Barbara Ogunbo

A pioneering Nigerian entrepreneur who revolutionized the textile industry and empowered women through economic independence

Barbara Ogunbo (1905-1972) was a visionary Nigerian businesswoman and social reformer whose contributions to the textile industry and women's empowerment left an indelible mark on 20th-century Nigeria. Born in Lagos into a family of modest means, she defied societal expectations by pursuing higher education at the University of Ibadan, where she studied textile engineering. Her groundbreaking work in developing locally sourced natural dyes and sustainable production techniques transformed Nigeria's textile sector.

Ogunbo's most notable achievement was establishing Ogunbo Textiles in 1938, the first company to produce machine-made fabrics using indigenous materials. This innovation not only reduced reliance on imported textiles but also created over 2,000 jobs for women in rural communities. Her empowerment programs provided training in weaving, dyeing, and business management, directly impacting thousands of Nigerian women.

Her legacy continues through the Barbara Ogunbo Foundation, which supports women entrepreneurs. Key contributions include:

• Development of indigo dyeing techniques using local plants
• Establishment of the first women's cooperative in Western Nigeria (1945)
• Advocacy for fair labor practices in textile factories