LOOM Magazine

How Barbara Okereke-Ndugbu is Icing Nigeria’s Hospitality Crown with Oven Secret

Barbara Okereke‑Ndugbu is the visionary behind (est. 2015). She is a powerhouse of creativity and precision. Trained in Electrical Engineering and holding an MBA in Oil & Gas Management , she pivoted into cake artistry at London’s Fair Cake culinary school .

From training at the Fair Cake Culinary School in London to serving up elaborate 7-foot inauguration cakes for governors, she built a name on precision, soul, and aesthetic power.

She moved her operations to Lagos in 2016 and scaled her business with a fierce determination to blend elegance with excellence. Today, Oven Secret is not just a bakery—it’s a symbol of luxury events in Nigeria, where every design tells a story, and every layer is stitched with meaning.

Her impact is nothing short of remarkable. She has crafted over 1,000 custom cake designs for weddings, government events, brand launches, and celebrations that mark life’s most emotional moments. She delivers up to 45 personalized cake orders every month, even through economic downturns and supply-chain struggles.

Through Oven Secret Academy, she has trained more than 500 students, equipping aspiring bakers with both skill and structure to launch their own businesses and create ripple effects of economic empowerment across the country.

In 2020, in the heat of Nigeria’s movement, while many closed shop, Barbara responded with solidarity—in the form of cake.

At just 28, she was named to Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list, becoming one of the first cake artists in the region to achieve that milestone. A year later, The Guardian listed her among Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women.

In a sector that too often overlooks the quiet artistry behind celebration, Barbara Okereke-Ndugbu is setting new standards.

How Chinedu Azodoh is Driving Africa’s Mobility Revolution

From the bustling streets of Festac Town to the innovation hubs of MIT and Techstars New York, journey has been anything but conventional. As Co-founder and Chief Growth Officer of .ai (Metro Africa Xpress), he’s helping to reshape the future of mobility in Africa by building locally rooted solutions to long-standing challenges.

Founded in 2015, MAX began as a response to Africa’s need for reliable and efficient mobility systems. But under Chinedu’s leadership, it quickly evolved into something far greater: a full-scale mobility platform offering transport, financing, electric vehicles, and support to a fast-growing network of over 48,000 drivers. These drivers don’t just earn a living; they gain access to tools and training that allow them to grow. The result? An average 65% increase in driver earnings over 591 million trips completed, and more than 679,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions prevented through MAX’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem.

Chinedu’s focus on safety, structure, and upward mobility is what sets MAX apart. Drivers undergo psychometric testing, structured onboarding, and regular safety training. They’re equipped with helmets, hygiene kits, and digital tools. The commitment to excellence has earned MAX not just customer trust, but also investor confidence. In 2019, the company secured a record-breaking $7.5 million Series A round from global giants including Yamaha, Mastercard, and Breakthrough Energy Ventures.

His leadership has earned him several prestigious accolades: a $200,000 Lila Self Leadership Academy scholarship, recognition as a Forbes Africa 30-under-30 finalist, and participation in some of the world’s most selective innovation fellowships including Techstars NYC, Alibaba eFounder, Mastercard StartPath, and more.

Chinedu is not just building a company—he’s building a movement that empowers individuals, reduces environmental impact, and transforms how millions navigate their daily lives.

Femi Aluko Is Building Nigeria’s Fastest-Growing Food Delivery Network

is a standout example of Nigeria’s next-gen tech leader: a systems engineer turned fintech innovator turned foodtech founder.

He simply wanted to build systems that worked—ones that delivered value, convenience, and dignity at scale. But like most innovators, his vision evolved. After years at Paystack, where he engineered core infrastructure that powered tens of thousands of financial transactions daily,

Femi began to notice a gap—not in fintech, but in food. In 2021, he founded with a simple goal: to make high-quality, on-demand meal delivery accessible across Nigeria.

Within six months, Chowdeck had delivered over 80,000 meals. But that was just the beginning. By the end of 2024, the platform had crossed ₦30 billion in gross merchandise value, serving over a million users and expanding to eight cities. His team partnered with national food chains like Chicken Republic, achieving a staggering 90% success rate in delivering orders under 24 minutes.

But behind the logistics, the numbers, and the venture capital—$2.5 million in seed funding from Y Combinator and other top-tier investors—was a deeper motivation: to build a delivery ecosystem that works for everyone.

Today, Chowdeck empowers over 3,000 riders, many of whom between ₦100,000-200,000 month—more than three times Nigeria’s minimum wage. With this model, Femi is rewriting the script on what hospitality means: not just timely service, but economic uplift, dignity, and consistent experience.

Simileoluwa Adebajo’s Culinary Journey from Lagos to California

Meet , a Nigerian-American chef, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador renowned for founding Èkó Kitchen—the first Nigerian restaurant in San Francisco and a significant presence in Los Angeles.

began as a weekend pop-up, sharing space with a Mexican eatery. Simi’s authentic dishes, from smoky asun to vibrant jollof rice, quickly garnered attention. By 2021, she expanded to Los Angeles, offering private dining experiences and participating in local markets.

She partnered with local vendors, but the heart of her kitchen pulsed with the voices of her mother and grandmothers. That’s what made the flavors unforgettable. It wasn’t just the blend of ingredients; it was the weight of tradition, love, and longing that came with them.

Beyond serving food, Simi is deeply committed to her community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she partnered with nonprofits like SF New Deal, distributing hot Nigerian meals to those in need. Her monthly food drives in San Francisco and Los Angeles continue this mission

Today, her restaurant hosts pop-up dinners, private events, and immersive food experiences that blend music, storytelling, and cuisine.

Simi’s efforts have been recognized by Bon Appétit, Eater, The Guardian, and more. Despite challenges—including a devastating fire in 2020—she has rebuilt and continued to share Nigerian culture through food.

Simi is also an ISSA Certified Nutrition Coach, a model, and an author. Her memoir, Sisi Èkó of San Francisco, details her journey, and her cookbook, From Èkó With Love, offers modern takes on Nigerian classics.

Through Eko Kitchen, Simi Adebajo not only brings Nigerian flavors to California but also builds bridges between cultures, demonstrating the power of food as a unifying force.

Olajide Abiola’s Gidanka Sets New Standards in Nigeria’s Hospitality Landscape
abiola is the Founder and CEO of Smart Residences Ltd. ( ), a brand redefining what it means to feel “at home” while away. With over 30 fully automated apartments already reshaping short- and mid-term stays in Abuja, and a target of 200 units within two years, Gidanka is a symbol of design-forward, tech-powered hospitality built on trust and excellence.

When guests walk into a Gidanka apartment, they don’t just check into a space, they enter a story. A story of curated comfort, digital ease, and an African brand rewriting the rules of luxury living.

Each apartment, be it in Wuse, Garki, or Jabi, is fitted with smart check-in systems, zero paper processes, and sleek, functional designs. Guests receive entry codes before arrival, request concierge services via WhatsApp, and never need to queue at a front desk.

But the crown jewel is The Destination; a 110-unit luxury residence in the heart of Abuja. Built in just 13 months with over ₦3 billion in capital, this architectural marvel boasts the tallest serviced apartment complex outside Abuja’s CBD, five external elevators, meeting rooms, and residences ranging from studios to four-bedroom penthouses and a capacity hall to host events or conferences for both relaxations and informal private meetings.

The brand has hosted global names like , and continues to attract high-net-worth clients, corporate travelers, and luxury seekers from around the world. And it’s only getting started.

Abiola’s success, however, isn’t just measured in real estate metrics. It’s in the ripple effect: the dozens of jobs created, the local artisans employed, the standard raised for African excellence. It’s in the over ₦13 billion in digital transactions he previously facilitated through fintech innovation, or the agricultural production lines he oversees through his company .

Olajide Abiola’s commitment to innovation and quality has positioned Gidanka as a leader in Nigeria’s hospitality sector, setting benchmarks for others to follow.

Olajide Abiola's Gidanka Sets New Standards in Nigeria's Hospitality Landscape

Olajide Abiola is the Founder and CEO of Smart Residences Ltd. (Gidanka), a brand redefining what it means to feel “at home” while away. With over 30 fully automated apartments already reshaping short- and mid-term stays in Abuja, and a target of 200 units within two years, Gidanka is a symbol of design-forward, tech-powered hospitality built on trust and excellence.

When guests walk into a Gidanka apartment, they don’t just check into a space, they enter a story. A story of curated comfort, digital ease, and an African brand rewriting the rules of luxury living.

Each apartment, be it in Wuse, Garki, or Jabi, is fitted with smart check-in systems, zero paper processes, and sleek, functional designs. Guests receive entry codes before arrival, request concierge services via WhatsApp, and never need to queue at a front desk.

But the crown jewel is The Destination; a 110-unit luxury residence in the heart of Abuja. Built in just 13 months with over ₦3 billion in capital, this architectural marvel boasts the tallest serviced apartment complex outside Abuja’s CBD, five external elevators, meeting rooms, and residences ranging from studios to four-bedroom penthouses and a capacity hall to host events or conferences for both relaxations and informal private meetings.

The brand has hosted global names like META, and continues to attract high-net-worth clients, corporate travelers, and luxury seekers from around the world. And it’s only getting started.

Abiola’s success, however, isn’t just measured in real estate metrics. It's in the ripple effect: the dozens of jobs created, the local artisans employed, the standard raised for African excellence. It’s in the over ₦13 billion in digital transactions he previously facilitated through fintech innovation, or the agricultural production lines he oversees through his company Jendo.

Olajide Abiola’s commitment to innovation and quality has positioned Gidanka as a leader in Nigeria's hospitality sector, setting benchmarks for others to follow.

LOOM Picks 10 – June 2025 Edition
HOSPITALITY

Every month, LOOM Picks 10 celebrates ten outstanding across the globe who are shaping their industries with excellence, innovation, and resilience.

For June 2025, we turn the spotlight to a vibrant and vital industry: Hospitality.

From redefining luxury experiences to championing sustainable tourism and world-class service, these honorees are not just making their mark, they are setting new global standards as hospitality powerhouses whose stories deserve to be told.

Our Honorees these month are:

- Eko KItchen
abiola - Gidanka

- Chowdeck

- Hotel.ng

- Max.ng

Barbara Okereke-Ndugbu -

Bolarunwa Aje - Be~B Alafia Bread
amosu - ChopnBlok

Chika Madubuko -

Dr. Zainab Ahmad Sani- L’apip Pizzeria

We’re proud to celebrate them, and even prouder to share their journeys with the Instagram community and beyond.

Stay tuned as we unveil the LOOM Picks 10, Edition over the this month of June. Follow the stories. Share the pride.

LOOM Picks 10 – Celebrating Nigerian Excellence Across the Globe

June 2025: HOSPITALITY

We’re thrilled to unveil LOOM Picks 10, LOOM Magazine’s monthly honor roll spotlighting 10 exceptional Nigerians from around the world who are breaking boundaries, shaping industries, and inspiring the future.

For June 2025, we’re putting the spotlight on the Hospitality Industry. From chefs and hoteliers to travel curators and hospitality innovators, this edition will celebrate Nigerians who are redefining service, experience, and excellence across borders.

At LOOM, we believe in telling powerful stories of impact and influence. LOOM Picks 10 is our way of highlighting the faces behind the transformation and inviting the world to take notice.

Stay tuned as we reveal the names, stories, and journeys of these outstanding individuals throughout the month!

Dr. Imodoye Abioro’s Mission to Digitize African Healthcare

is a Nigerian medical doctor, health tech entrepreneur, and software developer reshaping the future of healthcare in Africa through groundbreaking digital innovation.

As co-founder of Healthbotics Ltd., Dr. Abioro leads a growing movement to close systemic healthcare gaps across the continent using practical, tech-enabled solutions. Under his leadership, the company has introduced cutting-edge platforms that now serve over 130 hospitals in Nigeria and beyond.

One of Healthbotics’ key innovations is , a digital infrastructure that connects hospitals to a network of over 30 blood banks per city, ensuring that life-saving blood can be sourced quickly and reliably. Initially developed as a youth-centered blood donation app, the platform has since evolved into a real-time logistics and emergency response system—complete with a 24/7 call center—that helps close Nigeria’s 350,000-unit annual blood shortage.

Dr. Abioro further advanced the digitalization of healthcare in 2021 with the launch of , an AI-powered electronic health records (EHR) system built specifically for low-resource environments. Mediverse is uniquely designed to function offline and respond to voice inputs in local languages, offering an accessible and secure way to digitize patient records without the need for constant internet connectivity. The system uses blockchain technology to maintain data integrity and has already processed over 145,000 patient records across facilities in Nigeria and Haiti.

Dr. Abioro’s work is shifting perceptions about what’s possible in African healthcare. His ability to merge clinical understanding with technical ex*****on has earned international recognition. He was named a Young Innovator by the World Summit Awards in 2021, won the AI for Development Challenge in 2020, and received the Africa Digital Innovation Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2022.

Through Healthbotics, he continues to build tools that are accessible, adaptive, and deeply aligned with the unique realities of African healthcare systems.