By Nwanma Ogidi
Deborah Oghenerobo Magbegor—Nigerian business executive, entrepreneur, strategist, creative, and international corporate resource—continues to command public attention in 2025 as she marks more than four decades of influence across banking, technology, marketing, leadership development, creative arts, and humanitarian work.
A Lagos-born daughter of Delta State, Magbegor is widely known for her philanthropy, leadership versatility, and her distinctive ability to cross-pollinate ideas across industries. While colleagues describe her as “a woman who never stops moving”, Magbegor often defines herself more simply: “I am a servant of God, a servant of people, and a student of life”.
A Woman of Elegance, Confidence, and Purpose
Magbegor is celebrated not only for her intellectual depth but for her effortless elegance and refined personal style. Favouring quality and comfort over trends, she carries herself with the poise of a woman grounded in both confidence and self-awareness.
At 63, she is far from slowing down. Instead, she appears to be entering a new era of reinvention—poised, self-assured, and continuously evolving. Her lifestyle reflects deliberate self-care, mental clarity, and the grace of a woman who understands her worth.
For Magbegor, being iconic is not an act; it is her signature way of life.
A Mosaic Career: Finance, ICT, Entrepreneurship, Ministry, Creativity & More
Few Nigerian women boast a professional portfolio as eclectic and accomplished as Magbegor’s. Her 40-plus year career merges:
Banking & Credit Administration
Technology & ICT Project Execution
International Business & Entrepreneurship
Marketing & Corporate Strategy
Training, Leadership Development & Ministry
Humanitarian and Nonprofit Leadership
Political Mobilisation & Global Conference Participation
Defying the world’s insistence on choosing a single path, Magbegor chose many—and excelled at each.
Early Life: Lagos Roots, Delta Heritage, Global Ambition
Growing up in Lagos, yet deeply connected to her Delta roots, Magbegor learned early to challenge the limitations placed on women of her time. Her curiosity and determination shaped a life devoted to reinvention, service, and lifelong learning.
Over four decades, she has established herself as one of Nigeria’s most resilient, versatile, and transformational female leaders.
Academic Excellence: A Global Knowledge Pursuit
Magbegor’s academic and professional development spans top global institutions. Her studies include:
Oral Roberts University – Leadership & Ministry
Harvard Business School/Harvard EdX – Architectural Imagination (2019), Entrepreneurship & Business (2018)
Washington International University – Combined BBA/MBA in International Business, Finance, IS & Management
University of Lagos – Intensive Computer Science
American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Membership, 2024
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women, World Bank Digital Programs, Oxford University (EdX), among others
Her educational journey has taken her from Lagos to Oklahoma, Oxford, and Harvard—a testament to relentless self-development.
A Four-Decade Corporate Career
Magbegor’s professional journey began in 1979 as a young computer operator—an uncommon role for women at the time. She later held key positions across multiple organisations:
DPMS Nigeria/WAEC – Computer Operations (1979–1981)
SCOA Motors – Secretary/Branch Manager (1981–1982)
Players Vacation Club – Customer Service/Ticketing Manager (1988–1992)
American Wireless Corporation – Telecoms Marketing (1993–1998)
Prudential Bank – Credit & Loan Officer (1999)
Unifacs Marketing – MD/COO, E-Commerce & Mobile Banking (2010–2016)
Amazon – E-commerce Role (2020–2024)
Deblon Incorporated – Current Leadership Role
She has participated in more than 100 global conferences, workshops, diplomatic gatherings, and innovation summits.
Political & Social Engagement
Magbegor has contributed significantly to political, social, and women-focused initiatives, including:
Coordinator/Secretary – People’s Democratic Party (2014–2015)
Coordinator – Women for Change / Women of Destiny
President – Universal Outreach Endowment (2009–2016)
President – Prestige Professional Network (2001–2003)
She is respected as a strategist involved in peace discussions, grassroots mobilisation, and community empowerment.
Creative Achievements: The Artist Behind the Executive
Beyond boardrooms and strategy sessions, Magbegor leads a rich creative life. She is:
Gold Medalist, U.S. Open Chef Cooking Competition (1989)
Two-Time Inductee, International Poetry Hall of Fame (1993)
Author of inspirational and faith-based books, including:
Yes Lord
Peace on Earth
Land of Milk and Honey
The Power of Prayer
It Is Time
Arise and Shine
The Scholar Without Limits
Her hobbies—singing, writing, painting, photography, cooking, and travelling reveal her layered, artistic spirit.
Quality, Taste & the Life of a Distinguished Woman
Magbegor’s appreciation for fine art, good wine, unique experiences, and meaningful luxury reflects a discerning palate rooted not in extravagance but in intentional living. She favours bespoke pieces with depth and story.
A Continuing Legacy
As 2025 unfolds, Deborah Oghenerobo Magbegor stands as a multi-skilled Nigerian icon, influencing business, politics, faith, philanthropy, and community development.
Her philosophy remains simple:
“Learning is service to oneself so that one can serve the world better”.
Her journey from Lagos to the global stage remains a powerful testament to what is possible when faith, resilience, curiosity, and service converge in one extraordinary woman.