In the halls of power, the name Maria O. Philips echoes loudly. Chief Philips, a well-bred Amazon with exceptional intelligence, a stellar education, and admirable leadership qualities, has had a significant influence on Nigerian society.
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As the Special Guest of Honor at the highly anticipated and historic 14th edition of the Classic Africa Merit Award, CAMA 2024, which will take place at the magnificent Lagos Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State, on November 17, 2024, this shining example of intelligence and ingenuity will play a significant role.
CAMA 2024, with the theme “Dynamics of Building a strong National Legacies in the face of security challenged economy,” is set to bring attention to the numerous issues confronting the country by bringing together distinguished and ebullient scholars to identify and suggest solutions for policymakers in the public and private sectors of the economy.
In the Lagos Island region of Lagos State, Chief (Mrs.) Teju Philips is descended from the Olumegbon family of Isale-Eko. It’s also noteworthy that she is the daughter of Antonio Dehinde Fernandez, the esteemed Ambassador Chief. She immediately established herself as relevant in Nigeria’s public and business sectors thanks to her enthusiasm for innovation, hard work, and quality.
Chief Philips has grown into a titan over time, creating a leadership culture that is incredibly inspiring, motivating, and results-driven. It is best defined as contagious. She had the good fortune to travel outside the nation to further her education. From 1973 to 1975, she studied at Huddersfield College and Aston University.
She went one step further by enrolling in executive programs at Harvard Business School in the United States, Columbia Business School, and Wharton School in Pennsylvania. This outstanding woman of our time completed her articleship at the internationally recognized Peat Marwick & Cassleton Elliot & Co. as an accountant. She also worked with Ani. Ogunde & Co. for a while.
Chief Philips did, in fact, begin her career in Nigeria from 1983 to 1992 as the Divisional Commercial Manager of the company’s property division at UAC Nigeria Plc. She has held positions on the boards of numerous public and commercial organizations, such as Marridot Ventures Limited, Lagos State Lottery Board, Alma Beach Estate Ltd., a division of Rims Merchant Bank, and Keystone Bank.
On September 9, 2020, she became a member of Lasaco Assurance Plc’s board. Her talent for success and outcomes gave her newfound attention on a number of levels. The Lagos State government came asking for her assistance and subsequently appointed her as Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Government Relations as well as commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism at separate periods.
Chief Philips held a number of membership roles in various organizations, including those of the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria, the Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Board, and the Accommodation Committee of the IMO ’98 Federal Annual Sports Festival. She and Engr. Olanrewaju Philips are blissfully married, and they have four children together.
