Peju Ibekwe

EARLY LIFE

Peju Ibekwe is the second child of a retired Nigerian army colonel and a retired teacher. She grew up living in different parts of Nigeria, speaks a bit of Hausa and Igbo, and Yoruba is her mother tongue. She recalls watching her father as a lead actor in a soap opera in the 80s, which she believes influenced her love for media. In primary school, she was a lead dancer and performer for various social and cultural activities, and in Sunday School, she was an actor in Bible recitals. She was also the social prefect in secondary school.

CAREER

Peju Ibekwe holds a first degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos and a second degree in Public and International Affairs. During her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), she produced the first comprehensive documentary of Kebbi State, for which she received a state award. She has produced and presented her own TV show, broadcast on both cable and terrestrial platforms, and has produced and directed documentaries. She is also a movie producer, with her latest film 'Chatroom' addressing gender-based violence. She has experience working in the non-profit sector and the financial services industry. Currently, she is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sterling One Foundation, a social change organization focused on tackling poverty in Nigeria. She also sits on the board of the One Health Initiative.

PERSONAL LIFE

Peju Ibekwe is a seasoned business leader and sustainability professional with keen interests in women empowerment, youth development, access to quality education, and better healthcare. As a movie producer, she uses her work in the media and creative space to raise awareness about gender issues, especially gender-based violence. She actively supports young girls through mentorship, provides business advisory for early-stage entrepreneurs, and supports climate action initiatives in coastal communities. She is married and balances her career with her love for the arts, having invested in a strong support structure.