In this insightful conversation with our editor, Comrade Divine Sam, Chief (Mrs.) Adesonya Mary Olubunmi the founder of the Nigerian Beauticians and Hairdressers Association (NBHA) reflects on the journey that led to the establishment of the association, the struggles she faced in uniting hairdressers across the country, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. The 79-year-old pioneer, who will turns 80 on July 25, 2026, has not only transformed the local beauty industry but also represented international hair brands such as Wonderland USA as their ambassador in Nigeria.
Excerpts:
Q: How did the Nigerian Beauticians and Hairdressers Association (NBHA) come into existence?
Chief Mary: At the time, there was an existing group for beauticians and hairdressers, but it lacked structure and sustainability. Around that period, many Ghanaians migrated into Nigeria, and some of them began offering hair-relaxing services using soda soap, charging as much as ₦300, whereas we charged only ₦10. Their method, however, caused burns and severe scalp and skin reactions.
Despite the health risks, some of our people kept patronizing them. I was deeply concerned about the damage being done to people’s hair and skin. So I made a decision I began mobilizing our women in the profession. I visited salons across Ibadan and later extended to rural communities and local government areas to unite our people under one coordinated body. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
Q: Was your decision to mobilize professionals motivated by the price competition from the Ghanaians?
Chief Mary: Not at all. It was never about the price, but about the harm being done to people. The soda they used caused hair damage and skin issues, and our women were constantly complaining. That was my main concern. After going around consulting with other women in the trade, we decided to officially form an association. I didn’t know they had already met behind the scenes and agreed to appoint me as president. That very day, I was chosen to lead. I believe they saw my passion, experience, and age as assets.
Q: What did it take to build the association?
Chief Mary: It was incredibly challenging. Some of the executives I worked with began demanding allowances just to attend meetings. I used my personal resources to keep things going. I drove my car, often with other members, to various towns Osogbo, Ogbomoso, Ilesa, Ogijo, Ijebu all to spread the vision of the association.
We didn’t stop there. I visited companies in Lagos to engage with manufacturers of relaxers. We made it clear we were here to support quality brands. We even invited some companies to Ibadan to demonstrate their products directly to hairdressers. Our clients trust us, so it’s important we understand what we use on their hair.
Some brands later sponsored us to Florida, USA, where we visited major beauty companies, including Wonderland. I had the privilege of meeting one of the top stylists in the U.S. a man who was highly respected in the field. Eventually, I became an ambassador for Wonderland in Nigeria, promoting their products. I plan to launch a book on my 80th birthday that will share these experiences and the journey of the association.
Unfortunately, today’s leaders in the association are not as serious. Some attend meetings just for fun, without real commitment. I ask, how many millionaires have had the opportunity to visit Wonderland in America and be made ambassadors? I did and I did it with dedication, not entitlement.
Q: The association has attracted the attention of governors’ wives and high-profile figures. How did you achieve that?
Chief Mary: From the days of military rule, we always made it a point to visit every new governor’s wife and appoint her as our matron. So, by default, the wife of the sitting governor in Oyo State becomes our association’s matron. We also engaged with traditional rulers the Obas and other influential leaders in society to gain their support and credibility.
Q: How did the name “Nigerian Beauticians and Hairdressers Association” come about?
Chief Mary: Some people criticized the name, saying it was too broad since the group started in Ibadan. But I saw the future. I knew this movement would one day spread across Nigeria, so we named it “Nigerian Beauticians and Hairdressers Association Oyo State Chapter,” clearly indicating that Oyo State was just one part of a national body.
This association is for everyone Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba all Nigerians. I was born and raised in Lagos, but I began the association in Ibadan. Some elites at the time didn’t want “mushroom” salons or less-educated stylists to join. I firmly rejected that. If you run a functional salon, you deserve a place in this association. Many of those “mushroom” salons are the ones truly populating and sustaining the industry.
Q: Is the association still being run with the same passion and energy you had when you handed it over?
Chief Mary: Honestly, no. Things have changed. The younger generation doesn’t have the same drive or capacity we had. They are enjoying the benefits of what we worked hard to build. However, the foundation is solid, and I continue to guide them when needed. I’m glad many of them still follow my advice and uphold the principles I laid down.
Q: What is your message to aspiring hairdressers and current members of NBHA?
Chief Mary: My message is simple: let’s unite and move the association forward. There’s no strength in division — not in religion, ethnicity, or social class. This association is for all Nigerians. Ibadan may be its birthplace, but the headquarters could one day be in Calabar, Akwa Ibom, or even Lagos where I was born.
Let’s stop being sentimental. We must grow together. The upcoming convention will be held at the stadium and later at Jogor Event Centre, where we will honor the governor’s wife the first lady of Oyo state and others who have contributed to the association’s progress.
Q: Thank you very much, Chief Mrs. Adesonya. It has been an honor speaking with you.
Chief Mary: Thank you as well. Please feel free to come by anytime. I enjoy sharing and connecting with people like you.
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