Abiola Johnson, an Icon of Change in Nigeria

Icons of Change International Awards 2025

Abiola Johnson
Practice Manager, Funmi Roberts & Co.

SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality
Catalyst for Women’s Empowerment and Compassionate Community Service

In a professional journey defined by excellence, service, and commitment to uplifting others, Abiola Johnson has consistently demonstrated that leadership is not simply a position—it is a responsibility to inspire, empower, and serve. Her career spans over a decade of transformative impact in legal administration, community engagement, and advocacy for women’s rights, anchored in a philosophy that true success is measured by the lives one touches and the opportunities one creates for others.

Graduating top of her class with a 2.1 in Mass Communications, majoring in Public Relations, Abiola transitioned her academic brilliance into a pioneering role as the first Practice Manager of Funmi Roberts & Co., a distinguished law firm with offices in Ibadan and Lagos. Since 2009, she has been the operational heartbeat of the firm, building systems, optimizing performance, and ensuring the seamless delivery of professional legal services. Her dedication to professional growth is reflected in her continuous learning—ranging from intermediate-level French at Alliance Française to specialized training in office management, human resources, and personnel performance enhancement.

Her leadership extends well beyond the legal sector. Abiola’s memberships span respected professional bodies, including the Association of Legal Administrators (USA), the Association of Law Firm Administrators Nigeria (where she serves as Secretary), the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and the Global Business Roundtable International in South Africa. Each affiliation reflects her global mindset, her commitment to best practices, and her belief in collaborative leadership.

Abiola’s dedication to service is equally profound in her humanitarian contributions. As a member and current secretary of Rotary Club of Iyaganku, Ibadan, she embodies the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.” Her volunteer work during the Oyo State Medical Outreach programme—organized by Tri-State Medical Institute, USA—was instrumental in enabling critical healthcare services for underserved communities, bringing hope and healing to countless individuals. Her compassion extends to vulnerable children, as she has supported orphanages through both material donations and meaningful personal engagement, embodying empathy in action.

Driven by a passion for gender equality, Abiola champions the rights and empowerment of women, advocating for a society where women are given equitable opportunities to thrive. Her work reflects the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, advancing not only the legal and professional standing of women but also their dignity, safety, and agency.