The Remarkable Journey of Adia Sowho

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Adia Sowho has had an impressive career journey, leading her to become the first female Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, the country's largest telecommunications company. 

Born in Delta State to parents from the Urhobo ethnic group, Adia's professional path began in 2001. After obtaining her first engineering degree, she worked as a Radio Frequency Engineer at US Cellular Corporation in the Chicago area. 

By 2007, Adia transitioned into management consulting at Deloitte Consulting LLP. She developed data-driven solutions for telecom, media and tech clients, gaining expertise in strategy, operations, finance and marketing.

Three years later, Adia relocated to Nigeria to join Etisalat Nigeria (now 9mobile). Over her eight years at Etisalat, she took on roles including Head of Strategy and Business Development, Head of Digital Media, and Director of Digital Business. Adia relocated to Nigeria three years later. She launched the company's first Digital Business unit, grew revenue to $100 million in four years, expanded partnerships, and led the creation of mobile digital products and services.  

After leaving 9mobile in 2018, Adia served as Managing Director of Migo (formerly mines.io) and Vice President of Growth until 2020. She also briefly stepped in as interim CEO of agritech startup "ThriveAgric'' during the COVID-19 crisis, guiding the company through financial trouble and back to stability.

Outside of her corporate accomplishments, Adia serves on the boards of Hover and Sankore Investments. She holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Sheffield.

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