Come Friday, 1 December, 2023, His Royal Highness, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, CON, will install Mrs Abisola Bamidele as the first Erelu Borokoni of Owu, Kuta.
All roads lead to Kuta, which promises to be a high society event laced with tradition.
To ensure that the chieftaincy ceremony is given a touch of class and panache, Mrs Bamidele fondly called Lady BisBam by her admirers, has put all the finishing touches to make it a memorable day.
Abisola Bamidele, a visionary and an accomplished female entrepreneur and philanthropist, was born on 4 July, 1970 in Epe, Lagos.
Lady BisBam, as she’s popularly known, from an early age, her curiosity and determination set her on a path of innovation and social impact. Her advocacy for preservation of culture and tradition had fueled her brand as “Alaga Iyawo” (Traditional Wedding MC) for over 30 years and still counting, she’s known and recognized home and abroad for excellence and her height of exposure as “Alaga Iyawo”.
She stands as a luminary in her field. She has raised and still building brands (people) in her own capacity.
After records of accomplishment and success as Alaga Iyawo, Abisola Bamidele embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. Well over 10 years now, she founded BISBAM GLOBAL VENTURES (BisBam Place), a groundbreaking venture that stands as a testament to her dedication, offering a one stop sanctuary for Aso Oke, Aso Ebi, and resplendent traditional bridal ensembles.
Complementing this, her brainchild “Arewa Jewellery Shop” adorns individuals with the finest pieces, celebrating the heritage of Nigerian culture. Her ability to identify market trends and adapt to evolving industries quickly propelled the company to success.
Known for her leadership acumen, Abisola Bamidele served as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women in business.
She became an advocate and a pioneer of an online Family Building Forum called HOME BUILDERS, which has close to 80,000 members. Driven by a desire to mend fractured families, this thriving community now unites nearly 80,000 members across the world, serving as a testament to its impact on the lives it touches.
Not content with personal success, Lady Bisbam established the “Alaga Academy,” popular called “THE RISING STARS.” This esteemed institution imparts invaluable mentorship and guidance to budding talents, serving on the Board of Trustees and acting as Matron. This organization nurtures emerging talents, fostering a legacy of empowerment, producing over 150 accomplished graduates. These graduates are now well established and are doing exploits in their respective areas.
Her dedication to supporting women facing cancer is a cornerstone of her philanthropic efforts. Through her work with numerous government agencies and not for profit organizations, Lady Bisbam has provided crucial resources, emotional support, and advocacy for women navigating the challenges of cancer.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavours and philanthropic initiatives, Lady Bisbam demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering spiritual and communal well-being. Recognizing the importance of faith and community, she dedicated herself to singlehandedly constructed two places of worship, a church and a mosque in two distinct communities. The impact of Abisola Bamidele’s generosity and vision for spiritual spaces transcended the physical structures themselves. Both places of worship became catalysts for community engagement, fostering connections, and promoting a sense of belonging among diverse groups.
Her commitment to constructing places of worship underscored [Entrepreneur’s Name]’s holistic approach to philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of addressing spiritual and communal needs alongside economic and social challenges. Through these endeavours, she left an enduring legacy of compassion, unity, and a deep respect for the diverse fabric of communities she touched.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. With over 100+ national and international awards to her name, Lady Bisbam is a true exemplar of excellence. In her leadership roles, be it as Chairperson of the Wonderful Women Foundation Network, or her integral position in Wauve Foundation, Nigeria, she has made significant strides in advancing causes dear to her heart.
As a matron of the Gleam Foundation (The Renewed Tribe Foundation) for the Less Privileged, she has been instrumental in providing support and opportunities for those in need. Her work in this area revolves around providing quality education for less privilege. Her advocacy work with African Women Cancer Awareness USA has been a beacon of hope for many.
In addition to her business achievements, Abisola Bamidele earned recognition for her philanthropic efforts. Awards and honors, such as OUTSTANDING FEMALE ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR 2022 (Nigerian Outstanding Leadership Award Platform), City People Awards – FEMALE ACHIEVERS AWARD 2023 to mention but a few, highlighted her dedication to creating positive change beyond profit margins.
Lady Bisbam’s online presence is nothing short of a digital phenomenon. With over half a million dedicated followers across various social media platforms, her influence resonates far and wide. This vast community is a testament to the depth of connection she cultivates through her work and advocacy. It’s not just a number; it’s a thriving network of individuals inspired by her message and leadership. Through these platforms, Lady Bisbam continues to amplify her mission, reaching hearts and minds with her empowering vision for a stronger, culturally enriched Nigeria.
In Lady Bisbam’s remarkable journey, we witness a fusion of grace, unwavering commitment, and boundless resilience towards her community. Her story is a tapestry woven with threads of cultural preservation, education, and the nurturing of a close-knit community. Lady Bisbam stands as a guiding light of leadership, with a steadfast dedication to uplifting Nigerian women and preserving their cherished heritage.
