Biography of Abisola Kola-Daisi

Abisola Kola-Daisi (née Abiola Ajimobi) was a woman of extraordinary grace, intelligence, and generosity—a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, entrepreneur, public servant, fashion icon, and philanthropist. Her life was defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence, social impact, and the empowerment of others, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and refined elegance.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 12, 1981, in Lagos, Nigeria, Abisola was the eldest child of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, former Governor of Oyo State, and Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi. Raised between Lagos and Lomé, Togo, she attended the British School of Lomé, where she mastered French and embraced a multicultural education that enriched her global perspective.

Her academic journey began at Santa Monica College, where she earned her A'A Degree, and continued at California State University, Northridge, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Determined to further her expertise, Abisola pursued a Master of Business Administration at Regent's Business School in London. In 2022, she enhanced her leadership capabilities by completing the Power and Influence for Positive Impact program at Harvard Business School Online.

"Her educational journey—from Santa Monica College to California State University, Northridge, and further enriched by advanced studies at Regent's Business School in London, complemented by a transformative leadership program at Harvard Business School Online—laid the solid foundation for a remarkable life."

Career and Public Service

Abisola's career spanned multiple sectors, reflecting her versatility and determination to create meaningful change. She began her professional journey in the United States, serving as General Manager at Victoria's Secret from 2005 to 2007, where she drove revenue growth through strategic business planning and operational excellence. Later, as a fraud and risk analyst at Card Ready International, she safeguarded financial operations through her keen analytical skills and proactive risk management.

Upon returning to Nigeria in 2008, Abisola assumed the role of General Manager for Finance and Administration at SAJE Shipping (a subsidiary of MRS Oil & Gas), a position that paved the way for her dynamic career in retail and entrepreneurship. In 2012, she launched Florence H Luxury, a high-end fashion and lifestyle brand that redefined Nigeria's luxury retail landscape. As CEO and Managing Director of Grandex Nigeria Limited—a premier FMCG retail and wholesale enterprise—she oversaw operations across Lagos, Abuja, and Ibadan, driving strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth.

In November 2023, Abisola took on a pivotal role as Special Adviser to the Hon. Minister at the Federal Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning. In this capacity, she provided critical technical input and support for strategic planning and policy formulation designed to drive national economic growth. She forged robust domestic and international partnerships, notably enhancing collaboration with the World Food Program to tackle food insecurity by addressing issues of availability, accessibility, and affordability.

Her efforts were instrumental in developing the informal economy, bolstering support for small and medium enterprises, and coordinating comprehensive social protection measures. Abisola also led multi-sectoral collaborations involving diverse stakeholders, managed high-level communications for both public and private forums, and conducted rigorous project evaluations to ensure measurable impact against established targets. Her visionary work as a public servant not only advanced economic policies but also laid a strong foundation for sustainable social development.

Abi-KD: Digital Influence and Fashion Legacy

To many, she was known as Abi-KD — her digital and personal brand that beautifully embodied elegance, motherhood, and creative expression. Through her presence on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), she authentically shared fashion, lifestyle, and inspiration, offering a glimpse into her life as a modern African woman of substance and style.

In 2024, she attended the prestigious Louis Vuitton Women's Cruise 2025 Show, representing not only her refined aesthetic but also the emerging global recognition of Nigerian women in luxury fashion spaces.

With Florence H Luxury and as the founder of TTLM – The Luxury Lifestyle Market, Abisola helped redefine modern African luxury, curating global fashion experiences for a discerning Nigerian audience. Her style was striking — marked by authenticity, taste, and her signature confidence.

"Her style was understated yet striking — marked by authenticity, taste, and her signature calm confidence."

Personal Life and Philanthropy

On November 6, 2010, Abisola married Kolapo Kola-Daisi, a respected banker and politician from Ibadan. Their union was celebrated as a partnership rooted in love, faith, and mutual respect, and together they nurtured a family of three children. Beyond her family, Abisola's compassion shone through her philanthropic endeavors. She founded the AKD Foundation and AKD Kids Foundation to support orphans and underserved communities and actively served as a patron of the ABC Foundation, led by her mother.

Her generosity knew no bounds. She quietly supported feeding programs for the underprivileged and extended help in tangible and life-changing ways — providing housing, school fees, and medical bill payments to individuals and families in need. Her giving was heartfelt, consistent, and often unseen — the truest form of compassion.

Legacy

Abisola Kola-Daisi passed away on March 27, 2025, at the age of 44. Her passing is a profound loss, felt deeply by her husband Kolapo, their three children, her mother Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, her siblings, and the many lives she touched through her friendship, leadership, and love.

To know Abisola was to feel genuinely cared for. She had a rare ability to uplift others — always listening with empathy, giving without condition, and showing up with grace. Her close friendships were deep and enduring, grounded in loyalty, warmth, and truth.

She also had a keen eye for beauty and detail — whether in fashion, interiors, or art — always bringing a sense of elegance and harmony to everything she touched. But what truly made her shine was the gentleness of her spirit: calm, strong, nurturing, and deeply kind.

A woman of unwavering faith, Abisola lived a life anchored in purpose and spiritual conviction. She touched lives not only through what she said, but through who she was — a woman of love, integrity, and quiet strength.

Abisola's life was a rare and beautiful blend of substance and style. She led with heart, lived with purpose, and left behind a legacy of impact, elegance, and grace.

She will be remembered not only for all that she achieved — but for how she made people feel: uplifted, seen, and deeply loved.