My goal is to solidify Finchglow holdings position as leading travel solutions provider in Africa – Yetunde Bankole – Bernard, Executive Director
Yetunde Bankole – Bernard is the Executive Director at Finchglow Holdings, a group of six companies in the aviation, travel and tour industry. She oversees the corporate communications, product design, customer and brand experience. With over 20 years of experience, she has earned a reputation for guiding executives, organizations and teams through transformative reinvention and strategic brand positioning.
A certified MBTI practitioner from CAPT, Florida; a certified management consultant and a corporate image consultant, YBB, as she is fondly called is deeply invested in identity, leadership and personal branding. She is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations craft compelling, authentic narratives that drive action, foster innovation and be future – ready.
Said she: “My journey has been one of continuous evolution. I started in client service, public relations and brand activation, working with multinationals, but I soon realized my strength was in deeper work, helping businesses and leaders to not just communicate but truly connect. Leading corporate communications and brand experience at Finchglow Holdings, I managed the brand positioning for six companies in the aviation, travel and tour space. The YBB Company then became a natural extension of my work, helping me to also guide individuals through personal and professional reinvention.”
Speaking on the strategy she deploys in leading the corporate communications, product design and brand experience of the six companies in the group, she said it requires a blend of strategic vision, adaptability, and a deep understanding of each company’s uniqueness. Additionally, she disclosed that her approach is to create synergy whilst fostering a culture where teams feel empowered to innovate even as brand consistency is maintained.
A key change she has driven in the group is digital transformation. This, she informed was necessitated by the fact that the travel and tourism industry is evolving rapidly. “We’ve been intentional about creating customer experiences that resonate with each target audience while maintaining the overarching Finchglow Holdings vision,” she stressed.
YBB’s goal for the group is to solidify its position as the leading travel solutions provider in Africa. This will not only be through operational excellence but by transforming customer experience, she hinted. According to her, they are focused on building an innovative, customer – centric brand that aligns with the evolving travel needs of individuals and businesses.
A fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, YBB is passionate about creating spaces where women can gain confidence, clarity and community to navigate their professional journeys
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HR Allows Me To Bridge Corporate Strategy With Human Capital Development – Antoinette Eni, GM HR & Corporate Services, Platform Petroleum
Can we have an insight into your background and profile?
I am an accomplished professional with over three decades of experience spanning multiple industries, including judicial administration, healthcare, and oil and gas. My career began as a Senior Magisterial Officer at Brent Magistrates Courts in the United Kingdom, where I played a pivotal role in the administration of justice. I later transitioned into healthcare, spending over 20 years at Imperial College NHS Trust; in my later years with the Trust, I served as a General Manager overseeing multiple departments within the Urgent Care Centre. I am the General Manager of Human Resources and Corporate Services at Platform Petroleum Limited, where I oversee human capital management, corporate services, IT, and corporate affairs. My experience across these diverse industries has equipped me with a strong sense of leadership, operational expertise, and a commitment to organisational excellence.
You are a human resources management professional, what made you pick this profession?
My transition into human resources management was driven by my passion for people and organisational development. Throughout my career, I have always been drawn to roles that involve leadership, mentorship, and creating environments where individuals and teams can thrive. Whether in the judiciary, healthcare, or the energy sector, I found that people are the backbone of every successful organization. HR allows me to bridge corporate strategy with human capital development, ensuring that people are not only equipped to perform but are also motivated, engaged, and aligned with the company’s vision.
Who would you say have been most influential on your life and career?
From my early days in the judiciary, I was inspired by leaders who demonstrated integrity and fairness. During my time in healthcare, I worked with visionary professionals who taught me the importance of resilience and strategic leadership. In my current role, I continue to learn from industry leaders, our Chairman, Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs, Vice Chairman, Mr Austin Avuru, Committee Chairman, Ms Ene-Ita Anne, and colleagues who exemplify excellence in business and human resource management. Additionally, my personal values, strong family support, and professional networks have been instrumental in my growth and achievements.
As a woman, what are the challenges you have encountered in the course of your professional journey, and how did you tackle them?
Like many women in leadership, I have encountered gender-related biases, especially in traditionally male-dominated industries such as oil and gas. Early in my career, I had to work twice as hard to prove my competence and leadership abilities. I overcame these challenges through resilience, continuous learning, and building a strong professional network. I also advocate for diversity and inclusion within my organisation, ensuring that women are given equal opportunities to excel in their careers.
Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in your career?
Some of the most memorable experiences in my career has been championing gender diversity and inclusion. One organisation in particular had only 13 female employees out of 100+. Recognising the need for a more balanced workforce, I successfully implemented the Diversity and Inclusion Policy, ensuring equal opportunities for women in recruitment and career advancement. I also spearheaded the Graduate Trainee Program and intentionally created pathways for female participation in our hiring (ring fencing). These initiatives significantly increased the number of female employees to 29, demonstrating the tangible impact of inclusive hiring and development strategies for women.
Another defining moment was leading the digitisation of HR processes, which enhanced efficiency and improved accessibility, particularly for female employees, balancing work-life responsibilities and remote work. Additionally, my transition from the healthcare sector to oil and gas was a bold and transformative step. Moving from a female-dominated profession into a traditionally male-dominated industry reinforced my ability to drive change, adapt, and lead effectively in new environments.
As the General Manager, Human Resources and Corporate Services for Platform Petroleum, what does your work entail, and how would you say you are impacting and adding value to the company?
As the General Manager, Human Resources and Corporate Services at Platform Petroleum, my role encompasses overseeing the entire employee lifecycle, managing corporate services, ensuring compliance, and fostering a high-performance culture. Through strategic HR initiatives, I have driven employee engagement, enhanced talent development, and streamlined administrative processes. One of my key contributions has been the successful implementation of automated HR systems, significantly improving operational efficiency. Additionally, I lead corporate affairs initiatives, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and strong brand positioning.
As a female leader in this role, I serve as a role model for all employees, especially for women in the organisation. My presence in a senior leadership position reinforces the importance of gender diversity and demonstrates that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated industries. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is ensuring that staff welfare remains a priority, creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
By championing inclusive policies, optimising HR and corporate service functions, and fostering a supportive work culture, I continue to add value to the company, driving both business success and employee satisfaction.
What are the challenges you encounter in your line of duties, and how have you been tackling them?
One of the key challenges is managing the increasing workload due to business expansion while maintaining high levels of employee engagement and operational efficiency. To address this, we have automated several HR processes, streamlined workflows, and invested in staff development. To support development, we have introduced mentorship programs, competitive remuneration, and employee engagement initiatives.
What are your aspirations for your department?
I aspire to further enhance HR digitisation, achieve ISO 27001 certification, and strengthen leadership development programs. I also aim to continue to build a resilient and high-performing workforce by further enhancing our culture of continuous learning and innovation. Additionally, expand our corporate social responsibility initiatives, ensuring that Platform Petroleum continues to make a meaningful impact in our host community.
A key priority for me is to further advance initiatives that empower female employees to reach their full potential. While mentorship, leadership development, and inclusive policies are already in place, I will advocate for more female recruits to enhance gender equity for women who have the skills, experience and qualifications. Through these efforts, we will continue to cultivate an inclusive, high-performing workplace that attracts, develops, and retains top talent.
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I Envision ARM Investment Managers Setting The Benchmark For Excellence, And Innovation – Kai Orga, Managing Director
Kai Orga is the current Managing Director of ARM Investment Managers, one of the foremost asset management firms in Nigeria. With a career spanning over 22 years in the financial services sector, she has honed her expertise across various domains, including financial planning, wealth management, sales and business development, customer relations, credit and marketing, business administration, human capital development and strategic branch expansion. A Bachelor’s degree holder in International Studies of Ahmadu Bello University and Masters in Management and Information Systems of the Institute for Development Policy and Management, UK, she is certainly equipped with the right management expertise and technological insights to navigate today’s evolving financial landscape.
Her career commenced in the banking sector, taking off from Reliance Bank to Continental Trust Bank, and then Standard Chartered Bank, the bank where she held various roles from 2004 to 2013. Worthy of note is that while she was Branch Manager of the Jabi branch of the bank, she grew the balance sheet from zero to over $230million within just two years. In 2013 however, she moved over to ARM Investment Managers where she has over the years been instrumental in launching innovative investment products and enhancing investment processes.
Orga who has for close to 30 years been dedicated to creating and implementing strategies that secure long term financial stability for families recalls a particularly unforgettable moment in her career. “A particularly impactful success story,” she says, “involves a client who set up a financial plan when I first joined ARM Investment Managers in 2013. This gentleman was determined to ensure that his children and future generations would have access to quality education. We worked together to create a comprehensive financial plan that included investments in mutual funds, savings accounts, and educational trusts.”
She continued: “ Today, that plan has flourished beyond expectations. His children have successfully completed their education, and his grandchildren are now benefiting from the same financial security. The investments we made have grown significantly, providing a stable foundation for the family’s educational needs. This success story is a testament to the power of strategic financial planning and the importance of thinking long term. Seeing the positive impact of our work on this family and knowing that their future generations are still set up for success is incredibly fulfilling. It reinforces my commitment to helping more families achieve their financial goals and secure their futures”
In her current role as the Managing Director, Orga leads a talented team dedicated to delivering exceptional value to their clients. In fact, under her leadership several innovative investment products that have resonated with clients and helped them achieve their financial goals have been launched. Notable products in the last five years include the ARM Eurobond Fund, ARM Short Term Bond Fund, ARM Fixed Income Fund, ARM Short Term Eurobond Fund, and the ARM Shariah Compliant Fixed Income Fund. These funds have consistently outperformed their benchmarks and attracted significant assets under management.
Worth mentioning too is that under her leadership, significant strides have been made in enhancing their investment process by leveraging cutting – edge technology and data analytics. This has enabled better investment decisions and the delivery of consistent and sustainable returns for their clients. Also, a robust risk management and strong culture of governance has been established within the organization which has ensured that their investment teams are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to navigate complex markets.
Needless saying, the investment performance, innovations, and commitment to excellence within the organization has not gone unnoticed. It has garnered several industry awards and recognitions. “Overall, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved as a team and I’m excited about the prospects for our company and our clients”, said Orga.
However, as a woman, she hinted that she had had her own fair share of gender bias. “Navigating the financial industry as a woman has certainly presented its unique challenges, “she stated. “One of the primary obstacles has been overcoming gender biases and stereotypes. Early in my career, I often found myself having to prove my capabilities and assert my presence in a predominantly male – dominated environment”
To counter this however, she disclosed that learning and being knowledgeable were essential as she had to deploy continuous education and skill development to achieve success in her work.
Orga’s ultimate aspiration for the firm is to make it the leading player in the financial services industry as she envisions a firm setting the benchmark for excellence, innovation and clients’ satisfaction. Moreover, she hopes to see the firm make significant impact on the financial well – being of clients even as it continues to promote financial literacy and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their finances.
For aspiring female professionals, she enjoined them to believe in themselves. According to her, developing a growth mindset is crucial while they must be open to learning, to embracing new opportunities, and to taking calculated risks for professional development.
She admits that some progress has been made in the level of girl – child education in Nigeria but this is unsatisfactory as significant challenges still persist in the rural areas where many girls face barriers such as cultural biases, financial constraints, and inadequate infrastructure. To combat this, she urged government and privileged individuals to take active steps in supporting the education of girls in their communities.
“If everyone makes a conscious effort to uplift and empower the girl – child through education, the impact will be profound – not just for young women, but for the nation as a whole,” she reasoned.
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Christy Adeyemo: Seasoned HR Leader Impacting Organizations Positively
Christy Adeyemo is a seasoned transformational leader with over 25 years of experience working with high profile global organizations. She has extensive cross – functional expertise in finance, human resources management, risk management and data – driven process management. Her core competences include change management, digital agility, execution excellence and ethical practices.
An Associate of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Christy holds a Master’s degree in Managerial Psychology from the University of Ibadan and is also a microfinance certified banker accredited by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. She has attended several prestigious local and international training programs in banking operations, human capital management, credit management, internal control, and risk management.
Christy who currently serves as the Executive Consultant for HR and Strategy at Futureview Group has been leveraging her expertise and experience to drive the organization’s growth and transformation. According to her, she has had the most fantastic opportunities to impact people’s lives and impact the organization positively over the years. This, she says, is through providing strategic partnership on talent management, helping employees design their personal development plans and setting career goals, building strong work cultures, values, strategies and processes; providing opportunities for learning and relearning, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
A guru in human resources management, Christy is of the belief that the hr profession is the bedrock of any successful business. She asserts: “Even though technology is fast taking over, there are certain areas that technology cannot take over, as they are solely driven by human beings, such as human judgement, empathy and passion. It is people that drive culture, strategy, innovation, structures, processes, and even technology. So, people are still the greatest assets in any business”
Her aspirations is to make Futureview Group an employer of choice, see to its having its own app and digital platform; and to ensure it continues to transform clients experience positively. And to aspiring female professionals, she advised: “Dream big, pursue your dreams boldly and strive for excellence.”
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I Want Wigwe & Partners To Keep Growing In Influence, Expertise and Impact – Bukola Oyeneyin
Can we have an insight into your background?
I come from a very close-knit family, born to Mr. and Mrs. Adenubi, with two wonderful siblings. My parents are hardworking and deeply rooted in their faith. My dad is quite the disciplinarian, but both my parents have always emphasized the importance of education, family, hard work, and perseverance. My siblings and I share a great bond, we have always had a safe space to express ourselves. My childhood was filled with beautiful memories, from family holidays to special gatherings. I have been blessed with unconditional love, support, and care from my family. No matter the situation, we celebrate each other’s wins and provide strength during tough times.
Regarding my professional journey, I attended Command Day Secondary School, Oshodi, Lagos, where I obtained my Secondary School Leaving Certificate. Initially, I started a Linguistics program at the University of Lagos, but along the way, I gained admission to study Law at the University of Ilorin, where I eventually graduated in 2007. Right after that, I enrolled in the Nigerian Law School for my B.L. degree and completed the programme. I proceeded to my NYSC mandatory camp in Bayelsa State.
After being redeployed to Lagos, I interviewed at Messrs. Akanbi & Wigwe and secured a spot as an NYSC Associate. I was retained after my service year, and over time, I worked my way up within the firm until the partnership dissolved.
When Wigwe & Partners was founded, I had a truly inspiring conversation with Mr. Uche Wigwe, and I immediately connected with the firm’s vision. That alignment led me to join as an Associate Partner, and eventually, I was promoted to Partner.
It has been a thrilling journey, full of growth, challenges, and valuable experiences.
You are a lawyer, what made you study law?
Interestingly, law wasn’t my initial choice. I started out studying Linguistics at the University of Lagos, but my father believed I needed a career with long-term stability, one that would allow me to establish my practice and thrive independently. Law aligned perfectly with that vision, so I made the switch and transferred to the University of Ilorin to pursue it.
Can you take us through your career trajectory?
I began my legal career as an NYSC Associate at Akanbi & Wigwe. After completing my service year, I was retained by the firm, and over the years, I gained exposure to various areas of law, sharpening my expertise and strategic thinking. I have worked on several high-profile transactions, building a reputation as a results-driven lawyer, which has been instrumental in my career progression.
Following the dissolution of Akanbi & Wigwe and the founding of Wigwe & Partners, I have consistently demonstrated creativity and insight, qualities that have significantly contributed to my growth. Today, I am proud to serve as a Partner at Wigwe & Partners.
Who and who would you say have been most influential on your life and career?
The most influential person in my life and career is undoubtedly my mother. She has been my greatest source of strength, wisdom, and support, shaping both my character and my professional journey. From an early age, she instilled in me the values of discipline, resilience, and excellence, these have guided me through every challenge and opportunity.
Her unwavering belief in my abilities has been a constant source of motivation. Even in moments of doubt, she reminded me of my potential and pushed me to strive for more. Her sacrifices and encouragement have played a pivotal role in my success, and I owe so much of who I am today to her guidance and unwavering love.
As a woman, what were the challenges you encountered in the course of your career andhow did you tackle them?
One of the most significant challenges I faced in my career was achieving the right balance between work and family, particularly as a newlywed at the start of my professional journey and later as a mother. In the early years, I was navigating the demands of a fast-paced career while also learning how to build a home and be a supportive partner. Then, when I became a mother, my priorities naturally evolved, I wanted to be present for my children while continuing to advance in my career.
Through this experience, I learned that no one thrives in isolation. I have been fortunate to have an incredibly supportive and understanding husband who took the time to appreciate the demands of my career. Open communication and transparency have been key in managing expectations and ensuring we remain aligned. Teamwork truly makes all the difference, and together, we have been able to navigate these challenges successfully.
Beyond my immediate family, I have also leaned on my wider support system, friends, and relatives who have stepped in at crucial moments, whether through childcare, guidance or simply offering a listening ear when I needed one.
It has not always been easy, and there were moments of doubt. However, I have come to understand that balance is not about perfection but about prioritizing what matters most in each season and giving oneself grace along the way.
Today, I am grateful to have reached a point where I can take a step back, having built a system that operates effectively without my constant presence. At the same time, I can be an intentional wife and a present mother, something I do not take for granted.
Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in the course of your career and how you tackled them?
One of the most defining moments in my career came from a simple task, drafting a letter for the managing partner of the firm I worked at. After submitting it, I received feedback that completely changed my outlook.
It wasn’t just about fixing technical errors; it was a lesson in excellence. I was told that if I wanted to stand out, I couldn’t just be another lawyer, I had to embody excellence in everything I did. That message stuck with me, and from that moment, the way I approached my work shifted entirely. It changed how I executed tasks, the quality of work I delivered, and the level of service I provided to clients.
I have also had to grow personally over the years. I have learned to be an active listener, take constructive feedback with an open mind, and constantly refine my leadership approach. I make a conscious effort to have relaxed, informal conversations with my colleagues, it helps ease workplace pressure and creates a more collaborative atmosphere.
At the end of the day, I think I have been able to recognize my team’s weaknesses and, as much as possible, help turn them into strengths. It’s not always smooth sailing, and there are times when tensions run high, but having a solutions-oriented mindset has helped me navigate those moments.
What are your aspirations for the firm?
My aspirations for the firm are simple yet ambitious, I want us to keep growing, not just in size but in influence, expertise, and impact. I want Wigwe & Partners to be a firm that stands out not just for the big wins but for the way we work, the trust we build with our clients, and the way we develop the next generation of lawyers.
I see us expanding into new practice areas, handling even more complex and high-profile cases, and strengthening our reputation as a firm that delivers results with integrity. But beyond that, I want us to be a place where lawyers thrive, where young talent is nurtured, and where people genuinely enjoy the work they do, which is why creating a people-friendly and people-centric work environment is very important to me and the firm’s management.
At the end of the day, my biggest aspiration is for Wigwe & Partners to continue evolving, adapting, and staying ahead, so that in years to come, we are not just a respected law firm, but one that has truly shaped the legal landscape.
What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals?
To aspiring female professionals, my advice is simple yet key, believe in yourself and take up space. There will be times when you feel underestimated or out of place, but that should not deter you from chasing what you want. Remain confident, speak up, show up, and trust that you belong in any room you walk into.
Keep learning and growing. Success does not happen overnight. Yes, you will make mistakes, and you will be wrong on some days but remember it is the little steps you take every day that cumulatively make a big difference.
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Victoria Jaja: Shaping Brands, Driving Impact at Wigwe & Partners
I am a business management and marketing professional with expertise in brand positioning, corporate communications, and marketing strategy across real estate, hospitality, and legal services. With a BA in Business and Marketing from Middlesex University Dubai and an MBA from the University of the People, I specialize in PR, content strategy, and digital marketing.
Currently, as the Brand and Marketing Manager at Wigwe & Partners, I drive branding, thought leadership, and industry visibility. My career journey started in sales and customer service, transitioning into social media and real estate marketing before moving into legal marketing, where I strengthen brand strategies to enhance industry presence.
I’ve had the privilege of curating and producing impactful corporate videos like the mentorship video, spearheading CSR initiatives, overseeing a major real estate rebranding project that significantly enhanced brand recognition, and hosting high-profile networking events that connected industry leaders and created new business opportunities. Navigating leadership in industries like real estate and law has been stimulating, but through resilience, strategic networking, and continuous learning, I’ve carved a path for growth.
For aspiring female professionals, my advice is simple: own your space, speak up, invest in learning, build strong networks, and stay resilient. Your voice and vision matter—don’t be afraid to make them heard.
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Our Vision Is To Create A Seamless And Inclusive Banking Experience For Everyone At Keystone Bank – Olayemi Sule
Can we have an insight into your background?
I was born and raised in Nigeria, where I had the privilege of growing up in a household that valued education, integrity, and hard work. I obtained my first degree in Accountancy, followed by an MSc in Finance with a focus on Strategic Management. Over the years, I’ve also pursued several professional certifications in banking, leadership, and digital transformation. I come from a family where women were empowered to dream big, and I believe that foundation helped shape who I am today.
Can you take us through your career trajectory?
My career began in Asset Management within the Banking sector, which gave me deep insight into the pulse of customers’ investment needs and preferences. From there, I transitioned into Investment Banking Operations, Corporate Services and subsequently moved into Retail and Digital Banking, embracing innovation and transformation along the way. Over the years, I have worked across various reputable financial institutions before taking up my current role as the Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking at Keystone Bank. Each role built upon the last, equipped me with the experience and perspective needed to drive growth, innovation, and value creation.
Who and who would you say have been most influential on your life and career?
Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to work under visionary leaders, both male and female, who believed in my potential and pushed me to aim higher. Personally, my mother has been an enduring source of inspiration. Her resilience, wisdom, and strength continue to guide me. I also draw inspiration from seeing the success of women like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ibukun Awosika and Nnenna Anyim Okoro, whose careers exemplify grace, intelligence, and leadership on a global scale.
As a woman, what are the challenges you have encountered in the course of your career and how did you tackle them?
One of the most persistent challenges has been breaking through gender biases, whether subtle or overt. There were times I had to work twice as hard to earn the same recognition as my male counterparts. I tackled these challenges by staying focused, consistently delivering results, and building strong networks of support. I also made it a point to mentor other women along the way, because empowering each other is key to dismantling systemic barriers.
Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in the course of your career?
A particularly memorable moment was leading a cross-functional team to develop and launch a fully digital product that brought in over 200,000 new customers. That success was a testament to collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering focus on our customers. Another unforgettable experience was being invited to speak at a forum on women empowerment.
You are the Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking for Keystone Bank, what does your work entail?
Ans: My role involves setting the strategic direction for both the Retail and Digital arms of the bank. I oversee product development, channel optimization, and digital transformation initiatives. My goal is to ensure that our retail offerings meet the evolving needs of customers, while also positioning Keystone Bank as a leading force in the digital banking space. It’s a dynamic role that requires both visionary thinking and day-to-day execution.
In what ways would you say you are impacting the bank?
I have been privileged to drive initiatives that have significantly increased customer acquisition, improved service delivery, and deepened customer engagement. From launching mobile-first solutions to creating value-added partnerships with fintechs, we’ve expanded Keystone Bank’s reach and relevance. Internally, I also focus on nurturing talent, building a team culture rooted in innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
What are the challenges being encountered in your line of duties and how have you been surmounting them?
The rapid pace of technological change is both exciting and challenging. Staying ahead requires agility, continuous learning, and strategic partnerships. There are several constraints that can pose hurdles especially when introducing disruptive innovations, however I navigate these challenges by fostering close collaboration with regulators, staying updated on global trends, and building resilient systems that prioritize both security and scalability.
What are your plans for the Retail and Digital sphere of Keystone Bank?
Our vision is to create a seamless, intuitive, and inclusive banking experience for every Nigerian, regardless of geography or socioeconomic status. We’re investing heavily in data analytics, customer experience, and digital infrastructure to drive this vision. We also plan to scale our agency banking network and deepen our presence in underserved areas. Ultimately, our goal is to not just keep up with the future of banking, but to help define it.
What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals?
Own your journey. Don’t wait for permission to lead, to speak up, or to dream big. Equip yourself with knowledge, seek mentorship, and don’t shy away from taking risks. Most importantly, support other women, there’s space for all of us to thrive. The world needs your voice, your ideas, and your leadership.
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Tolu Omotehinse: Multi-functional professional that has been driving business growth in organisations
She is a multi-dimensional and multi-functional professional— a lawyer, chartered secretary, chartered tax practitioner, and a certified professional in governance, risk, compliance, anti-money laundering, fraud examination and data privacy. A graduate of Law from the University of Lagos, and holder of Masters in Telecommunications, Media and Technology Law of the Queen Mary University of London, Tolu Omotehinse currently serves as the Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance at Branch International Finance Company Ltd, a foremost fintech firm in Nigeria.
Tolu who has worked with notable organizations like Palmpay, Media Fuse Dentsu Holdco, Transsion Holdings where she established and structured their respective legal departments was asked why she had to acquire so many certificates. Hear her: “I pursued these certifications because I realized very quickly that core legal expertise alone was insufficient in today’s dynamic business environment. Clients and colleagues often sought my advice on various regulatory matters which inspired me to expand my knowledge. Fortunately, my diverse certifications and experience have equipped me to manage functions beyond core legal, including compliance, risk management, governance and anti-fraud, enabling me to add great value and drive business growth in an ever – evolving landscape.”
A Merit Award winner of the NYSC at Abia State where she served, Tolu discovered early that her interests lie in corporate law rather than litigation, so she didn’t waste time in solidifying herself with a certification from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria. She passed their final exams to become a chartered secretary immediately after her youth service.
After NYSC, she joined Folashade Alli and Associates as Legal Counsel and acted as company secretary to several organizations. She later joined Transsion Holdings as a legal officer, handling legal affairs for over eight business units. It was during her time there that she also passed the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria exams as the best graduating student and became a chartered tax practitioner. Not only this: she also obtained her Master’s degree while there.
When Tolu later joined Media Fuse Dentsu as Company Secretary and Head of Legal, her interest in data protection deepened, so she decided to get a CIPP/E certification, and in 2021 when she transitioned to fintech as Head of Legal for PalmPay, she ensured she expanded her expertise in AML/CFT/CPF, fraud management, risk management and regulatory compliance. In particular, she pursued certifications such as CAMS, CFE and GRCP in order to solidify her fintech knowledge.
Today as the Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance at Branch International, multi-professional Tolu has been a great asset to the company by leveraging her diverse knowledge to drive growth.
Speaking about those who have been most influential on her life and career, she said: “I have been fortunate to have several figures shape my life and career, my parents and siblings have been a constant source of inspiration and coming from a family of accomplished professionals, excellence is our watchword. I’ve also had the privilege of learning from senior colleagues and mentors whose guidance have profoundly influenced my professional journey. Additionally, the unwavering belief my friends and colleagues have in me sometimes even more than I have in myself, has been a powerful motivator, pushing me to aim higher and continuously grow”
As a woman, she has not been immune to gender-based stereotypes, but to ward it off, what she says she does is to demonstrate her expertise, critical thinking, and strategic problem-solving abilities. This approach, she hinted, had enabled her to navigate and overcome these gender biases, and helped to prove that effectiveness and impact transcend age or gender.
On notable experiences in her career, she offered that most of these centre on successfully mediating complex board and shareholder disputes that if unresolved could have had significant consequences for these organizations. These experiences, she noted, have strengthened her conflict resolution and negotiation skills. “In all, I consistently leave organizations stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for sustainable success” she boasted.
As for her plans for the legal department at Branch International, she says she plans to strengthen regulatory compliance, fortify fraud management and implement a proactive framework to mitigate legal, regulatory and fraud-related risks.
Tolu charges aspiring female professionals to believe in themselves and their abilities. She tasked them to remember that their gender is not a limitation to achieving greatness counselling them to pursue their dreams and make them a reality. However, she is not satisfied with the level of girl-child education in Nigeria at present. According to her, issues such as early marriage, culture, poverty, and inadequate school infrastructure continue to limit education opportunities for many young girls.
She reasoned that education is a powerful tool for empowerment, so ensuring that every girl has access to learning is essential for national development. Proffering a solution, she avers: “To produce more female professionals, we require concerted efforts to increase investment in education, implement policies that promote equal access, expand infrastructure, improve learning resources, and collectively challenge the societal and cultural barriers that discourage girls from pursuing education”.
