Gem of the Month - Mosunmola Abudu (Mo Abudu)

Mosunmola Abudu popularly known as Mo Abudu is an accomplished woman and has been described as “Africa’s most successful woman” by Forbes. Abudu is a talk show hostess, TV producer, human resource management consultant, media personality, entrepreneur, venture capitalist and a philanthropist. Mo Abudu is the founder and CEO of Ebony Life, Africa’s first global black entertainment network which began broadcasting on 1st July, 2013 on Multichoice DSTV Channel 165.

Mo Abudu Background

Mo Abudu was born on 11^th of September, 1964 in London to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Akintunde. She hails from Ondo town in Ondo State. Mo Abudu spent her early life in London where she attended the Ridgeway School, MidKent College, and West Kent College. She also has a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development from University of Westminster in London.

Mo Abudu was married to Tokunbo Abudu, a lawyer and businessman. They had a daughter and a son, Temidayo Abudu and Adekoyejo Abudu.

Career Background

Mo Abudu started out professionally as a recruitment consultant in 1987 with Atlas Recruitment Consultancy firm in UK. Afterwards, she joined Starform Group; a successful business information group in the UK. Mo was responsible for the research, design and production of several conferences and seminars at Starform Group.

Mo Abudu relocated to Nigeria in 1993 and worked with Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (now ExxonMobil) as the head of their Human Resources and Administration. She learnt business discipline and how to build a corporate culture at ExxonMobil which came handy when she launched out on her own.

Mo Abudu’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Mo Abudu established her own firm Vic Lawrence & Associates Limited in 2000. Vic Lawrence & Associates Limited also known as VLA is one of the fastest growing Human Resources consultancy firm in Nigeria. The company offers human resource initiatives and management solutions to industries.

She also has an executive training centre at Protea Hotel, Oakwood Park, Lagos.

Mo Abudu’s Entry into Nigerian Entertainment Industry

She is the Executive Producer and host of Moment with Mo. The talk show airs across 49 African countries and on a cable TV in UK. The Debaters one of her creations is a reality TV show that gives African youths a voice.

There is also Naija Diamonds; an award-winning documentary series that celebrates unsung heroes of Nigeria which is proudly sponsored by Diamond Bank. EbonyLife TV, the first black entertainment and lifestyle global network in 2013. EbonyLife TV is a subsidiary of Media and Entertainment City Africa (MEC Africa).

Mo Abudu Philanthropic Gestures

Mo Abudu founded ‘The Inspire Africa Foundation’, a non-profit organisation focused on raising funds for implementation of societal transformation initiatives.

In 2009, the foundation organised a charity concert with the theme ‘Rock with a Conscience” with other NGO’s to raise funds that will provide basic amenities for street children.

In partnership with Monero Construction, Inspire Africa Foundation built ‘The Habour’, a one hundred–bed home for street children in Lagos. The foundation also has a charity store branded ‘The Designer Outlet for Charity’.