Nigerian Entrepreneur Builds Sweet Legacy
From Port Harcourt to Abuja, Ibitoru Allwell-Brown is crafting a legacy of resilience and service. The founder of Angies Ice Cream & Pastry, her entrepreneurial journey highlights vision and reinvention.
Early Influences
Growing up in Rivers State, Ibitoru was the only child of parents who instilled a strong work ethic. Her father, Captain Bara Allwell-Brown, was the first Rivers State native to pilot a Boeing 747 from Nigeria to New York. Her mother managed state-run hotels. “They both gave me my first glimpse into what it means to work hard, strive for excellence, and stay committed to one’s career,”
she recalls.
From Gelato Pioneer to Dessert Innovator
With a Master’s degree from Robert Gordon University in Scotland, Ibitoru first ventured into entrepreneurship in Lagos, supplying office furniture. In 2014, she introduced gelato to Lokoja, Kogi State. By 2020, she launched a dessert event catering service in Abuja.
For Allwell-Brown, “entrepreneurship represents freedom—the freedom to create, to serve, to shape my future, and to leave a meaningful legacy.”
She believes it has enabled constant evolution through learning, failing, succeeding, and innovating across various ventures.
Inspiration from Strong Women
Ibitoru attributes her drive to women like her late mother, aunt Dr. Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke, (former Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange), and architect Olajumoke Adenowo. “From them, I witnessed first-hand the power of leadership, confidence, diligence, and grace under pressure,”
she says.
A Philosophy Rooted in Service
Ibitoru’s business approach centers on purpose and service. “Every venture I’ve undertaken wasn’t just to generate income—it was to solve a problem, add value, and make people’s lives better,”
she explains. “That’s the core of my entrepreneurship: freedom anchored in purpose.”
Key Achievements and Offerings
Introducing gelato to Lokoja and establishing Angies Ice Cream in Abuja number high among her proudest achievements. The business now includes event catering, breakfast boxes, and buffet services. According to recent industry data, the global breakfast cereal market alone is projected to reach $47.15 billion by 2029, underscoring the potential in curated breakfast offerings (Fortune Business Insights).
Challenges and Values
Ibitoru acknowledges obstacles like access to finance and skilled labor. However, “At Angies, we are guided by excellence, hospitality, integrity, innovation, and community impact,”
she affirms.
Guided by faith, she supports organizations like Heritage Orphanage, viewing her business as a vehicle for empowerment and spiritual transformation. Citing Jeremiah 29:11, she shares, “‘For I know the thoughts I think towards you,’ says the Lord, ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.’”
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Ibitoru’s vision extends beyond mere profitability. “I want Angies to stand not just for desserts, but for excellence in service, for personal development, and for community upliftment. My goal is to build people, build purpose, and build a lasting legacy.”
