Strategic Leadership and Empowerment with Gloria Nwabuike, Managing Director of Aace Foods

Gloria Nwabuike, MD AACE Foods

In the Nigerian agribusiness sector, only a few leaders embody strategic acumen and genuine commitment to empowerment quite like Gloria Nwabuike, the Managing Director of Aace Foods, founded by Mezuo O. Nwuneli and Ndidi O. Nwuneli (MFR). Recognised as one of the Most Impactful and Outstanding Women in Leadership, Nwabuike’s journey is an attestation to the power of combining deep industry expertise with a foundational passion for creating tangible value.

Nwabuike’s career foundation is built upon over 24 years of experience spanning multinational and indigenous organisations, including industry giants such as Nestlé, Mondelez International (Cadbury), and CHI (a Coca-Cola company). She is a strategic business leader who brought extensive expertise in Business Management, Marketing, Communication, and Strategy to her roles. Her early career saw her rise at Strika Communication, a South African marketing communications firm, eventually becoming the Country Business Development Manager for Nigeria and Cameroon.

Her extensive experience includes serving as Brand Manager for Nestlé Nigeria’s flagship seasoning brand, MAGGI, and later moving to Mondelez International, where she served as Category Business Manager for Beverages – West Africa. Subsequently, she joined the regional strategy team as Equity and Innovation Manager for Beverages, covering Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Nwabuike also returned to Nestlé as Head of Marketing for Nestlé Waters, successfully driving business growth and profitability across Nigeria and into other West African markets. Prior to assuming her current position, she served as Category Manager for the Dairy and Snacks business at CHI Limited. Demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence, she is a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), a Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), and a Certified Advertising Practitioner (APCON). She further holds an MBA in Business Management from the University of Calabar and is an Alumni of the Lagos Business School Agribusiness Program.

The Pillars of Success

Nwabuike asserts that the driving forces behind her professional choice have always been her passion for creating value, solving problems, and making a tangible impact. This focus naturally evolved into broader leadership responsibilities, allowing her to combine strategic thinking, people management, and business development to drive sustainable growth.

Stepping into the role of Managing Director has provided the opportunity to apply these skills on a larger scale, specifically by shaping strategy, strengthening systems and processes, and empowering teams to deliver results. She credits discipline, resilience, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances as key enablers of her success. Furthermore, Nwabuike emphasizes her commitment to teamwork and collaboration, noting that no leader succeeds alone. Beyond professional motivation, her strong faith and the inspiration derived from her children serve as significant sources of encouragement.

Strategic Impact at Aace Foods

Having joined AACE Foods a year ago, Nwabuike’s clear focus has been to build on the strong foundation laid by the founders while strategically positioning the company as a trusted player in Nigeria’s food processing industry. Together with her team, she has defined strategic priorities, strengthened business operations, and reinforced the unwavering commitment to quality assurance and the highest food safety standards.

Under her leadership, AACE Foods maintains several competitive advantages. It operates as an indigenous food processing company adhering to global standards, ensuring that products are safe, healthy, and high-quality. The company boasts a diverse product portfolio, including spices, seasonings, snacks, and bean flour. Crucially, AACE Foods prioritises its strong relationships with local smallholder farmers across Nigeria, providing them with reliable markets and capacity-building opportunities. This approach strengthens the value chain, ensures a consistent supply of raw materials, and contributes significantly to rural economic empowerment and food security.

Championing Gender Equity and Empowerment

In alignment with her vision, Nwabuike has made people development a priority, fostering a strong performance-driven culture and investing in training and capacity building. Her impact is especially pronounced in the area of gender equity, which AACE Foods recognises as critical for building a strong and sustainable organisation.

AACE Foods has been intentional about creating opportunities for women across all levels, with women currently representing 52% of the workforce, including leadership roles. The company enforces policies that ensure fairness in recruitment, training, and career progression, allowing women to rise on merit. Internally, a key support system is the AACE Amazon platform, which provides tailored engagement, mentorship, and career support for women within the company.

Beyond internal structures, this commitment extends to the value chain, where Aace Foods’ farmers programme has empowered and trained more than 1,000 female smallholder farmers. This initiative provides women with market access and a reliable source of income, thereby uplifting households and strengthening rural communities. Additionally, AACE Foods invests in continuous learning, leadership development programmes, and an Adult Education programme for uneducated factory workers, providing women with the opportunity to gain literacy and improve their skills. Nwabuike ensures that AACE Foods promotes gender equity while contributing meaningfully to the broader empowerment of women across Nigeria’s food ecosystem.

For the girl child reading her story, Nwabuike’s advice is clear: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND NEVER LIMIT YOUR DREAMS. Success demands discipline, resilience, and continuous learning. She assures them, “You can not only reach my level of success but even surpass it, because the future truly belongs to you”.

Moniba Odunlami: An architect with heart of gold blazing the trail in humanity

Moniba Odunlami, Vice Chairman Nigerian Institute of Archicheture

In the male-dominated field of architecture, only a few women have made their mark and risen to the pinnacle of their profession in Nigeria. One of these few women is Architect Moniba Odunlami (formerly Omagbemi), who has stood tall in the architecture profession, leaving adorable marks on the sands of time.

From humble beginnings, Architect Moniba has remained a beacon of hope in practice and leadership for younger architects. She currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos State Chapter, a role she passionately holds to give back and strengthen the architecture community.

Beyond her professional practice, Architect Moniba’s love for humanity is monumental. She recently founded an initiative called Project Bethesda, a safe space providing emotional support and encouragement for people facing life’s challenges.

An open and engaging person, she is passionate about helping people navigate personal growth and development. Moniba’s approach focuses on building trust, fostering self-awareness and empowering individuals of all ages to make informed decisions. She is also an avid reader and traveller.

Born and raised in the Surulere area of Lagos, Architect Moniba never doubted her chosen career. She demonstrated a deep passion for excellence and a desire to create innovative designs and project administration.

She studied Architecture for her first degree and earned a Masters’ in Environmental Design (Architecture) from the prestigious University of Lagos.

As a Chartered Architect and Certified Project Manager, she brings energy, hard work and commitment to her over two decades of work in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry.

Expressing her deep love for the profession, Moniba has handled several projects over time in both the public and private sectors.

Reflecting on her inspiration, she said: “While I admire many well-known architects, I’ve been most influenced by my first mentors in practice. I recall being on holiday in Europe after graduating from the University when a friend informed me that the firm he worked for was looking for a female architect.

“We arranged a virtual interview, and upon my return to Nigeria. I spent seven years in practice with that firm. They taught me that decision-making is not just about design brilliance but also about listening—to clients, the site, and the environment. It was also about managing all stakeholders in any project as the Lead Consultant, which shaped the way I approach projects today: with empathy and practicality in equal measure.

“Early on, I learned that architecture is not only about form, function or making bold statements, but about creating spaces that people genuinely connect with.

“That lesson has guided my decision-making—I approach each project by considering how it will serve its users fit within its context, and stand the test of time.”

Qualities a woman needs to succeed

I believe the most important qualities for a woman to rise to the top are confidence, resilience, and adaptability. Confidence allows her to advocate for her ideas, resilience helps her navigate setbacks and challenges without losing focus, and adaptability ensures she can thrive in changing environments. Equally important is building strong networks and supporting others along the way, because leadership is not just about personal success—it’s about creating opportunities for others too.

Toughest decision ever made

The toughest decision I ever made was to leave the regular 9-5 work space and start the journey to build my own business. I started from a position where I did not have any projects to work on but had to trust God to connect me with the right opportunities. Six years later, I have been working for myself and am grateful for the progress. I have no regrets.

Her journey to becoming the Vice Chair of the Lagos chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects was not without challenges.

According to her, one of the main hurdles she faced was balancing the demands of professional practice with the responsibilities of leadership within the institute.

“There were also moments when navigating diverse opinions and driving consensus among members required patience and diplomacy. I overcame these challenges by staying focused on the bigger picture, learning to delegate effectively, and leaning on teamwork. I have worked with amazing fellow Executive Committee Members, and we have delivered exceptional work to the Chapter Members.

“Most importantly, I committed myself to continuous learning and open communication, which helped me earn trust and build stronger relationships with the Chapter Members. I am a very approachable person so it was easy for Members to feel welcome around me,” she said.

On her advice for young girls, Architect Moniba said: “My advice to young girls is to believe deeply in themselves and their abilities. The journey may not always be easy, but every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient.

“Be knowledgeable, be open to learning always. You will not always have the right answers so be humble enough to learn from others. Stay curious, keep learning, and never be afraid to speak up or take space in rooms where your voice matters.

“Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, and remember that leadership is not just about titles—it’s about service, integrity, and the impact you make on others. If you stay true to your values and remain consistent, you will not only succeed, but also inspire the next generation coming behind you.”

Breaking Down Barriers: Dayo Odulate-Ademola’s Passion for Using Technology and Capital to Deepen Access for Africans

Dayo Odulate-Ademola, MD Branch Nigeria

Leadership requires not only astute strategic acumen but also an unshakeable commitment to fostering genuine social change. To this end, we would like to draw the attention of our readers and the wider public to Dayo Odulate-Ademola, one of Nigeria’s Most Outstanding and Impactful Women in Leadership. Dayo Odulate-Ademola is the esteemed Managing Director of Branch Nigeria. Her professional trajectory is marked by a daunting blend of traditional banking rigour and cutting-edge fintech innovation that exemplifies how focused leadership can effectively deploy technology and capital to deepen access to financial services for Africans at every level.

Odulate-Ademola boasts an impressive professional background spanning more than 15 years. Her foundation was meticulously laid through studies in International Business and Economics as an undergraduate. This formal education led her to spend her initial years working in strategy roles for technology companies in both the United States and Nigeria. Eventually, she transitioned into strategy within the commercial banking sector. Seeking further refinement of her expertise, she attained an MBA from INSEAD. As she describes it, this confluence of experience in technology and banking/finance made her subsequently move into fintech, where she thrives today. Indeed, her career history demonstrates a deliberate and strategic progression, having previously led corporate planning within the traditional banking space before serving as the influential Head of Innovation at EFinA. Ultimately, this comprehensive experience across various climates in Africa and the USA culminated in her pivotal appointment as the Managing Director of Branch Nigeria.

The driving force behind her distinguished career choices is explicitly rooted in a fascination with how technology and capital can serve as profound tools in deepening access to various services for Africans. This passion is intrinsically aligned with the mission of Branch, the organisation she spearheads. Branch is fundamentally a digital lending and banking application committed to building a new frontier of finance, with possibility standing as its ultimate end goal. The organisation’s mission is to deliver world-class financial services specifically tailored to the mobile generation. With more than 60 million app downloads spanning across both Africa and Asia, Branch is recognised as one of the most popular financial applications within the growing fintech space.

Under Odulate-Ademola’s diligent stewardship, Branch Nigeria has been steered towards remarkable profitable growth and long-term sustainability. Her leadership style is characterised by a personification of excellence, acting as a genuine source of inspiration that encourages her team to achieve their absolute best work, thereby ensuring the company consistently achieves its strategic goals. Beyond internal success, she contributes significantly to the wider financial industry discourse, frequently speaking on various panels across the financial space, discussing pertinent subjects such as technology and financial inclusion.

A key factor contributing to her notable professional success has been the quality of the people with whom she has worked. She has been privileged to have been led by individuals deeply committed to succeeding, and those formative experiences have profoundly shaped her current approach to her position as a leader. This prior experience in traditional banking was especially crucial, as it clearly shaped how she now approaches high-stakes decision-making within her current role. Traditional banking equipped her with essential resources, both in terms of knowledge and key personnel that continue to underpin her success today. Furthermore, this period served as her initial introduction to practical policy-making, affording her an invaluable understanding of the rationale behind many established policies, which now provides her with a significant head start when making organisational decisions.

One particularly salient policy implemented under her guidance in the Nigerian market reflects her decisive strategic outlook. Following the period where the global VC winter, a period where investment activities slow down and startups struggle to secure funding, took full effect, the company made a global decision to pivot its operational focus. Odulate-Ademola successfully implemented this policy in Nigeria, choosing to focus diligently on profitability rather than pursuing growth at all costs, a strategy that has served the organisation exceptionally well in the ensuing years.

Branch Nigeria’s competitive edge over its rivals is meticulously maintained through its foundational promise providing lending services to the mobile generation without attaching the shame and stigma that has unfortunately become commonplace in the wider lending industry. The organisation employs sophisticated, appropriate tools to minimise the inherent risks involved, ensuring this core promise is upheld. Crucially, Branch leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) in its underwriting methodology. This deployment allows the company to effectively filter users and assess creditworthiness without breaching customer privacy, thereby ensuring that loans are responsibly extended to users who are most likely to be reliable borrowers. Furthermore, the company maintains a keen commitment to ethical lending by leveraging strategic partnerships with other significant players in the financial and lending spheres.

At the very core of Branch’s endeavour is inclusivity. The organisation offers universal and equal access to its suite of services, which includes instant loans, bill payments, wallet transfers, and investments, ensuring availability for all eligible customers. Branch’s overarching mission has a direct and profound impact on financial deepening within Nigeria. Just a short number of years ago, the sources indicate that less than three per cent of those who were financially included in Nigeria had corresponding access to formal credit. This alarming deficit was largely attributed to the inability of traditional banking institutions to effectively score and underwrite these prospective users without imposing excessively cumbersome requirements.

This is precisely where Branch makes its most crucial intervention. Branch’s unique, AI-driven underwriting capabilities mean the organisation is uniquely positioned to underwrite these previously excluded users, thereby unlocking vital access to credit for them. This has yielded life-changing results for Branch’s users, providing them with reliable means to fund their lives and sustain their businesses.

Beyond the corporate mandate, Odulate-Ademola demonstrates an enthusiastic personal interest in matters concerning gender diversity, equity, and inclusion. One practical method she employs to support the career advancement of women is by consistently offering mentorship to the young women within her professional orbit. She maintains a private scholarship programme specifically designed for women who wish to undertake training as software engineers, actively investing in future female leaders in technology.

When addressing the critical challenge of balancing the demands of a high-level executive career with personal life, household duties, and social obligations, Odulate-Ademola’s strategy is elegantly practical; she views getting help as non-negotiable. Her approach involves leveraging the robust professional and personal relationships she has cultivated over the years to create the necessary space for whatever needs to be prioritised at any given moment. Importantly, she ensures that this relationship is reciprocal; she makes certain that she is available and ready at the other end of the help she seeks, holding space for those around her to ask for assistance from her in areas where she possesses the capacity to help.

Finally, for the girl child reading this profile and aiming to achieve her level of success, or indeed surpass it, she offers a powerful, succinct message, the advice is to rise above the noise and maintain an unwavering focus on achieving the set goals.

Dayo Odulate-Ademola’s comprehensive experience, from strategy roles in tech to corporate planning and innovation, culminating in her leadership at Branch, underscores the power of focused dedication. Her commitment to using innovation to break down financial barriers for the booming middle class in emerging markets, coupled with her dedicated efforts to champion gender advancement, solidifies her standing as a truly outstanding and impactful woman in leadership. Her work incorporates the ethos that finance, when guided by purpose and enabled by technology, can genuinely create a new frontier of possibility.

Serving with Purpose: Helen Eno Obareki’s Dedication to Community Empowerment

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Helen Eno Obareki, First Lady Akwa Ibom

British Statesman and leader during World War II, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill once said: “What is the use of living, if it is not to strive for noble causes and make this muddled world a better place for those who live in it even after we are gone?” In contextualizing the above inspiring quote, one cannot forget in a hurry the profound contributions of the First Lady, Patience Umo Eno, whose short but impactful tenure, has left a lasting legacy on the sands of time.

For Lady Helen Eno Obareki, the one whose baton of leadership was passed on after the demise of her beloved queen mother, her story has been woven with mixed feelings. Within months in the saddle as the designated First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, she has built a reputation of a public individual whose altruism dovetails with the above quote, and whose humane disposition has brought succour to so many families in Akwa Ibom State. She is indeed a stunning mix of beauty and brains, a quintessential mother and social crusader.

With an impressive foundation of knowledge and expertise forged through years of academic rigour and professional endeavour, Lady Helen Eno Obareki assumed the mantle of designated First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, ready to leave an indelible mark on the lives of its residents. Born 37 years ago to Pastor Umo Eno, Lady Helen’s educational journey took her from Morolu Nursery and Primary School in Lagos to Dansol High School and later Hillcrest High School in Calabar. Her academic prowess and determination of Multidisciplinary Studies and a first-class MBA in Human Resource Management from Oklahoma Christian University, complemented by certifications in Project Management and Customer Service, undoubtedly influenced her approach to philanthropy and public service.

Lady Helen Obareki has built a reputation for her versatility and expertise across various industries. Notably, she refined her leadership skills as General Manager of Royalty Fries, a subsidiary of the Royalty Group, where she oversaw strategic planning and talent development. Her professional journey also took her to the United States, where she gained valuable insights into the pharmaceutical industry. This blend of international exposure and cross-sector expertise has equipped her with a unique perspective, enabling her to approach challenges with a nuanced understanding of organisational dynamics and human capital management.

In her new role as Coordinator, Office of the First Lady and Chairman of the Pet Project of the First Lady, the Golden Initiative for All, GIFA, the dynamic woman with social conscience has swiftly established herself as a compassionate and effective advocate for the people of Akwa Ibom State. Her initiatives have been characterised by a keen understanding of the community’s needs, and a determination to drive meaningful change. As she navigates the complexities of public life, her broad perspective and strong family background have proven to be valuable assets, complementing her father’s governance efforts. Notably, Lady Helen Obareki has shown a remarkable ability to connect with the most vulnerable members of society, demonstrating a genuine commitment to improving the lives of those in need. Her approach is both pragmatic and empathetic, reflecting a deep understanding of the challenges faced by her people.

‎The Golden Initiative For All, launched in February 2024, is a visionary endeavour aimed at bolstering government efforts through a multifaceted approach. At its core, the initiative seeks to drive meaningful change in several key areas. Environmental health is a primary focus, with programmes designed to promote sustainability and mitigate the impact of human activity on the planet. Additionally, the initiative prioritises economic empowerment for women, recognising the pivotal role they play in driving societal progress. Furthermore, it places a strong emphasis on education, implementing projects that foster literacy and learning skills in children. The initiative also tackles pressing issues such as sanitation, with efforts to green public spaces and enhance community well-being. Crucially, it addresses the critical areas of child and maternal health, while also providing support for the elderly, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care and attention they deserve.

As part of her efforts to continue the legacy of her mother and support His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno’s developmental vision for Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Obareki has focused on areas that will improve the lives of women, children and vulnerable individuals in the state. Her commitment to maternal and child health, literacy and learning, environmental health, women’s economic empowerment, disease prevention, and support for persons with disabilities is commendable.

Her dedication to empowering vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom State reflects her compassionate leadership. Her recent outreach to Boys of Methodist High School in Oron, where she fulfilled her promise to provide educational materials, showcases her commitment to supporting the state’s youth. This initiative not only enhances their learning experience but also demonstrates her willingness to engage with the community and understand their needs.

Through her work with the Wife of the President’s Renewed Hope Initiative, she has been instrumental in facilitating economic empowerment programmes for women in the state. The business recapitalisation support programme, which benefited 500 small business owners, is a notable example of her efforts to foster economic growth and independence. By providing vital resources and skills training, Lady Helen Obareki is helping to create a more prosperous and self-sufficient community, where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

As her journey continues to unfold, it is clear that her dedication to empowering vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom State is having a profound impact. Her humility, coupled with a remarkable ability to drive meaningful change, has earned her a reputation that precedes her. Through initiatives like the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) and the Renewed Hope Initiative, she has championed causes close to her heart, from maternal and child health to women’s economic empowerment and education. Built on philanthropy and competence, her recent decoration as “Amazon of the Niger Delta”, by Premium 89.9 FM, is a fitting recognition of her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment. Moving forward, it is evident that her work will continue to inspire and uplift countless individuals, fostering a brighter tomorrow for the people of Akwa Ibom State. And as her legacy takes root, the people of the Land of Promise can look forward to a future filled with hope and endless possibilities.

Energizing Progress: Rekhiat Momoh’s Electrifying Passion for Impact

Rekhiat Momoh, CEO Eko Electricity Distribution Company

Hard work can be meaningless when life is devoid of purpose, but for Rekhiat Momoh, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), every challenge is embraced as an opportunity to put vision to work and spark meaningful change – a mindset that has defined her remarkable tenure. Since assuming the position in March 2024, she has drawn upon her vast experience and profound understanding of the power sector to drive transformative change, illuminating lives and powering progress across communities.

Given her antecedents, it is not surprising that her leadership is already yielding remarkable results, with EKEDC achieving significant efficiency gains and curbing technical and commercial losses. This success underscores her dedication to innovation and customer-centricity, qualities that have redefined industry standards and solidified her reputation as a woman of substance and visionary corporate leader.

Rekhiat Momoh’s roots in Nigeria’s power sector run deep, but her foundation was laid in the classrooms of Auchi Polytechnic, where she earned her Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration and Marketing, respectively. This early grounding in business principles would later inform her strategic approach to leadership. Further sharpening her expertise, she pursued an MBA in Marketing from Lagos State University, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and growth. Born on March 7, 1967, her journey showcases her unwavering commitment to excellence.

Her career has spanned the evolution of Nigeria’s power sector, from the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), and now the privatized era at Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC). Throughout this journey, she has held pivotal roles that showcase her versatility and expertise, including Chief Commercial Officer, General Manager of Commercial, and Assistant General Manager of Marketing. Her tenure as District Manager in key regions such as Orile, Mushin and Apapa, as well as her leadership in revenue recovery and new connections, underscores her profound impact on the industry. Additionally, her academic contributions as an adjunct lecturer at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) highlight her commitment to developing talent and expertise in the power sector.

As Acting CEO of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), she leverages her over three decades of industry expertise to spearhead transformative initiatives. With a keen eye on operational excellence, she oversees key functions that drive business growth, from strategic planning to regulatory compliance. Under her stewardship, EKEDC has achieved significant reductions in Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses, underscoring her ability to translate vision into tangible results.

Rekhiat Momoh’s leadership has been a game-changer for EKEDC, Within her first month, she orchestrated a dramatic drop in ATC&C losses from 30.87% to 10.51%, a feat typically requiring years to achieve. This remarkable turnaround is a testament to her strategic vision and ability to drive transformative change. EKEDC’s collection efficiency has also seen a substantial boost, seeing significant gains in collection efficiency, with notable improvements by March 2024 and ultimately achieving peak collection performance by April 2025. This impressive financial discipline has catapulted EKEDC to the top of Nigeria’s revenue charts among distribution companies, with a notable 28.82% increase in revenue collection.

A results-driven woman dedicated to elevating standards in the Nigeria’s power sector, Momoh’s impact extends beyond numbers, as she’s spearheaded infrastructure development across EKEDC’s network. Her tenure has seen the completion of multiple new 11kV and 33kV injection substations, expanding reliable electricity access to more communities. This focus on infrastructure development underscores her commitment to delivering efficient and reliable power services. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and engagement, she has positioned EKEDC as a benchmark for operational excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s power distribution sector.

Her commitment to leadership excellence goes well beyond her impressive academic background and hands-on experience. She actively engages with global and national forums, showcasing her expertise and thought leadership. From delivering keynote addresses at the West Africa Energy Cooperation Summit in Togo to participating in the Powering African Summit in America, her presence highlights her dedication to shaping the future of the energy sector. Her participation at the executive training programmes, such as the Executive Management and Leadership Training in Dubai, and strategic workshops like the Sustainable Strategy and Team Bonding Workshop in Uyo, underscores her relentless pursuit of innovation and collaboration. As a sought-after speaker at prominent forums like the African Energy Forum in Cape Town, she continues to inspire and influence stakeholders.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Momoh’s influence is amplified through her involvement with esteemed professional organizations. She holds esteemed fellowships with the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), among others. Her affiliations also include the Chartered Institute of Loan & Risk Management of Nigeria, the Institute of Corporate Administration, and the Chartered Institute of Project Management Nigeria (CIPMN), where she holds membership and associate membership with the Chartered Institute of Director, (CIoD) respectively. These credentials reflect her commitment to industry best practices and her dedication to advancing her field.

Rekhiat Momoh’s impressive career trajectory continues to inspire, with her appointment as Eko Electricity Distribution Company’s Acting CEO in March 2024 marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Within a remarkably short period, she has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including the coveted Energy Times Power Sector CEO of the Year Award. Her visionary leadership and operational prowess in Nigeria’s power distribution sector have clearly paid off. Furthermore, EKEDC’s exceptional customer care initiatives under her stewardship earned the company the esteemed Best Customer Care recognition at the 14th West Africa Innovation Awards. Momoh’s crowning glory came when she was named among Nigeria’s Top 50 Best Performing CEOs at The Business Times CEO Forum & Awards 2025. Her achievements serve as a powerful catalyst for future generations of Nigerian women and professionals who are desirous of making meaningful contributions to their calling and to humanity.

Disciplined and purposeful, her warm personality shines through in her passion for mentoring, reflecting her generosity of spirit. This nurturing side of her personality not only empowers those around her but also reveals a deeply compassionate and empathetic individual.

Vivian Richard-Edet: Redefining Leadership, Driving Transformation, Inspiring Generations

Vivian Richard-Edet

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, the story of its resilience and progress is incomplete without celebrating the women who are shaping its future. Among them, Vivian Richard-Edet shines brightly — a reformist, financial strategist, and trailblazer whose influence spans banking, technology, maritime transformation, and leadership advocacy.

Vivian Richard-Edet’s story began at the University of Lagos, Akoka, where she laid the foundation of her intellectual journey by earning a Combined Honours degree in Mathematics and Statistics. The rigour of these disciplines sharpened her analytical and problem-solving abilities, preparing her for the complexities of leadership. She then advanced to the National Institute of Business Management, India, where she earned an MBA in Banking and Sales Management — proof of her early determination to marry technical competence with business acumen.

Her unquenchable thirst for knowledge and value addition to the evolving global economy led her to the London Imperial College Business School, where she immersed herself in a Postgraduate programme covering Financial Technology, Cryptocurrency, Machine Learning, and Digital Banking. At a time when digital disruption was reshaping industries, Vivian positioned herself at the cutting edge. Never one to rest on her laurels, she further deepened her leadership credentials at the Harvard Kennedy School, USA, earning multiple Executive Certificates in Public Leadership, Emerging Leaders, Leadership of the 21st Century, and Women in Power. This pursuit of continuous learning has become her trademark, inspiring younger generations to see knowledge not as a destination, but as a lifelong journey.

Banking Years: A Legacy of Innovation

Before her national assignment, Vivian Richard-Edet built a stellar career in banking and financial services that spanned more than 25 years. Rising steadily through the ranks, she became a trusted member of several Executive Management Teams. Her career was marked by innovation — she was at the forefront of crafting and implementing digital transformation strategies that modernized operations, deepened customer engagement, and catalyzed year-on-year growth in balance sheet and profitability. Her work cut across sectors including Public Sector Finance, Manufacturing, General Commerce, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs).

In an industry often resistant to change, she demonstrated that technology and financial services could be powerful allies in unlocking economic growth.

At the Nigerian Ports Authority: A Reformist at Work

In January 2024, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, appointed Vivian Richard-Edet as the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). It was a historic moment — the call of a nation recognizing her expertise, discipline, and vision.

Since then, she has brought unmatched reformist zeal to the NPA, reshaping its financial and administrative architecture. She has championed transparency, accountability, and prudence in managing revenue and expenditure, resulting in increased remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federal Government. This has positioned the NPA as not just a trade facilitator, but a key contributor to national development.

Equally impactful has been her leadership in securing budget-friendly funding for the modernization of port infrastructure nationwide, driving equipment upgrades and forging collaborations aimed at achieving full automation of processes to reduce human interference in port operations. By embracing technology, she is laying the foundation for an efficient, corruption-resistant maritime system capable of propelling Nigeria into a globally competitive blue economy.

Championing People and Productivity

One of Vivian Richard-Edet’s most celebrated achievements at the NPA has been her intervention in resolving decades-long employee stagnation. Through her bold decision to conduct multiple promotion examinations in one fell swoop, she restored dignity to thousands of workers, earned the commendation of the Maritime Workers’ Union of the Nigerian Labour Congress, and ushered in an era of industrial harmony.

This harmony was not just symbolic — it translated into real national impact. Under her watch, Nigeria achieved a national trade surplus throughout 2024 and witnessed unprecedented growth in non-oil exports. By the first half of 2025 alone, exports consummated predominantly on NPA platforms hit USD 3.225 billion, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

Beyond the Boardroom

Vivian Richard Edet is not only a technocrat but also a role model and advocate. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Chartered Institute of Directors (IOD), and a visible role model for women through her active role in Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT). Her work and visibility continue to encourage Nigerian women to break barriers and embrace leadership in finance, logistics, and governance.

Happily married with children, Vivian epitomizes balance — a demonstration that women can excel at the highest levels of professional leadership without losing touch with family and community values.

A Vision Aligned with Nigeria’s Future

Reflecting on her journey, Vivian Richard-Edet often emphasizes that her goal is “to synergize with my esteemed colleagues on the NPA Executive Management Team to create the enabling conditions required to significantly raise the contribution of the marine and blue economy sector to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in line with the President’s expectations of us upon appointment.”

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, Vivian’s story stands as both a celebration of personal achievement and a testimony of national progress. She embodies the resilience, brilliance, and transformational spirit that define Nigeria’s future. In her, generations of women — and indeed all Nigerians — can see the promise of what is possible when talent meets opportunity, and when leadership is anchored in integrity and vision

Vivian Richard Edet is not just an impactful woman; she is a nation-builder, a reformer, and one of the finest examples of leadership excellence in Nigeria at 65.