Admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1990, and New York State Bar in 1999, Mrs. Bola Matel-Okoh has over the years sustained a formidable legal career, specializing in admiralty law, immigration law, and insurance class action litigation. She began her legal journey as a legal assistant at United Commercial Bank in Lagos but transitioned to practicing law in USA.
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However, Matel-Okoh, the founder of BMO Advisory Services took a break from active law practice later and decided to enrol at the Weichert School of Real Estate in the USA. The knowledge gained was what enabled her to expand into Real estate business by founding Havilah Ventures Ltd afterwards.

Matel-Okoh who likes to describe herself as a pastor by calling, a lawyer by training, a banker by default, a podcaster by design and the excellent life coach that became a member of the Wema Bank board in 2015, says this is a role that has enabled her to exhibit her skills in corporate governance, risk management and advanced strategic planning. In fact, as one who believes in consistent development of oneself, she had had to enrol at some globally renowned institutions like IMD in Switzerland, INSEAD in France, and Harvard Business School, USA to receive training in management so as to be able to function properly in her role as a director of the bank.
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On people that have been influential in shaping her life and career, she stated: ‘‘Many individuals have influenced me in one way or another, but my parents are definitely at the top of the list. They provided the right balance of life and discipline as well as taught me the values of loyalty, hard work, integrity, faith and generosity which have shaped me into who I am today. Even at the mature age of 54, my dad continues to be a big influence in my life and is wholly invested in everything I do. My late mom was the epitome of love and compassion and had a deep sense of empathy for everyone. Her qualities which I constantly seek to emulate, have been instrumental in enhancing my sensitivity to the needs of thoseI coach’’.

‘‘On a professional level’’, she continued, ‘‘Mrs. Ibukun Awosika stands out as a profound source of inspiration. I call her, ‘‘my fountain of unlimited resources’’ because of her remarkable authenticity and adeptness at balancing numerous roles and responsibilities. Her example has provided me with an invaluable framework, particularly in my passion for coaching executive women and my day-to-day responsibilities, whether in my role as a non-executive director at Wema Bank, other boards i sit on, or achieving work-life balance’’.

Matel-Okoh would not forget in a hurry the day she was called to the New York Bar. She said it was indelible because before she enrolled, she had been told that it was the hardest to pass, but she passed it at one sitting. Apart from this, getting certified as an executive coach at the Gemstone Leadership Institute in the US was another indelible landmark for her because of the commitment it took to get it done at 52 years of age.
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Explaining what her company-BMO Advisory Services does, she said it is an umbrella that houses her coaching and leadership services. ‘‘At its core is the Women’s Lifestyle HUB, a mentorship and community-based platform designed to offer top, vibrant female executives the opportunity to attain personal and professional excellence as well as build relationships that will boost their careers and capacity as leaders. Everyone at WLH is a confident, positive, emotionally intelligent, interpersonally skilled and sociable stable leader’’.

She informed that they recently completed the 5th cohort of their six-week leadership induction series the Women’s Lifestyle Hub with 18 women. Also, at BMO Advisory Services, she noted that it was always a thing of immense pride and joy seeing the transformative impact of their coaching programme.

Concerning her future aspirations, she declared: ‘‘My future aspiration is to impact as many people as I can positively creating a legacy that will continue to speak for generations to come. I also still aspire to pursue my master’s degree.’’ For aspiring female professionals, she advised them to approach their careers with deliberate intentionality, authenticity, and unrelenting consistency. Besides, she told them: ‘‘Build enriching relationships through genuine networking, maintain a clear vision to guide your actions and commit to continuous self-development to sustain your competitive edge and resilience. These will set you apart from the rest’’.

Matel-Okoh has been recognized as a Super Achiever and honoured as Peak Performing Woman of the Year 2023. She is also listed among Leading Ladies Africa’s 100 Most Inspiring Women 2024 and ABCD Africa’s 100 Most Impactful Voices 2024.
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