Assist Nigeria Limited. Those roles gave me experience across finance, public administration, healthcare and business development. They taught me to assess a decision from several angles: whether it meets a real need, whether it can be delivered properly, whether its finances are sound and whether it can create lasting value. My training gave me a framework; experience has taught me relationship, listening to client, and to remain accountable for the outcome.

What can you say inspired Lavita Group’s key business areas, and how would you describe its impact and contribution to Nigeria’s economy over the last twelve months?

Lavita Group is a conglomerate that has grown around two essential needs: accessible healthcare and reliable energy. I have always believed that business can make its strongest contribution when it solves problems people encounter every day, most especially the people it was intended to serve.

What are the major challenges facing entrepreneurs in Nigeria, and how have you navigated them?

Access to affordable finance, delayed payments, exchange-rate and petroleum price volatility, infrastructure gaps and the cost of doing business are significant challenges These are the key variables that can place immense pressure on even a well-managed company, particularly when a project requires substantial spending before payment is received. I navigate these pressures through careful planning, close attention to cash flow, strong supplier relationships and a willingness to adapt when circumstances change.

What is your long-term vision for Lavita Group?

As a multi-faceted conglomerate and contracting firm that operates across several industries, imy long-term vision is for Lavita Group to be a trusted institutional partner for building sustainable solutions that aid national impact and development beyond the walls of healthcare and energy.