Tonya Osato Lawani has firmly established herself as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders. As the Group Chief Executive Officer of SEAL Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning manufacturing, advertising, hospitality, retail, and print media, Tonya represents the new generation of African women transforming business landscapes with vision and determination.

From Ambition to Achievement

Tonya’s journey began while she was still an undergraduate at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, studying Economics. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on, starting with small trading ventures and quickly expanding into larger business initiatives. After completing her MBA at the Metropolitan School of Business & Management in the UK, alongside executive leadership programs at Lagos Business School and Harvard University, Tonya consolidated her various enterprises under the SEAL Group umbrella. Today, the group serves major national and multinational clients across multiple industries, reflecting Tonya’s ability to innovate and adapt in complex business environments.

Leadership and Influence

Tonya’s influence extends beyond her conglomerate. In 2025, she was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of NASCON Allied Industries Plc, a subsidiary of the Dangote Group.

She also holds advisory and non-executive roles in several organizations, bringing strategic insight and governance expertise to each. Her leadership has earned her recognition at the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Accra, Ghana, where she received the prestigious Global Industry Award for her pioneering contributions across sectors.

Advocacy and Vision

A committed advocate for women’s empowerment, Tonya consistently encourages women across Africa to participate in industrial and entrepreneurial development. She champions ethical leadership, inclusive growth, and capacity-building, often emphasizing the critical role women play in boardrooms and corporate decision-making.

Tonya also leverages her expertise to support youth development and sports in Nigeria. Recently, she took on an advisory role at the National Institute of Sports, bringing private-sector efficiency and strategic leadership to grassroots development, infrastructure, and athlete training programs.

Why She Stands Out

Tonya Osato Lawani’s story is a testament to resilience, vision, and versatility. Rising from student entrepreneurship to the helm of a diversified conglomerate, she has consistently demonstrated how determination, strategic thinking, and ethical leadership can drive both personal and societal growth.

Her recognition on international platforms, including the Global Industry Award, highlights the impact African women leaders are making on the continent’s economic and industrial development.

As Nigeria and Africa continue to cultivate the next generation of female leaders, Tonya Osato Lawani remains a shining example of what is possible when ambition meets purpose. Her story is not just about business success; it is about lifting others, driving systemic change, and paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic future.