The reign of businessman and socialite, Victor Osibodu and his corporate titan wife, Funke, as one of Nigeria’s power couples has come to an inglorious end. At the height of their reign, they both bestrode the corporate and society scenes like true titans. On the social scene, they only attended A-list shindigs as most high profile individuals considered them worthy to be on their guest list. On the business scene, they both did well for themselves individually and as a couple. They combined their professional callings; Victor as a pharmacist and Funke as an economist/banker, to become one of Africa’s leading power couples, until things began to fall apart.
Victor and Funke are the brains behind Vigeo Holdings LTD. Although Victor is the founder of the multi-billion naira business empire, he co-owns it with his wife. She is a director in the group and the chief executive officer of Vigeo Capital Limited. The company’s operations are organised in five distinct business divisions operated through subsidiaries: Capital, marketing and distribution, oil and gas, power and shipping. Funke’s experience in the banking sector came in handy at the capital market operations where the company offers stock brokerage, asset management and advisory services in estate planning, insurance, finance, property acquisition, construction and project management, marketing, and sale of properties, off-plan real estate ventures and property and facility management.
At some point, the company provided marketing management services, such as corporate services, including corporate rewards, award services, accessories and memorabilia. Other services included various aspects of brand management, including merchandising, channel development, promotional materials, experiential marketing services, road shows and product launches. The outcome of their combined expertise and business leadership drive made Vigeo Holdings occupy a place of pride in the corporate sector.
Before setting up Vigeo in 1985, Victor worked in Boots Company Nigeria Ltd and Bodmat International Company. Funke on her part has almost 30 years of cumulative working experience in the banking industry where she started her career at NAL Merchant Bank and later moved over to Continental Merchant Bank. She is the first female to attain the height of managing director/CEO of a bank in Nigeria. She has the distinctive position of heading MBC International Bank Limited, Ecobank Nigeria Plc and finally, Union Bank Plc. Funke was once named one of the World’s 50 leading business women by the Financial Times of London. The global jury of experts chose her in recognition of her role in strengthening the management of the bank, improving discipline and ensuring transparency.
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