Zainab Akingbehin is a visionary entrepreneur, renowned interior designer, and the driving force behind Oeuvre Designs,
A leading Lagos-based interior design company. As the Creative Director and CEO, she has built a brand that stands as a benchmark for luxury, innovation, and international standards in Nigeria’s interior design industry. Her expertise extends beyond interior design; she is also the founder of Oeuvre Foods, which encompasses Oeuvre Bistro and Oeuvre Patisserie, reflecting her passion for creating refined lifestyle experiences. Under her leadership, Oeuvre Group has expanded significantly, including: A state-of-the-art furniture design and manufacturing factory, producing bespoke pieces tailored to modern and sophisticated tastes. Luxury interior design services for residential and commercial spaces across Nigeria and beyond. A fine dining restaurant offering a world-class culinary experience-and a Pastry catering to refined palates with exquisite pastries and gourmet offerings. The Chandler of Oeuvre, the aromatherapy division of the brand, specializing in luxury home fragrances, scented candles, and essential oils, promoting wellness and ambiance enhancement. Zainab holds a degree in Business Administration from Houdegbe North American University, Republic of Benin, and also studied at the University of Abuja. She later pursued her passion for interior design by obtaining a Diploma in Interior Designing from the Decor Creative Academy, affiliated with Decor and Rainbow Nigeria, based in both the UK and Nigeria.
She has also expanded her expertise into the culinary arts, earning a Diploma from the University of Gelato Carpigianni, Bologna, Italy as a Gelatieri, further demonstrating her commitment to craftsmanship and luxury lifestyle experiences. Education & Professional Background Before launching her entrepreneurial ventures, she gained invaluable corporate experience working with Mobil Producing Unlimited and Top Services Limited, the operator of Adeniran Ogunsanya Mall, Surulere. Achievements & Contributions Since founding Oeuvre Designs in 2015, Zainab has played a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s interior design industry, executing high-profile projects in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Akwa Ibom, Port Harcourt, Dubai, and other major cities within and outside Africa. Her commitment to excellence and creativity has positioned Oeuvre Designs as a sought-after brand for residential and commercial projects. As a serial entrepreneur, she continuously introduces world-class brands to Nigeria and actively creates employment opportunities for young professionals, fostering economic growth and innovation. Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, she is also an author, having written “A Piece of Me” , a book that captures interesting aspects of her life and experiences, offering inspiration to others. Achievements & Contributions Zainab Akingbehin’s remarkable contributions have earned her numerous local and international accolades, including: 100 Most Influential Young Leaders in Africa (2020) – Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation, Dubai, UAE. 30 Global Young Leaders (2019) – AFRO-EURO Youth Leadership Summit, Banjul, Gambia. Creative Business CEO of the Year (2019) – Confederation of West African Youths YEIS 40 Under 40 CEO Africa 2020 50 Influential Young Global Leaders (2020) – Global Initiative Good Leadership Most Influential Global Young Leader (2019) – Pan African Youth Leadership Foundation Best Bespoke Luxury Residential Interior Designers-Nigeria (2020) – MEA Business Awards 40 Under 40 CEO Africa 2020 – The CEO Africa Outstanding Young CEO in Nigeria (2021) – The CEO Africa Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Young Entrepreneur International Summit (YEIS), Accra, Ghana. 100 Most Influential People of 2021 – African Youth Leadership Summit, Sierra Leone. Best Luxury Interior Design Firm – MEA Business Awards (2022). Best Residential Interior Design Studio in Nigeria – Africa Excellence Awards (2021). Best Bespoke Luxury Interior Designer in Nigeria – MEA Business Awards (2021). Beyond her business achievements, she has been inducted as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership, USA (2021) and holds a Doctorate in Creative Studies from the United Nations POLAC. She is also recognized as a UN POLAC Ambassador for Peace. Legacy & Impact Zainab Akingbehin’s work embodies a perfect blend of functionality, aesthetics, and luxury. She continues to redefine the interior design landscape in Nigeria, pushing boundaries and setting new industry standards. With a deep passion for innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence, she remains a trailblazer, inspiring the next generation of creatives and entrepreneurs.