60 and Unstoppable: Inside Funmilayo Loremikan’s Journey of Leadership & Resilience

At 60, Mrs. Funmilayo Omowunmi Loremikan stands as a shining symbol of resilience, excellence, and purposeful living. Her life tells a compelling story of growth, service, and unwavering commitment, a journey that has touched countless lives across Nigeria’s maritime, logistics, and transport ecosystem.

Funmilayo began her professional journey in 1994 at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as a young Marketing Officer with big dreams and a determination to excel. Over the next three decades, she navigated multiple roles across Marketing & Business Development, Tariff & Billing, Executive Support, and eventually SERVICOM – the role that became her professional hallmark.

Through diligence and integrity, she rose to the position of Principal Manager, SERVICOM (Grade Level 15) and, in 2019, became the Head of SERVICOM Department at the Calabar Port Complex, where she championed improved customer satisfaction, service delivery, transparency, and accountability.

Her journey, however, was not without its trials. She faced stagnation, intimidation, victimization, and systemic challenges that could have derailed her ambitions. But with characteristic courage, she turned adversity into momentum. Instead of shrinking back, she invested heavily in her education, exposure, and professional development.

In 2003, Funmilayo began a deliberate path of self-growth, acquiring a second degree, joining professional bodies, attending conferences across Africa and beyond, and sharpening her leadership capacity. Her membership in the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in 2008 became a gateway to global opportunities. Over the years, she advanced to become a Chartered Fellow of CILT, a Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration, a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, and a Fellow of the African Centre for Supply Chain.

Her commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed. She earned numerous awards, including recognition as one of the Top 100 Global Ambassadors of CILT (2019) and one of the Top 100 Influential African Women in Supply Chain (2022). In 2025, CILT Nigeria honoured her with a Certificate of Commendation and the highly coveted Mentor of the Year Award from CILT Next Generation.

Beyond her professional influence, Funmilayo’s greatest passion is mentorship. As a Certified Professional Coach, she has guided young professionals in maritime, logistics, transport, and supply chain management helping them find direction, clarity, and confidence. Many of her mentees now occupy leadership positions and continue to draw from her well of wisdom, compassion, and inspiration.

Her boldness made history in 2021 when she became the first woman to contest for the position of Deputy National President of CILT Nigeria – a courageous step that shattered long-standing barriers and affirmed her as a respected voice in the profession.

On October 25th, 2025, family, friends, colleagues, and mentees gathered at Sheraton Hotel Restaurant, Ikeja, Lagos, to celebrate not just her 60th birthday, but a legacy of service and grace. The atmosphere reflected gratitude, joy, and admiration for a woman whose journey has uplifted many and inspired countless others.

To Funmilayo, turning 60 is not an ending; it is the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter dedicated to deeper mentorship, thought leadership, transformative coaching, and intentional legacy building.

She remains profoundly grateful to God for every step – for the mountains that strengthened her, the victories that elevated her, and the opportunities that allowed her to serve.

• We celebrate a woman of faith, wisdom, courage, and excellence.
• A woman who has lived purposefully and continues to inspire generations.
• A woman who is, indeed, 60 and Fabulous.