My Journey With UP Has Been Full of Spurring Challenges And Excitement – Vivian Okolo, Director, Corporate Services, Unified Payments

Vivian Okolo, Director of Corporate Services for Unified Payments Plc, joined the company 25 years ago. Having obtained a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, she had earlier worked as a contract staff with Nigeria Agip Oil Company in Port Harcourt as well as Inlaks Computers. Given her penchant for problem solving, she started at the Technical Helpdesk of Unified Payments which later metamorphosed into Customer Service where she led the team providing services to clients.

And when the company became the first and only non–bank entity to be licensed as a principal member and acquirer for Visa, an international payment scheme, she was made the Head of the Merchant Services team. In this role, she recorded a lot of accomplishments, setting up the first big domestic and international merchants for the company under the Visa scheme whilst also growing the acquiring business. She rose through the ranks, leading other departments like the Information Technology group; E-Commerce and Value–Added Services; Business Development and Financial Institutions teams. In her current role, she leads the Human Resources, Learning and Development, Marketing and Corporate Communications as well as the Administration teams.

According to her, her role in the company today makes her the face of Unified Payments, bridging the gap between the company and its clients, management and staff, as well as the outside world. And looking back, she says her journey with the company has been full of spurring challenges and excitement adding that it has been one with many accomplishments and milestones that she is proud of.

Asked why she chose to do Computer Engineering, the astute professional offered: “Medicine and Law were the courses of choice during my time, however, my choice to break away from the expected norm was influenced by the realization that we did not have a female engineer in my place at the time as engineering was attributed more to males. Being one who likes challenges and likes to make a difference, I took on the challenge of studying engineering. I like attention to detail and structure, and engineering suited my personality.”

Not only did Vivian study engineering, she also possesses an MBA also from ESUT and has attended leadership and management courses at Lagos Business School; Cornell University; IESE Business School; Harvard Business School and Tavistock Institute of Human Relations. Speaking on the challenges faced in a ‘believed male profession’ like engineering, she disclosed that there were societal stereotypes attached to a woman being in the profession and so she had had to prove that a woman could also do it and do it very well, if not better.

“My apparent soft look did not also help as I was being taken as one who may not withstand pressure but shocked everyone around when it came to taking up challenges. I never allowed gender stereotypes define my path. I am an ardent believer in my capability and the ability to achieve anything I set my mind on. Despite the dominance of the IT team by the male gender, I was encouraged by the thought of making a difference. I did not shy away from my responsibilities and ensured that I was professional in the discharge of my duties. I was never an armchair manager; I rolled up my sleeves when we had to get things done, and this encouraged my team and the people around me,” she stated.

As to her unforgettable experiences in the company, she said she was so excited when Unified Payments obtained its Payment Terminal Service Provider license because she was instrumental to it. She pointed out that she was equally the leader of the team that successfully carried out the first data centre revamp in the company. According to her, the sacrifice and teamwork were energizing despite the intricacies of achieving the feat. Looking back to her days as a trainer in the organization, she pointed out that those were days she was always proud of especially when she saw those that passed through her now becoming captains of industry.

As the Director, Corporate Services, Okolo was asked the challenges that she faces in her line of duties. According to her, high talent migration and recruiting the right talents are the major challenges, saying that it is a common experience today in the fintech and technology industry. To manage it, she hinted that what they do is recruit and train young talented minds through their UP Academy program where youth participate in a 2-year classroom and on–the–job training that prepares them to launch successfully into the payment space.

Advising aspiring female professionals, she charged them to “never say never”. She told them to be confident and believe in their capabilities, enrich themselves with as much knowledge as they can, commit to excellence, and not be deterred by challenges or stereotypes.

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My Interpersonal Skills Have Helped Foster Good Client Relationships for Unified Payments – Titilayo Olubiyi, Director, Financial Institutions, Unified Payments

Born to a father who was a school principal, and a great disciplinarian, and a mother who was a nurse, Titilayo Olubiyi had a strict upbringing as well as a solid foundation which she ascribes as partly responsible for the success she is today. Currently the Director, Financial Institutions for Unified Payments Plc, a company she joined 12 years ago, she had earlier led a subsidiary, Payattitude, a company which pioneered payment solutions in Nigeria and revolutionized customer service with its service. Said Olubiyi, “This initiative not only drove revenue growths but also enhanced customer experience and loyally, enabling people to fully manage multiple bank accounts on one app”

Olubiyi who started her career thirty years ago, had been opportuned to work with different multinationals where she gained invaluable experience before coming over to Unified Payments. She started out at UAC of Nigeria Plc where she passed through various subsidiaries like Mr Biggs, UAC MeatMart, UACN personal product division where she worked on different brands. When she left the group, it was to MTN Nigeria as a member of the pioneering start-up of sales operation team. She has also worked with Nokia West Africa and Samsung West Africa. At Nokia, which she says had its regional office in South Africa and head office in Finland, she recalled getting two awards. For someone who worked in the Nigerian office of the firm, it was such an inspiring delight and it made her know that no matter how small one’s role may be in a company, it is necessary to do it excellently because one never knows who was watching.

As the Director, Financial Institutions at UP, Olubiyi’s role involves driving the achievement of both financial and non–financial targets of the group and working with all Nigerian banks while maintaining relationships with them. On how she has been impacting the company, she stated: “One of my major strengths is interpersonal skills which has helped me foster very good relationships with our clients and which has translated to more business and sustained relationship building. Additionally, given my experience over the past years, I’m able to share and contribute to the growth of other managers coming up in the organization”.
Her thirty-year career is certainly not without challenges. Gender marginality and work-life balance problems were some of the challenges she encountered, but resilience and perseverance were the impetus that gave her the tenacity to forge ahead no matter how difficult the situation was.

As for the people that have impacted her life and career, Olubiyi informed that her parents who both are of blessed memory now, played great roles in her life as they instilled in her sound values. She also did not forget her husband, also of blessed memory, who always supported her and who kept driving her to be the best she could be. Others, she noted, include Pastor Mrs Wonu Adetayo, Mr Fady Khatib and Mr Agada Apochi, her boss.

On the challenges being encountered in her line of duties as the Director, Financial Institutions, she offered: “The payment industry is an ever-evolving one which requires resilience and perseverance to stay relevant. Therefore, agility and willingness to adapt to these ever-changing demands of the industry keeps me on my toes.”

And to aspiring female professionals, she counselled: “Rather than succumb in the face of challenges, there is great need for resilience and perseverance. Therefore, I would like to urge female professionals and aspiring ones to keep their eyes on their set goals, prioritize self–care, develop themselves so they can measure up based on merits, and maintain a healthy work-life balance”.

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Marketing Makes Me See My Creatives And Ideas Come To Life – Rhenua Ifetayo-Oluwole, Marketing Manager, OPay

Can we have an insight into your background?
My name is Rhenua Ifetayo-Oluwole. I was born and bred in Lagos and graduated from Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo. I am currently rounding off my Master at the University of Ibadan. I come from a close-knit family of 2 siblings.

Why did you take to Marketing as a profession?
For me, Marketing is an art. It’s thrilling to see one’s creatives and ideas come to life, and also see the public’s response and reaction to them.

More so, marketing is a rather vital part of any organisation. Marketing will be relevant for centuries to come. The channels might evolve and expand over time but marketing professionals will always be needed.

Can you take us through your career trajectory?
My corporate career started during NYSC. I worked at one of Nigeria’s leading FMCG companies, tried my hands on insurance sales – which I did surprisingly very well at. I had simultaneously been working remotely in Marketing for a UK-based company and from there, my marketing career took off.

In the span of my career so far, I have worked in mobility tech, health tech, lifestyle, fashion, publishing and most recently, fintech. I have also worked across different continents – Europe, America & Africa.

Who and who would you say have been most influential on your life and career?
I have had great mentors on my journey.

Being a woman, what are the challenges you’ve encountered in the course of your professional career and how have you tackled them
There have been challenges along the way – most of which are people belittling you. I have tackled this by owning my personality and speaking up. Most importantly, having the results to back up my work has often silenced naysayers.

Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in your career?
There have been several memorable experiences in my career. The most recent would be a commendation I received at work.

As the Marketing Manager for OPay, how would you say you are impacting the company?
I am impacting the company in several ways. OPay is a great product and it’s my job to get people to notice, use and enjoy the brilliance of the application. From strategy to branding and storytelling, to public relations and crisis management, to cross-functional collaboration and awareness and amplification; there have been several avenues for impact.

What are the challenges being faced in your line of duties and how have you been tackling them?
There’s been a lot of dynamism in day-to-day duties and I have scaled through this by effectively prioritising. Leveraging my team has also assisted.

What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals?
Speak up. Own your story. Be willing to learn. Own your pace. Process things. Always look at situations circumspectly. Don’t be self-limiting. Have a global mindset.

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Ogechi Altraide: Bringing Her Wealth of Experience In Banking To Bear At Hope PSB

An inveterate banker, Ogechi Altraide’s decision to pursue a banking career was driven by a combination of personal passion, a deep interest in financial management and the desire to create solutions that make banking more accessible and impactful. And since the banking sector is a dynamic, fast-paced and constantly evolving field, it perfectly aligned with her personality and professional aspirations.

It is thus no wonder that Ogechi who read Management and followed up with an MBA in Banking and Finance both earned from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka has had a sparkling and eventful career in banking. Currently, the CEO of Hope Payment Service Bank, Nigeria’s pioneer digital bank, her banking career which has spanned over two decades has taken her to Ecobank, Diamond, now Access Bank, UBA and now Hope PSB in a journey of growth, leadership and impact. In fact, at UBA, she led the group retail business across 20 African countries, overseeing key areas like product development, sales and international remittance services. She also led the launch of the bank’s Direct Sales Group, a major initiative that boosted customer acquisition and market penetration. Also, at Diamond Bank, she led the sales team there. In fact, it was here that her work in the retail space came to the limelight.

It is definitely no gainsay that the vast experience acquired across these leading banks has equipped Ogechi with a wealth of knowledge in banking operations, customer engagement, and business innovation, skills that she has brought over to Hope PSB and which she is using to pilot the bank to great heights and glory. In fact, her achievement in the bank speaks volumes as she has significantly improved its revenue through strategic initiatives and partnerships with key customers and stakeholders.

Besides, she is leading the bank to create a niche as a payment service provider not only to customers but also to other fintech and money market operators. In addition, she has optimized the operations of the bank by implementing cost-reduction measures while improving service greatly, even as she has spearheaded the implementation of innovative digital technologies in the areas of Agency banking. Not only these; Altraide has broadened the bank’s customer base and increased its retail footprint across Nigeria. This is through financial inclusion by extending banking services to underserved communities in the country. Similarly, a robust risk management framework has been designed for the bank even as requisites SOPs have been put in place so as to ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Indeed, no one can contest the fact that Altraide’s leadership at this bank has been centred on innovation, efficiency and customer-centric growth. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a certified management consultant, it is clear that her journey has been defined by hard work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

But as a woman, she has certainly not been immune to gender biases in her profession. Speaking about this, she offered: “As a woman in a leadership position within a traditionally male-dominated industry, I have encountered several challenges including breaking gender biases and balancing work and family. Having strong family support helped to build my confidence and resilience in tackling the challenges. The determination to be exceptional and produce work that stands the test of time has spurred me to embark on professional development and continuous learning.”

Speaking on her goals for the bank, she made it known that these are ensuring that banking services get to the unbanked and underbanked population; enhancing digital payment solutions to provide seamless transactions; positioning the bank as a leader in digital banking and financial services; cultivating a workforce with enhanced competencies and building a leadership team that will drive the bank’s strategic objectives, and leading initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing of society, especially in driving financial inclusion and wealth creation.

As regards the challenges being faced by the bank, Altraide has this to say: “ Like any financial institution, Hope PSB faces challenges such as regulatory compliance, that is, navigating complex financial regulations and ensuring full compliance, slow adoption of digital technologies particularly in the rural areas, competition with established commercial banks and fintech companies in the digital payments space that are not regulated as banks.

To overcome these, she disclosed that she has driven the development of clearly defined Standard Operating Procedures for all arms of the bank and set a guide to ensure the smooth running of activities. Added to this, there is a strong focus on partnerships to expand the bank’s reach and market share; drawing up innovative digital strategies to enhance service delivery; embarking on educational campaigns to increase awareness and customer engagement whilst equally maintaining good communications with the regulators as strict adherence to regulatory policies is maintained.

For women who want to succeed in their careers, her advice is for them to be resilient. Explaining, she said challenges will definitely arise, but it is perseverance and determination that will help them overcome them. Also, she advised them to invest in continuous learning and developing their skills so as to remain relevant. In addition, she urged them to seek mentorship, collaborate with like-minded professionals and be ready to learn from those who have walked the path before them. Furthermore, she asked them to believe in themselves, embrace opportunities, and never be afraid to take on leadership roles. According to her, women have the potential to achieve great heights in any industry if they have the right mindset and are dedicated.

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My Efforts Have Positioned Unified Payments As A Leader In Nigeria’s Fintech Space- Ochanya Dan-Ugo, Director/Group Chief Risk Officer, Unified Payments

She happens to be the Group Chief Risk Officer and a Director at Unified Payments Plc, a role which makes her responsible for safeguarding the organization against threats that could impact its operation, reputation, or financial health. Her job involves developing and implementing enterprise risk management frameworks, overseeing compliance with regulatory and payment scheme rules and ensuring that the organization’s systems remain resilient and agile. Her work also involves fostering a culture of risk awareness across the organization and aligning risk management with the company’s strategic goals.

Ochanya Dan- Ugo who we talk about started her career as a public officer at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, spending 14 years and rising to the level of Chief Superintendent of Narcotics and Principal Staff Officer in charge of Records Management on Intelligence. This role was what honed her investigative skills and deepened her understanding of organizational systems and risk dynamics. When she transitioned into the private sector in 2005 by joining Unified Payments, she became the company’s first Head of Risk and Control Department. Noteworthy is the fact that the department had since metamorphosed into a Directorate, a thing necessitated by the transformations experienced by the company.

Dan-Ugo who says it was providence that brought her into the risk management business because her childhood dream was to be a humanitarian worker declared: “In transitioning to the financial sector, I recognized the critical role risk management plays in ensuring the integrity of financial systems. The dynamic nature of fintech excites me because it requires constant innovation to stay ahead of emerging threats. My motivation stems from knowing that my work not only protects organisations but also builds trust and enables progress. It’s about proactively designing frameworks that enable resilience, agility, and adaptability. I find fulfilment in helping organisations navigate complexity, ensuring that risks are not just mitigated but leveraged for growth.

As a woman operating in the risk management sector, Dan-Ugo was asked what challenges she has been facing and how she has been tackling them. She replied: “ Being a woman in a male-dominated field has presented unique challenges. Early in my career, I often had to prove my competence and leadership abilities in environments where women were underrepresented. This was compounded by societal expectations that often placed additional pressures on women balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities”.

To overcome the challenges, she said what she did was focus on building a solid foundation of knowledge and certifications. She said she has gained credentials in risk management, cybersecurity, corporate governance, board competence and many more which enabled her expertise to speak for itself. She added that she also sought out mentors and supportive networks, including women’s leadership groups, which provided guidance and inspiration.

The risk management guru who had made it a point of duty to mentor younger women in the industry says she owes everything she is today to God. Besides, she is quick to point out that her family had been a cornerstone of her success adding that their unrelenting support always sparks off the magic in her. On the professional front, she revealed that she had drawn inspiration from mentors and colleagues who have demonstrated the importance of vision, commitment, ethics and collaboration. She stressed: “Being under the tutelage of my visionary Managing Director and working in a high-stakes environment like Unified Payments is a world of experience that taught me the value of integrity and meticulous planning”.

She confessed that the most memorable moment in her career was when she led Unified Payments to secure global certifications from major payment schemes like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. The processes, she noted, were quite challenging, rigorous and thorough, so they required meticulous planning and coordination across multiple teams. She maintained that these certifications solidified the company’s reputation as a trusted and secure partner in the fintech industry even as it showed the power of teamwork, strategic thinking and resilience in overcoming challenges.

As the Group Chief Risk Officer, the University of Jos and the University of Lagos alumnus made it known that she has introduced robust frameworks for fraud prevention, compliance and risk governance which have enhanced the company’s operational resilience. “Under my leadership, Unified Payments has consistently met and exceeded regulatory standards, earning trust from regulators, clients and partners alike,” she boasts. “Beyond risk mitigation, I’ve championed initiatives that drive innovation and efficiency, such as leveraging data analytics for predictive risk modelling. These efforts of mine have no doubt positioned the company as a leader in the industry”

To tackle threats like cyber threats, regulatory changes and customer expectations for seamless and secure services, she says she has adopted the practice of continuous learning and collaboration because navigating them requires a proactive and adaptive approach.

She said: “I work closely with cross-functional teams to stay ahead of industry trends and leverage technology to enhance our risk management capabilities. I also engage with industry stakeholders to support innovation while safeguarding the ecosystem.”

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I am committed to strengthening our market position by driving consistent revenue growth – ISOKEN AIGBOMIAN, REGIONAL MANAGER, MONIEPOINT INC

She has a deep understanding of the fintech industry, which is why she is excelling at Moniepoint Inc. where she is today the Regional Manager. In this role, Isoken Aigbomian manages multiple regions and drives growth and revenue generation, she is equally responsible for developing and implementing business and commercial strategies across the different verticals which are passed down to the regions for implementation. A woman who can be referred to as a marketing wizard, Aigbomian has successfully executed sales campaigns, secured significant conversions, negotiated contracts and engaged with vendors over the years. It is thus little wonder that she is consistently delivering results by growing revenue year-in, and year-out for Moniepoint whilst also increasing its market share significantly.

Can we have an insight into your background?
I am currently the Regional Manager at Moniepoint Inc., where I manage multiple regions and drive growth and revenue generation. In this role, I develop and implement business and commercial strategies across different product verticals, which are then cascaded down to the teams I lead. My responsibility is crucial as I ensure that my regions generate consistent revenue year-over-year and maintain a significant market share. I also focus on building the right partnerships for strategic collaborations.

I started my career 13 years ago in business development and product management, transitioning through various roles in business development, strategic partnerships, and product management. I hold a BSc in Mathematics and Economics, a Master’s in Production and Operations Management, and an MBA. Additionally, I am an alumnus of Lagos Business School, a WIMBIZ Associate, and a member of Women in Payments. I also contribute by developing courses for learning platforms.

Can you take us through your career trajectory?
I began my career as a Business Development Officer, where I focused on customer engagement, internal stakeholder/vendor relations, and the creation of onboarding processes. This role helped me gain a deep understanding of the fintech industry as it was evolving in Nigeria, which laid the foundation for my subsequent roles in digital transformation.

As I advanced in my career, I took on more responsibilities such as managing merchant onboarding processes, allocating resources for merchant integration, and developing process tools to ensure seamless post-launch interactions with the payment gateway. I also learned to manage stakeholders effectively, fostering better communication within the integration process.

Eventually, I moved into roles focused on product implementation, market discovery, and penetration. Today, my role is more strategic—I build and manage teams that generate revenue across multiple business lines. I have successfully executed sales campaigns, secured significant conversions, negotiated contracts, and engaged with vendors. Seeing the impact of my work on millions of users is both humbling and motivating.

Who and who would you say have been most influential in your life and career?
Personally, my parents have been the most influential figures in my life. Their experiences and the lessons they imparted have greatly shaped my approach to life and work. Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who were not only intentional about teaching me but were also ambitious, which inspired me to be ambitious in my own right. They helped me refine my craft and develop a strong work ethic. I try to pay it forward by mentoring those I work with, and providing them with the tools to succeed in their careers.

What are the challenges you’ve encountered in the course of your career as a woman and how did you tackle them?
One of the challenges I’ve encountered is overcoming biases and assumptions about women in leadership roles, especially in male-dominated industries like fintech. To tackle this, I consistently deliver results that are data-driven and measurable. I also focused on building a strong professional network and mentoring other women, fostering a supportive and empowering community. Ultimately, I believe that results and resilience speak louder than stereotypes.

Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in your career?
Several experiences stand out in my career and here are a couple:

Introducing a new product to market: One of my proudest achievements was launching a product with no marketing or branding efforts, which quickly became one of the most successful payment channels in the market. Its success led other providers to replicate it, which was incredibly rewarding.

The roll-out of a business banking service: I was also part of the team that rolled out a business banking service to an enterprise market and it became Nigeria’s largest digital banking platform. Contributing to the success and seeing the impact of these initiatives is something I take great pride in.

When passion and consistency align with success, the sense of achievement is incredible.

You are a Regional Sales Manager at Moniepoint, what are your achievements in this role?
Three notable achievements are managing successful teams across multiple regions and product lines; identifying new market opportunities that led to a high-performing sector, now the best-performing for the product I manage; and managing impressive TPV across different product lines, significantly contributing to revenue growth.

What are the challenges being faced by you in your line of duty and how have you been overcoming them?
In my role, managing the complexities of scaling operations while maintaining efficiency is a significant challenge. This includes navigating regulatory requirements, meeting merchant expectations, and ensuring team performance. To overcome these, I focus on creating clear strategies, leveraging data for informed decision-making, and fostering open communication within my team and stakeholders. Building strong relationships with regulators and enforcing compliance has also been instrumental in overcoming operational challenges.

What are your goals for your region?
My primary goal is to continue scaling the region by increasing merchant acquisition and expanding product adoption across the verticals I manage. I am committed to strengthening our market position by driving consistent revenue growth, optimizing operational efficiency, and building long-term partnerships with key players in the ecosystem.
Additionally, I am focused on empowering my team to meet ambitious targets while ensuring they have opportunities for professional development.

What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals?
For aspiring female professionals, I encourage you to build your capabilities, hone your skills, and be fiercely ambitious. As you grow in your career, recognize that you may need to do more to receive the same recognition as your male counterparts, so don’t hold back. Be ambitious, track your accomplishments, and don’t be afraid to showcase your successes. Create visibility for yourself and advocate for your work. Most importantly, support and mentor others along the way and join to build safe spaces for other female professionals.

What do you think the future is like for fintech firms offering banking services like yours?
The future of fintech firms offering banking services is incredibly exciting. I see global banking being accessible from the comfort of home, with seamless cross-border transactions. Nigerian fintechs are pushing to provide solutions that enable access to the global market. The ability to make a direct transfer to a vendor in another country with minimal friction is a future that is becoming more realistic. This will provide greater financial inclusion and empower businesses to expand internationally without barriers.

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Our Journey At StructureHQ Has Been Defined By Innovation And Commitment To Help Clients Succeed – Gbeminiyi Shoda, C.E.O

A solutionist in areas of corporate governance and legal transaction structure, Gbeminiyi Shoda, the founder of StructureHQ, a company established in 2021 which specializes in providing corporate governance, legal support, compliance, and tailored strategies that empower businesses and individuals to thrive in Nigeria’s competitive business environment is no doubt a lawyer that is impacting the economy with her legal skills.

A former legal, compliance, and company secretary at VFD Group where she honed her skills and made her mark by leading the legal compliance and company secretariat operations of the group which included over 30 portfolio companies across different sectors of the economy, Gbeminiyi decided to set up StructureHQ so as to make the magic she created at VFD accessible to other businesses in Nigeria. And ever since she set up the company, she says it has been a fulfilling journey of leading a team of capable professionals, and subject matter experts mostly made up of women who are determined to change the business industry by providing innovative as well as tailored governance solutions.

However, the road to success has not been without thorns. Shoda offered: “As a woman particularly in the early stages of my career, I faced both ageism and gender bias. There were times when being young and female meant having to prove myself more than my male counterparts but I tackled these challenges by consistently delivering results and setting high standards for myself. Overcoming these barriers wasn’t just about working hard, it was about staying focused and never compromising on my values. I believed in myself, even when others didn’t, and that perseverance has paid off. In addition, I have had to be assertive whilst remaining respectful and firm in all dealings. I made sure to convert underestimation to strength.”

Talking about those that have impacted her life and career the most, she readily mentioned her mother. “Without a doubt, my mother has been a driving force behind my resilience and success,” she noted. “My mother rose to the peak of her career, fighting and winning many corporate battles, before retiring. Her strength in the face of adversity and ability to turn challenges into stepping stones is something I carry with me every day”

Continuing, she said “Additionally, I have been blessed to have mentors who’ve guided me throughout my career – people who encouraged me to break boundaries, challenge norms, and always strive for excellence. These individuals have not only shaped my professional path but also instilled in me the belief that with persistence anything is possible. One of them I will name is Nonso Okpala, the GMD of VFD Group who provided great leadership during my time at VFD Group and believed in my entrepreneurial vision when I decided to venture out. His support has been invaluable to both my career and entrepreneurial journey.”

Speaking on the memorable moments she has had in her career, Shoda reflected that there are many but that her time as the head of governance and legal affairs during a period of rapid growth at VFD Group particularly stands out. According to her, the period involved navigating a complex regulatory landscape, to ensure the group remained compliant while prioritizing innovation, executing multiple investment transactions and building a governance structure. “What I find most memorable was how my team and I addressed governance and legal operational challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to multiple commendations,” she recalled.

“Another significant moment was when I made the decision to venture into entrepreneurship by founding StructureHQ-transforming an idea into a fully operational firm that’s now empowering businesses through governance solutions”, Shoda informed. “It was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking”

To aspiring female professionals, she advised them to own their journey and stay committed to their vision, firstly by believing in their dreams, validating them through consistent action, being strategic and intentional, building their brand on integrity, hard work and excellence and remembering that success is a journey and not a destination.

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Our Vision Is To Be The World’s Most Respected African Payment Services Network – Fiyinfoluwa Olorunsola, Business Head, Payment Switching And Processing, Hydrogen Payment Services

From a natural inclination for solving problems whether it is to fix broken cassettes or trying to understand how things work, Fiyinfoluwa Olorunsola became drawn to reading Electrical Engineering in a higher institution. However, afterwards, she started to grow a passion for financial systems, so her interest shifted to banking.

This was what led her to commence a career in banking, a career where she has today gathered experience spanning business development, strategy, customer experience and product development, payments and financial technology. However, due to her strong foundation in payments built over the years, she is now leveraging this expertise to drive innovation and efficiency in Nigeria’s fast-evolving payments landscape.

Fiyinfoluwa who is today the Business Head, Payment Switching and Processing for Hydrogen Payment Services Ltd reveals: “I spent the first 12 years of my career in banking, rising to the role of Head of Naira Cards where I spearheaded initiatives that enhanced Nigeria’s digital payments infrastructure. My transition to fintech was a natural evolution, an opportunity to shape the future of payments beyond traditional banking. Since then, I have led high-impact projects as Head of Products and Head of Card Processing. Today, as Business Head of Switching and Processing of Hydrogen, I focus on building scalable, secure, and innovative solutions that redefine transactions for businesses and financial institutions across Nigeria”.

Not someone who is an ingrate, she however acknowledges the role of two female mentors- Yinka Odusote and Kemi Okunsanya on her career. According to her, these two incredible professionals under who she had worked, set the standard for resilience and excellence in her, reinforcing her belief in merit-driven success. Also, she wouldn’t easily forget her Geography teacher in school, Mr Lanre, who saw potential in her and instilled in her the confidence that still drives her till today. “Beyond them,” she stressed, “My family’s unwavering support and lessons of resilience I drew from them continue to be invaluable in my leadership journey. Above all, I attribute my success to God, who has been my guiding compass”.

Olorunsola who described her career as being defined by competence rather than bias is grateful to God for always being fortunate to work in organizations where merit is prioritized over gender. Even in Hydrogen, she disclosed that it is a near equal between males and females with males being 51% and females 49 %, consequently, she cannot remember an instance when she was ever discriminated against on the basis of her gender in any organization. “While gender biases may still exist in the broader industry, I believe the most effective way to break barriers is through results, delivering impact, driving innovation, and setting new standards in payments,” she however reasoned.

As the Business Head of Payment, Switching and Processing at Hydrogen, Olorunsola’s role centres on value creation, ensuring that switching and processing are seamless, secure and scalable. Thus, she is in charge of product innovation, business strategy, customer acquisition, and operational excellence in the company. Beyond these, it is her duty to shape Hydrogen’s position as a trusted payment partner, ensuring the company remains ahead in an evolving digital economy. In this role, it is notable that she has driven strategic initiatives that have expanded Hydrogen’s market presence, optimized transaction efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Recalling some memorable experiences on the job, Olorunsola said: “One of my most defining career moments was leading the development of a switching and processing business from scratch, transforming an idea into a scalable platform that now powers seamless transactions for businesses across Nigeria. This experience reinforced my belief that innovation in payments is not just about technology but about solving real challenges with precision and foresight.”
Operating in a highly dynamic Industry is certainly fraught with challenges, says Olorunsola. According to her, these range from evolving regulatory landscapes to increasing customer expectations. To tackle these, she pointed out that the company’s core values of excellence, integrity, innovation, and service have been brought into play as they guide their approach to product differentiation, operational excellence and customer-centric solutions.

“By staying true to these values, we continuously adapt, innovate, and deliver superior experiences that set us apart in the payments industry” she reveals.

As for the goals which her department has set for itself, Olorunsola offered that it is to be the world’s most respected African payment services network, redefining payment switching and processing by ensuring seamless, secure, and efficient transactions that empower businesses and financial institutions across Africa. According to her, their plan is to continuously innovate, expand the company’s market influence, and strengthen their position as a leader in Africa’s digital payments landscape.

Giving some words of advice to aspiring female professionals, she wants them to know that barriers exist, but they are not unbreakable. Telling them that women have led as Prime Ministers and CEO of organizations, she says this goes to prove that competence knows no gender. She thus charged them to be relentless in the pursuit of excellence and to dream big.

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We Are  Focussed On Driving Nova Bank’s Vision Aggressively To Ensure We Dominate The Market – Esther Adino, Group Head, Retail & Digital Banking, Nova Bank

 A thoroughbred banker with over two decades of experience in the industry, Esther Adino has traversed banks like Zenith, Keystone, UBA, and Sterling where she stayed longest, before now berthing at Nova Bank where she is today the Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking. In this role, she is saddled with the responsibility of product development, driving the bank’s digital banking as well as fashioning go-to-market strategies while also driving the customer experience strategy of the bank which used to be a merchant bank until it got its national commercial banking license from the CBN not too long ago. A woman who has successfully pioneered two new branches in banks she had worked before and even broken even in the first months while there, this job at Nova Bank is surely a familiar terrain for Adino, and she and her team have vowed to work aggressively so that the bank dominates the market in the shortest possible time.

Can we have an insight into your background?
 My name is Esther Ijeoma Adino, I am a graduate of Accountancy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University. I have an MBA from the prestigious Lagos Business School and an Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering. I was raised in Cross River State where I attended Holy Child Secondary Schools. I hail from Anambra State, I’m happily married and blessed with 5 wonderful grown-up children.

Can you take us through your career trajectory? Why did you take to banking?
My career journey started in the energy sector with Sea Petroleum & Gas, however, I found a more fulfilling path when I got my first job in banking as a salesperson. I believe that sales is the power of persuasion and communication made manifest, hence sales is at the very fabric of life. I commenced my career in Zenith Bank, had a short stint at the current Keystone Bank, then Bank PHB, then I progressed to UBA and stayed the longest in Sterling Bank Plc before making my next career move to Nova Bank when the Bank secured its national commercial banking license.

Who and who would you say have been influential on your life and career?
A lot of people have influenced my career growth and life in general, however, permit me to mention but a few. Mr Yemi Adeola, Group Chairman – Sterling Holdings Plc and Christabel Onyejekwe, former executive director, NIBSS. They are the finest gentleman and lady anybody can ever encounter in their lifetime. I give credit to my loving husband, Mr. Tochukwu Adino who cheers me from the background, giving me his shoulders to step on so that I can touch the stars. His support has been of immeasurable value.

Being a woman, what are the challenges you’ve encountered in the course of your professional journey and how did you tackle them? Challenges in career and life are indeed a continuum for all genders. However, women in the workplace encounter various challenges which could impact their career progression and job satisfaction. These range from work-life balance, gender bias, limited advancement opportunities, workplace harassment, and mental health challenges due to stress, anxiety and burnout from managing the home and work fronts.

However, I believe the two most compelling of these challenges are stereotypes about women’s leadership and low representation in many sectors. Women in leadership face scrutiny for their leadership style that may not be faced by their male counterparts. Furthermore, women are underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles, thereby making it tough to find mentors or even role models in these areas for younger women.

To address these issues would require organizational, governmental and societal mindset changes by deliberately promoting gender equity and driving policy advocacy that will help create supportive workplace cultures.

Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in your career?
I have had several memorable experiences in my career. But the ones that are indelible are in my earlier career years when I bagged two MD/CEO awards for Excellent Performance in Deposit Mobilization and Income Generation. I received stock options which continually reminded me of the positive vibes that hard work brings.

Another memorable experience was taking up a new branch and breaking even in the first month and sustaining profitability until I left the branch at Sterling Bank, as well as consistently achieving over 60% of the entire Retail Directorate PBT for a whole year as Regional Business Executive at Lagos Island Region.

You are the Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking of Nova Bank, what does your work entail?
My role entails overseeing the retail banking business, driving the bank’s digital banking as well as go-to-market strategies. I am also saddled with the responsibilities of product development and driving the customer experience strategy of the bank.

Can you reel out some of your achievements in this role?
In Nova Bank, retail banking is a new foray as it recently transitioned from a Merchant to Commercial Bank. This means that the responsibility to design new products, develop channels such as Internet and Mobile Banking, and set up diverse teams and structures within the retail banking space has been resting on my shoulders. Under my supervision, we designed the bank’s first Mobile App, first card business, first ATMs, set up the first branches and so on. It has been a lot of sacrifice together with an amazing team of passionate bankers. We are focused on driving the bank’s vision aggressively to ensure we dominate the market in the shortest possible time.

During my two decades in banking, I have successfully pioneered two new branches and achieved breakeven in the first months of operation. I also turned around a number of regional businesses in the banks I worked particularly at Sterling Bank.

What are your future goals?
My future goals include achieving the highest possible level in my career.

What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals?
Believe in Yourself! Set clear career and life goals, outline actionable steps to achieve them and commit to the process. Embrace challenges by stepping outside your comfort zone. This would require committing to lifelong learning by seeking out training and courses that can enhance one’s skills and knowledge. I took up an advanced diploma in Software Engineering a few years ago to keep abreast of trends in the digital banking space.

I encourage young professionals to prioritize self-care to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. They must strike a balance between personal and professional life. I try to compartmentalize both so that none suffers at any time.

Above all stay resilient, as it is the key to overcoming obstacles.

Female professionals can only be produced if girls go to school, would you say you are satisfied with the level of girl-child education in Nigeria at present? Why?
I totally agree with you that more female professionals can be produced if more girls go to school because educating the girl child in Nigeria will help to reduce inequality, strengthen the economy, and improve the health and well-being of the population and this right has been recognized since the year 1948 by adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights UDHR. However, according to a report in 2014, female education has an important impact on the development of a stable, prosperous and healthy nation which results in productive and empowered citizens.

Educating girls develops growth rates, encourages independence of the girl child and reduces social disparities as shown in the 2009 review of the Nigerian Population Council, NPC.

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I’m Passionate About Creating Safe Workplaces Where Employees Can Thrive –Ebere Wabara, HR Lead On MSC 1, NLNG

Though Ebere Wabara studied Computer Science at the University of Calabar and secured a banking job after her NYSC, to her chagrin, banking lost its appeal to her after five years, so she knew she just had to explore other career choices. Because of her strong skills in people management, data analysis and problem-solving, she knew she would be a perfect fit for the human resources profession. To achieve this career change consequently, she opted to study for a Master’s in Human Resource Management at the Leicester Castle Business School in De Montfort University, Leicester City, UK.

On completion of the programme in 2013, she returned to Nigeria to start a new career in human resources and joined Shorelink Oil & Gas Services Ltd as Deputy Manager, Human Resources in 2014. Within the five and a half years that she spent in the organization, she rose to become Human Resources Operations Manager, Human Resources Manager and then Head of Sales and Marketing before she decided to take a break again. This was in 2019. On return from the break in 2020, she consulted for a while before she took on yet another job at Dover Engineering before her current job at the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd as HR Lead on MSC 1.

Reflecting on her life, Ebere spoke about her parents- HRH Eze & Ugoeze Alali Wabara as particularly influential because their dedication to hard work and their unwavering support had shaped her values instilling in her a great work ethic. Professionally however, she says one of the most influential people on her is Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, while the second is Anna Fatosin, former HR Manager of Shorelink Oil.

Said she: “As my direct supervisor at Shorelink Oil & Gas, Anna literally handled me and took me under her tutelage. Indra Nooyi’s nuggets, leadership style, and life experiences, especially in raising her daughters gave me a steer on the right drive. Additionally, my approach to problem-solving and leadership was largely inspired by her. These influences have collectively guided my life choices and fueled my ambition, helping to shape me into the professional that I am today”.

Wabara who possesses the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria as well as the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, UK certifications cannot forget in a hurry one particular experience in her career. She recounts: “One of my most memorable experiences was when I was redeployed to work as the HR Lead at Stockgap Project site in Port-Harcourt. This was supposed to be the largest tank farm in West Africa that year in 2018, so the project had a tight deadline of six months remaining to deliver.

“The construction work has been ongoing for over four years, so it was a daunting task but was I determined not to let executive management down. On resumption at the site, I met with all the stakeholders and identified the people issues such as absenteeism, unsuitable artisans and I partnered with the architect, project manager and auditors to resolve these issues so as to save time to meet or surpass the timeline. It was not surprising that by the sixth month, the project was 90% completed and business resumed immediately as we welcomed our first gas delivery from Geo Gas. I earned a promotion at the end of this project”.

Wabara’s aspiration is to continue developing her skills in hr management with a particular focus on areas of leadership development and organizational strategy. Very passionate about creating safe workplaces where employees can thrive, she is equally keen on taking on more responsibility in helping to shape companies’ culture.

Asked if the level of girl-child education in Nigeria at present is okay, she had this to say: ‘’Over the years, I believe we have seen increased enrolment rates for the girl-child in primary and secondary schools, especially in urban areas, but the rural communities still face barriers like limited access to schools, cultural norms that prioritize boys’ education and early marriages. We need more policies that prioritize safe, accessible, and quality education for the girl-child’’
As for her advice to aspiring female professionals, she urged them to first and foremost believe in themselves. In addition, she counselled them to be ready to learn, relearn and keep upskilling to sharpen their skills while also looking for mentors who can guide them not to be afraid to take calculated risks that would push them out of their comfort zone.

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CAPITALSAGE IS COMMITTED TO BUILDING WORLD-CLASS BUSINESSES – MOYOSORE ODENIYI, GROUP HEAD, BUSINESS RISK, INTERNAL CONTROL & AUDIT, CAPITALSAGE HOLDINGS

A seasoned professional, Dr Moyosore Odeniyi, the Group Head of Business Risk, Internal Control and Audit of CapitalSage Holdings has worked in different high-profile companies before coming over to CapitalSage. Since joining, the egghead and workaholic has worked assiduously on strengthening the group’s governance structure, compliance protocols and risk management processes. The vision of the group is to build world-class businesses that can compete on a global scale, she has been helping to actualize this by providing a solid framework of trust in financial reporting, trust in governance structures, and trust in business processes.

Can we have an insight into your background?
I am Dr. Moyosore Odeniyi, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in assurance, risk, and compliance across various industries, including oil and gas, financial services, and consulting. I currently serve as the Group Head of Business Risk, Internal Control, and Audit at CapitalSage Holdings, where I lead initiatives that strengthen governance, optimize risk management, and ensure regulatory compliance.

I hold a Doctorate degree from the Swiss Business School and currently serve on the Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors, IIA Nigeria. My academic background spans the University of Lagos, the University of London, Lagos Business School, and Harvard Business School, complemented by multiple prestigious certifications in risk, audit, and compliance.

Can you take us through your career trajectory?
My journey began at Nigerian Bottling Company Plc where the foundation for my career as an auditor was established. The processes, systems, structure, and internal control environment have been benchmarks in my career progression. I later moved on to Oando Plc where I led the very first IT audit of the business and subsequently joined PricewaterhouseCoopers, PwC Nigeria, where I built a strong foundation in risk assurance, compliance, and governance. The fast-paced, high-performance environment at PwC allowed me to work with businesses across various industries, each with its complexities and challenges.

From there, I moved to Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited, where I took on the challenge of establishing the internal audit function from scratch. This was a defining moment in my career, building something from the ground up required resilience, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of business operations. It was here that I saw the real impact of effective governance on an organization’s success.

At Nomier HoldCo Limited, I led audit and risk management initiatives, aligning corporate strategies with global best practices. Now, at CapitalSage Holdings, I continue to drive excellence in risk and compliance, ensuring that businesses not only meet regulatory standards but also thrive through proactive risk management.

Who has been most influential in your life and career?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t achieved in isolation. Having the right support system, learning from those who have walked the path before you, and continuously pushing yourself to grow is crucial for long-term success.

I owe much of my success to the incredible mentors and leaders I have had the privilege to learn from. I have worked with some of the best minds in the industry, who instilled in me the importance of precision, ethics, and excellence. Beyond my professional sphere, my family has been a pillar of strength and motivation.

Being a woman, what are the challenges you’ve encountered in the course of your professional journey, and how did you tackle them?
Operating in a male-dominated field often means navigating biases and breaking barriers. At times, I had to work twice as hard to prove my competence and earn a seat at the table. However, I chose to focus on delivering results rather than dwelling on challenges. Fortunately, I have also worked in organizations where merit is recognized, and my efforts have yielded positive results and recognition.

Being a working mother has come with its challenges, as I have to balance responsibilities at home, my job, and my studies. Some of my professional pursuits were delayed to create a balance. I had to redefine my priorities and subsequently pick up on these goals. I love to read, so I have found myself writing one examination or the other throughout my career.

Knowledge and expertise became my strongest tools. I made sure that my contributions were undeniable, that my work spoke for itself, and that I built strong relationships across all levels of leadership. The key takeaway? Confidence, competence, and consistency will always open doors. When you believe in your abilities and what you bring to the table, others will too.

Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in your career?
One of my most memorable moments was at Midwestern Oil and Gas, where I was tasked with setting up the internal audit function from scratch. Building frameworks, defining policies, and ensuring compliance in a highly regulated industry was both exciting and daunting. Seeing the direct impact of my work on the company’s efficiency and growth was incredibly rewarding.

Another unforgettable experience was leading a team through a complex regulatory compliance transformation. The stakes were high, and the timeline was tight, but through teamwork, strategic planning, and a commitment to excellence, we not only met our targets but exceeded expectations. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do, problem-solving, innovation, and making a real difference.

You are the Group Head of Business Risk, Internal Control, and Audit. What does your work entail?
As the Group Head of Business Risk, Internal Control, and Audit at CapitalSage Holdings, my role is both strategic and operational. I ensure that our vision of building global businesses from Africa is underpinned by strong governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks.

At its core, my work revolves around assuring the board and management that the businesses are poised to mitigate their risks toward the achievement of the various objectives. This involves the identification of potential and merging risks, the development of mitigation strategies, and the implementation of internal controls that enable sustainable growth. However, risk management isn’t just about avoiding threats, it’s about creating an environment where innovation and expansion can thrive without compromising integrity or stability.

CapitalSage is committed to building world-class businesses that can compete on a global scale, and that requires a solid framework of trust, trust in financial reporting, trust in governance structures, and trust in business processes.

What are the challenges you encounter in your line of duties, and how have you been overcoming them?
Risk and compliance requirements are constantly evolving: regulations change, cybersecurity threats increase and business risks shift. Keeping up with these challenges requires agility and foresight.

To tackle this, I focus on:
Continuous learning—staying updated on global trends and regulatory changes.
Leveraging technology—using digital tools to enhance risk assessment and compliance.
Collaboration—working with cross-functional teams to build a strong risk culture within the organization.

The key is to stay ahead of risks rather than reacting to them, proactive problem-solving is what makes a business truly resilient.

In what ways have you been impacting CapitalSage Holdings?
Since joining CapitalSage, I have worked on strengthening our governance structures, compliance protocols, and risk management processes. By implementing digital audit tools and refining internal controls, I have helped safeguard company assets while enhancing operational efficiency.

But the impact isn’t just about policies and processes, it’s about culture. I’ve worked on fostering a risk-conscious environment where teams understand that compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about enabling sustainable growth.

What are your future goals?
I am passionate about transforming the risk and compliance landscape, leveraging technology, innovation, and strategic leadership to create systems that are both efficient and forward-thinking.

I also see mentorship and leadership development as part of my legacy. I want to help more professionals especially women, rise to leadership roles in risk and compliance, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to drive meaningful change in the industry.

What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals?
Believe in yourself—Your voice, skills, and contributions are valuable. Never underestimate what you bring to the table.
Be relentless in your pursuit of knowledge—Continuous learning is the foundation of success. Stay curious, stay informed.
Find mentors and build a strong network—Success is easier when you have guidance and a community that supports you.

Above all, don’t let obstacles define you, let your resilience, passion, and hard work do that instead.

Female professionals can only be produced if girls go to school. Would you say you are satisfied with the level of girl-child education in Nigeria at present? Why?
While we have made commendable progress, we are still far from where we need to be as a nation. Education is one of the most powerful tools for empowerment, yet millions of girls in Nigeria still face barriers that prevent them from accessing quality learning. Socioeconomic challenges, cultural norms, early marriage, and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit opportunities for young girls, keeping them from reaching their full potential.

The World Bank has repeatedly emphasized that educating girls is not just a moral imperative but one of the smartest investments a society can make. When a girl is educated, she is more likely to uplift her family, contribute to the economy, and break cycles of poverty. Yet, in many parts of Nigeria, girls are still being left behind.

We must go beyond rhetoric and take deliberate actions investing in schools, providing scholarships, ensuring safe learning environments, and challenging harmful societal norms. If we want to see more women leading in business, politics, and innovation, we must first give them the foundation of education. I look forward to a future where every Nigerian girl has the chance to sit in a classroom, dream without limits, and pursue those dreams without barriers. The question is not whether they are ready for the future; it is whether we are ready to invest in them and give them the opportunities they deserve.
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My Primary Goal Is To Position Mixta Africa As An Industry Leader – Andrea Cameron – Cole, Head of Sales and Business Development, Mixta Africa

She studied European Languages at the University of Lagos but got fascinated with real estate and property while she was on her one-year exchange programme in Russia. There, she was captivated by the uniqueness of the Kremlin and the architecture of buildings in Moscow. However, prior to this, she had developed a keen interest in sales, and eventually, property development while watching the way her mother was managing her businesses. These were the circumstances that laid the foundation for Mrs Andrea Cameron–Cole’s odyssey in the real estate and property profession.

Now the Head of Sales and Business Development at Mixta Africa, Andrea recalls, “My journey into real estate began with my interest in the style of houses I saw during my first visit to Moscow. As fate would have it, I got my first job at a vacation company where I sold timeshares. One of my responsibilities at the time was to highlight the uniqueness of the homes we were offering to our subscribers. This experience further deepened my curiosity about real estate.”

She continued: “I eventually secured a position at one of Nigeria’s prominent real estate companies, Mixta Africa. I gradually transitioned from sales roles to leadership positions. Today, I head the sales and business development department at Mixta Africa, where I oversee a team of professionals who drive sales strategies and foster long-term relationships with clients and partner agents.”

“Professionally”, she further says, “I have been fortunate to work with bosses who believed in my potential and guided me through critical decisions. People like DejI Alli and Tunji Osinulu have shown me that nothing is impossible. Additionally, women like Ibukunn Awosika, Rolake Akinkugbe – Filani and Udo Okonjo have inspired me with their trailblazing achievements and commitment to excellence.”

On the challenges she had faced in her professional career, she informed that as a young professional when she started out, she encountered situations where some of her ideas were questioned or even underestimated due to her gender. There were even instances where clients looked down on her and preferred dealing with someone in a higher position. What she said helped her, however, was her knowledge and expertise, just as she always ensured she was well prepared. But most importantly, letting her results speak for her was the key.

Relating her evergreen memories in the profession, Cameron-Cole spoke about one standout moment in 2013. “I had closed some very good sales prior to this, but this one was different it was one of my most seamless transactions.

A couple walked into one of our sites to inquire about properties while I was waiting for another client I had planned to show around. We met, I took them on a tour, and that’s how I ended up closing three sales of the choicest units in Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate. The best part was that it only took about a week to close. This experience further reinforced my belief that anything is possible. There have been many other significant moments, such as leading innovative sales strategies that significantly increased our market share in Nigeria and the Diaspora’’, she said

According to her, her biggest achievement as the Head of Sales and Business Development is leading her team to consistently meet targets, even in challenging markets. Additionally, she hinted that she has contributed immensely to mentorship programmes in the company. On the flip side, she explained that a challenge has been how to maintain client trust in Nigeria’s volatile economic environment. She however informed that she addresses this by ensuring transparency in all her dealings whilst equally offering flexible solutions to clients.

Cameron- Cole’s primary goal is to position the organization as an industry leader in delivering client-centric solutions. She also aims to expand their market reach and cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation within her team.

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ALEX OHAI: FRONTLINER IN HUMAN RESOURCES AND LEADERSHIP CONSULTING IN NIGERIA

Born and brought up in Jos, Plateau State, Alex Ohai, Partner, Outdepth Consulting read Biochemistry at the Lagos State University, and even obtained a Master in Public Health from the University of Lagos. Though she had thought she would use her knowledge to contribute to global health issues, however, fate had other plans for her. It will interest anyone to know that Alex is today in Human Resources and Leadership Consulting. And she says with pride: ‘’ Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the rewards and accomplishments thus far and excited about what the future holds’’

According to her, her transition into learning and development was a combination of opportunity and personal inclination. While working as a contact centre executive at Etisalat, now 9Mobile, she came across an opening for a learning and development specialist. This, she remarked, immediately resonated with her as she had always enjoyed teaching and empowering others to grow. Going into this field has since led her into human resources as she progressed through the ranks at Etisalat where she eventually ended up as the Manager, Human Resource Planning. From there, she in 2021 joined 9 Payment Service Bank as the Head of Human Resources. As of today, she however serves as a consultant/partner at Out depth Consulting where she is supporting organizations with their human resources and leadership transformation initiatives.

Ohai gives gratitude to people like Dr Ibrahim Umar, then Chief Human Resources Officer of Etisalat who recognized her potential and served as a mentor, providing her with invaluable opportunities for growth. She is also grateful to Mrs. Udo Okonjo whom she referred to as her coach for the crucial role played in her personal and professional development.

She revealed that one of her most memorable career experiences was transitioning into her first role as a learning and development specialist. Another significant milestone, she says was when she was appointed as Head of Human Resources at 9PSB. This role, she noted, provided her with the opportunity to directly contribute to the overall business strategy of the company by designing and implementing human resources policies and initiatives that aligned with organizational goals whilst fostering employee satisfaction.

Ohai also spoke about the challenges she has encountered in her professional journey saying that as a woman she had had to find ways to juggle the demands of work with family responsibilities. She recounted situations where extensive travels as a trainer created conflicts with her desire to spend time with her family. According to her, she aspires to contribute meaningfully to the development of human-centered leaders whether through coaching, mentoring or developing impactful leadership programs.

Asked if she is satisfied with the level of girl-child education in Nigeria at present, she gave an emphatic no. Explaining her reason, she said: “According to UNICEF, more than 50% of girls in Nigeria are not attending school at the basic education level. This is a serious issue with far-reaching consequences. While progress has been made, the reality is that many girls are still out of school, and facing barriers to accessing quality education. Educating girls is not just about creating future professionals, it’s about empowering individuals, strengthening families and building a more equitable and prosperous society. Investing in girls’ education is an investment in the future of our nation’’.

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OUR GOAL IS TO CONTINUE TO BE THE LEADING RETAIL SUPERMARKET IN NIGERIA – DR FOLAKEMI FADAHUNSI, INTERIM CEO, RETAIL SUPERMARKETS NIGERIA LTD (SHOPRITE)

Dr Folakemi Fadahunsi, a chartered accountant, happens to be the interim Chief Executive Officer of Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Ltd, the operators of Shoprite chain of supermarkets. Though she earned a degree in Engineering Physics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, she had the opportunity to join one of the “big 4” accounting firms in Nigeria and this was where her interest in accounting took off. As a chartered accountant, she has tilted more towards consulting because she enjoys solving business problems. This has made her well sought after for business turnarounds in Nigeria. Her prowess in this area was what made the owners of RSNL seek her out for the transformation of their company. She was brought in for the work a few months ago and has been making a difference by saving costs, growing revenue while creating wealth much to the delight of all stakeholders.

Can we have an insight into your background?
My name is Folakemi Fadahunsi. I am a Business Transformation Specialist with over 24 years of experience. I studied Engineering Physics at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife Nigeria. I have an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School, Manchester UK, and a PhD. in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from International School of Management, Paris, France

You are a chartered accountant, why did you choose accountancy as a profession?
I’ve always loved numbers. After I graduated from university, I had the opportunity to join one of the ‘big 4’ accounting firms. The firm assigned me to one of the audit teams, and this sparked my interest in accounting and related fields. I then started my professional exams and became a chartered accountant.

Can you take us through your career trajectory?
After 4 years in audit, I realised I had spent most of the time doing more consulting projects than audit projects. I enjoyed solving business problems much more than just auditing financial statements.  I moved on after 4 years to work as a finance manager, and from there started providing consulting services to growing businesses. I eventually went back to consulting in another ‘big 4’ firm. This was where I got the opportunity to strengthen my business transformation skills and carried out several transformation projects for various companies. The impact of these projects on the businesses, the shareholders and the employees was very rewarding and fulfilling. These results also led to one referral after the other from businesses who desired to achieve similar business performance and results

Who and who would you say have been most influential in your life and career?
A few people have been quite instrumental in contributing to my life and career. I cherish the opportunities they have given me to contribute and to make a difference. I would love to mention them all one by one, but time would not permit. I am grateful to everyone who recommended and referred me for various opportunities, everyone who has mentored me, coached me and commended me. Thank you

Being a woman, what are the challenges you have encountered in the course of your career and how did you tackle them?
Managing all my various roles and goals effectively can be a challenge because they all need time, and time is a limited resource. I believe that there is no conflict among my goals, desires, and roles. The real conflict is in how much time and attention I am willing and able to devote to being a wife, mother, sister, student, and career woman, amongst other things. I am a woman of faith, so my first response to any challenge is prayer, I ask for God’s help. In addition, I also ask for people’s help, I learn from other people, and I seek mentorship and counsel, especially women in similar leadership roles.

Can you relate some memorable experiences that you have had in the course of your career?
One of the most memorable experiences I have had in my career is working as an Executive Director in a publicly listed company. Managing the regulatory requirements while at the same time transforming the business came with a lot of twists and turns, highs and lows, but it was worth it at the end of the day. I have also had the opportunity to train 400 youth over a period of 4 years on how to start and manage their own businesses. This is not only memorable but also quite rewarding, especially seeing how well these people are doing now years down the line.

As the interim CEO of RSNL, how have you been impacting the organization?
I have been the *Interim* CEO of Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited (Shoprite) for a few months now. If I must talk about my own impact, let me put it this way. I see myself more as a social entrepreneur or intrapreneur, and so I measure my impact from 3 key lenses; people, profit, and planet. With about 2,000 employees, hundreds of suppliers, especially local farmers, millions of customers as well as Institutional investors and a board of directors, everything I do to save costs, grow revenue, improve profitability, is making a difference for all these people, saving jobs, and creating wealth.

What are the challenges being faced in the running of the organization?
We are operating in a tough business environment in Nigeria. So, like every other business in this environment, we are confronted with high inflation rates and the reduced purchasing power of customers. We are therefore constantly looking for ways to be innovative in providing our products and services to our customers

What are your plans for the company?
Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited has been in a transition phase since it was bought by Nigerian institutional investors in 2021. As the company continues to grow, our goal is to continue to be the leading retail supermarket in Nigeria, providing quality products to our customers in the most convenient way

What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals?
Every sector in the business environment has its own peculiar challenges. So does every profession, company, community, and even family. As female professionals, we must continue to strive to put in our best efforts despite the challenges we face. We must keep our eyes fixed on the goals that we want to achieve, and remind ourselves of the reason, and motivation behind our goals. We must always, on a daily basis,  strive to do better than we did yesterday.

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Chinaza Nduka-Dike: A Driving Force for Excellence and Empowerment at Moniepoint Inc

In the dynamic world of finance and technology, where innovation and progress are paramount, there are individuals who stand out not only for their professional achievements but also for their unwavering commitment to empowering others. One such figure is Chinaza Nduka-Dike, the Vice President of People Operations at Moniepoint Inc. Her journey, deeply rooted in a passion for system building, culture of excellence, and a profound dedication to the advancement of women, offers an inspiring narrative of leadership and impact.

Chinaza Nduka-Dike, affectionately known as ‘Naz’, stands as a paragon of professional achievement with over a decade of rich experience in operations, people management, and organisational growth. She has been pivotal in steering the organisation’s human resources trajectory. Her responsibilities encompass the strategic management of human capital, ensuring all people-related initiatives are in harmony with the financial institution’s business objectives, while simultaneously nurturing a culture of both excellence and inclusivity.

Chinaza’s journey with Moniepoint, formerly known as TeamApt Inc., began in June 2016, as the only female project manager and one of the first 10 people in the company. Before this, she served as a business development executive at an IT firm, Portals, and also had a brief stint at GT. However, it is at Moniepoint that she has spent the majority of her professional years, evolving into a key figure in the company’s expansion and progress.

Founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike, Moniepoint Inc has established itself as the leading financial platform for Nigeria’s vast network of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), offering an integrated suite of services, including digital payments, bank accounts, credit, and management tools. The platform processes over 1 billion transactions monthly, with total payments volume exceeding $22 billion, enabling businesses to digitize their operations and thrive in Africa’s rapidly evolving economy.

Spearheading Growth Through Innovative Strategies

In her role as VP of People Operations, Chinaza has introduced innovative systems and processes that have been crucial to driving significant growth. Her initiatives have streamlined operations and improved workforce productivity, directly contributing to Moniepoint’s mission of creating a society where everyone can experience financial happiness by  simplifying money for everyone, making it easier for businesses to thrive and grow. Chinaza is a celebrated expert in employee relations, performance management, leadership development, and operational efficiency. She has a proven history of successfully navigating complex challenges and delivering impactful solutions, thereby establishing herself as a transformational leader in high-pressure environments.

A notable achievement of Chinaza’s is her work in developing scalable systems for a rapidly growing workforce. She has overseen the organisation’s growth from a small team to a substantial network of thousands. Her capability to manage the demands of a dynamic organisation such as Moniepoint stems from her dedication to a structured approach. This approach is underpinned by core values and management philosophies that emphasise clear and concise communication, clear goals, empathy, and prioritisation. She champions collaboration, transparency, and the engagement of all stakeholders to ensure that all aspects are carefully considered.

A Champion for Women’s Advancement

Chinaza is a passionate advocate for the empowerment of women and their essential role in fostering economic growth and development in Nigeria. She recognises women as a formidable force, emphasising their significant contributions to job creation, innovation, and community development, whether through entrepreneurship or in leadership positions. To empower women, she advocates for investment in their families and communities, providing access to technology, removing barriers, and creating opportunities for them to inspire future leaders.

Moniepoint’s work culture, leveraging the astute and empathy-driven leadership which Chinaza provides, demonstrably has promoted gender inclusion. The company’s equal employment opportunity policy ensures that there is no discrimination against any gender. The organisation is deliberate in using gender-neutral language in job descriptions to remove barriers for all applicants.

Moniepoint has implemented several initiatives to support the advancement of women. The Women in Tech programme, is one such initiative, and it has been running for approximately four years. Every year, this program selects 5 to 10 women for a six-month mentorship, offering them the opportunity to gain full-time employment at Moniepoint or to pursue other ventures at the end of the cohort. Beneficiaries gain real-world experience building financial technology products for emerging markets, under the mentorship of industry leaders across roles that include Cloud Engineering, Backend Engineering, Technical Product Management, Data Engineering, Systems Administration, Technical Support and User Experience. The program has a high retention rate of about 90%.

Beyond the workplace, Moniepoint’s products also support financial inclusion for women, offering the necessary financial services to empower their businesses and providing much-needed funding through products like working capital loans while providing access to systematic banking benefits that specifically meet the needs of women-owned MSMEs.

Navigating the Complexities of a Dynamic Industry

Chinaza recognises the complexities of managing a distributed workforce, especially as Moniepoint offers remote, hybrid, and on-site work options. Internally, the company is dedicated to engaging with employees through town halls and by assigning individuals to departments to address work-life balance and other employee-related matters.

Moniepoint also prioritises retention in an increasingly competitive industry. The company works to provide competitive compensation and benefits to ensure that employees are content and choose to remain within the organisation leveraging its 4Ms to achieve this.

Looking to the Future: Expanding Reach and Enhancing Services

Looking ahead to 2025, Moniepoint plans to introduce new products that simplify payments and expand its agent network to reach customers in even the most remote areas. The company is also committed to ensuring its solutions remain safe, transparent and reliable for all its customers across Nigeria.

A Passion for People and Systems

Chinaza describes herself as a “system builder” and someone who is devoted to fostering a culture of excellence. She finds great joy in seeing people thrive and achieve their full potential. Her analytical background enables her to tackle challenges technically, develop solutions, and improve them continuously. Her passion is fuelled by her love for people, her desire to see them grow, and her commitment to building strong systems.

Balancing Career, Home, and Community

As a career woman, Chinaza successfully balances her professional responsibilities with her home life and social commitments. She places her faith in God at the centre of her life. Her Christian faith is paramount to her, and she actively participates in church and teaches music to teenagers. She is supported by her husband and family who step in when she needs to dedicate extra time to her work. She considers herself an ambivert, and she values spending time at home to relax and enjoy quality time with her family.

A Leader Dedicated to Excellence

Chinaza Nduka-Dike’s academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and she is a proud member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management. This strong analytical foundation complements her passion for developing strategies that place people at the heart of organisational success. She is deeply connected to the professional community and uses her industry networks to encourage collaboration and innovation. She is committed to mentoring and uplifting others, especially women in the tech and business sectors.

Chinaza is a dynamic leader and a lifelong learner who inspires with her dedication to excellence, strategic thinking, and a people-first approach. Her contributions to Moniepoint are evident having witnessed first-hand the growth of the team from ten to the thousands of staff that she currently manages, and her leadership is essential for the organisation’s continued growth and success.

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Girl–Child Education: We Should Stop Mingling Culture With Education – Dr IdiatFolorunsho, DGM, Bank Of Agriculture

A highly motivated and knowledgeable professional with over 25 years of experience in the Development Finance Institutions, DFIs, sector, Dr IdiatFolorunsho, the current Deputy General Manager and Divisional Head of Risk Management and Control at the Bank of Agriculture had her first degree in Business Management at the University of Maiduguri. Additionally, she had her M.Sc and MBA degrees from Ahmadu Bello University before capping everything with a PhD from the Lead City University, Ibadan

A good team player committed to rendering exceptional service always, Folorunsho who is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria as well as the Nigerian Institute of Management started her banking career at the defunct Peoples Bank of Nigeria. Her entry into the Bank of Agriculture later came about through the merger of three related development finance institutions by the federal government to form the Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative and Rural Development Bank which later metamorphosed into the current Bank of Agriculture. And over the years she has had the privilege of heading the general administration, the corporate services, management of branches and zonal offices, leading the recovery team and now driving the risk management and internal control division of the bank.

According to her, the division is new in the bank and she happens to be the first to head it. It entails the coordination of four departments and her role is the monitoring, supervision, mentoring, management of risk assets and recovery, enforcement and compliance with policy and regulations and internal controls. Meanwhile, she had worked in each of these departments in different capacities before, so coordinating them now was easy.

Interestingly, Idiat was a science student in secondary school and even sat for science subjects for JAMB because she had wished to study a science course in the university but as fate would have it, she was given admission to Business Management and she took up the admission never thinking of changing it. So, she believes it is a path fashioned by God for her and she has followed it with joy.

She is immensely grateful to her mother, Mrs. Salamatu Omoronike of blessed memory who single-handedly sponsored her secondary education without which she would have been nothing today. Also, the current Chairperson of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, Hajia Wosilat Giwa and her husband of blessed memory are people she acknowledges for the role they played in her life. Similarly, Hajia Imra Iman, former CEO of defunctPeoples Bank of Nigeria and her own husband, Dr AbdulazeezFolorunsho of blessed memory are others that she gives gratitude to.

Recalling an unforgettable incident, she hinted: “While I was in the internal controls and investigations department, we had a fraud case to investigate in one of our branches and I was the team leader. We arrived very early enough on day one and started the work peacefully. By the third day, there was tension as evidence was becoming glaring and pointing in a particular direction. At about 6:30p.m, some people cautioned us not to sleep in the town that night if we needed our lives. Immediately, the team rushed to the nearest police station to get an escort to the nearby village where we took cover till daybreak, but our eyes were wide open. When we showed up to conclude the job the following day, it was a shock to the staff and their collaborators”.

She is not satisfied with the level of girl-child education in Nigeria at present saying there is a need to change the narrative by stopping the mingling of culture with education. According to her: “The world is global and a lot is changing, especially with the girl-child, and so Nigeria cannot be left behind. Education transforms lives, an educated society is an informed society, and education is light, it brightens your way to meaningful living”

And to aspiring female professionals, she advises them to be disciplined, humble, principled, hardworking and upright. Above all, she urged them to be prayerful, and courageous so as to always be able to overcome any obstacle on their way and turn it into positivity.