Roberta Oyedokun is a seasoned technologist and brand consultant. She holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in Network Engineering and a Masters in Information Management Systems.
Her background spans business process automation, cloud solutions, data analysis, digital
marketing, strategic planning and project management. As the founder and Chief Executive
Officer of Moppet, she is navigating the modern food industry by combining tech expertise
and a deep concern for children’s well-being. Through her non-governmental organisation,
No Kid Hungry Outreach, Oyedokun has recognised the prevalence of child hunger and has
been working hard to ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals, while also
providing education on healthy habits. In this interview with IJEOMA THOMAS-ODIA, she shares her passion in leveraging technology to improve the well-being of children as well as giving tips for women’s success in family and career.

Take us through your career path?
My journey in technology began even before I left school. You know with technology, you do
not start when you have a job; you start when you learn the skill. So, I was hands-on into
different individual projects that helped me build a solid foundation. However, my professional career took off in 2009 when I joined Risk Control International, a background checks and verification company.

It was here that I honed a wide array of technology skills, from web development, networking and programming to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). One of my proudest achievements during this time was the development of a Certificate Verification
Application. This application, which we built as a team, was approved by the National
Universities Commission (NUC) for verifying higher institution certificates for several higher
institutions in Nigeria. It was my first significant programming project and a milestone in my
career.
I later moved to CMC Burson Cohn & Wolf, a leading Public Relations firm. A highlight of my tenure at CMC was working on digital campaigns for the presidential campaign of former
president Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. My career trajectory continued its upward climb when I
joined Troyka Group, and one of my favourite projects was the Pampers Baby of the Month app
we launched on social media. The overwhelming number of entries and the joy it brought to so
many families were truly heartwarming. In 2014, I became one of the founding members of
Dentsu Nigeria. I worked my way up to become the Director of Technology, a role that has
taught me invaluable lessons in digital transformation, management and leadership.

What informed your passion for childhood nutrition despite having a tech background?
My journey into childhood nutrition feels like a dream, something I never intended or planned.
It was a combination of motherhood and social media that steered me in this direction. As a
career mum, I quickly discovered the challenges that most modern parents face. One of the
biggest challenges is feeding our children right. With limited time, it’s difficult to blend fruits, add vegetables or select the best grains to prepare homemade meals. Most working parents end up relying on what’s available on store shelves, often chemical-laden, sugar-packed options. In 2020, while pursuing my Master’s programme at the University of Salford, I shared my concerns with one of my professors during the COVID-19 lockdown. My daughter’s favourite cereal had run out, and it wasn’t available in the limited stores we had access to. My professor, noticing my distress, suggested making homemade cereal. That was the first time I had heard of such a thing.
He kindly showed me how to make some, and to my surprise, my super-picky daughter loved it
from the first spoonful. Excited by this discovery, I shared my experience on Facebook, detailing how to make homemade cereal for children, especially those who might have allergies to additives and sugar in store-bought cereals. The post went viral and I was filled with requests from other parents asking me to make cereal for their children. Knowing that I can help other parents provide healthier meals for their children makes every step worthwhile.

How have you been able to put in your expertise in Network Engineering into the food
industry?

At the helm of affairs in our operations is a technologist. I’ve leveraged my background in Information Technology to build a robust, tech-driven, low-cost infrastructure for the company. My expertise has been instrumental in revolutionising our processes as I have adopted cloud-based operations from inventory management and manufacturing to supply chain logistics,
marketing, sales, invoicing and banking. With automation systems, we synchronise all activities across our workforce. We also adopted the quality control and error testing, data collection and analysis, and comprehensive tracking system.

You run an NGO focused on eradicating hunger in children. How much impact would you
say it has made so far? What is your reach?
I believe that no child should experience hunger, hence our NGO, No Kid Hungry, is dedicated
to eradicating hunger among children. While we know we cannot reach every child, we are
committed to making a significant impact within our capacity. Our efforts have been wide-
ranging and impactful, driven by a deep compassion for the well-being of children. Though this
is an ambitious goal, we strive to reach as many children as possible. To date, we have
distributed over 10,000 packs of our cereal to children living on the streets who cannot afford it. We visit hospitals, provide supplies to churches and engage in various other activities to ensure that children in dire need receive the nourishment they deserve. And also, we understand that alleviating hunger goes beyond just feeding children; it involves empowering families. One of our core initiatives is to provide jobs to unskilled women in rural areas. We believe that when mothers have a stable income, they can better provide for their children. By creating job opportunities, we help ensure that children are better fed and cared for. Additionally, we provide essential food items to poor mothers, ensuring they have the necessary nutrition to breastfeed their infants effectively. This holistic approach addresses hunger at its root, helping both mothers and their children to thrive. Our reach extends beyond direct aid. We actively engage with communities to educate and raise awareness about the importance of nutrition. We work closely with local organisations, schools and community centres to provide educational resources and support. By empowering communities with knowledge, we help create sustainable changes that benefit children in the long term.

What drives you and has kept you going?
Sometimes I have had to ask myself this question because I was enjoying my technology
career. In technology we are not as affected with government policies as with manufacturing. So, sometimes I have to find that passion to go on and at the heart of my drive and perseverance is a profound passion for making a difference in the lives of children.

What is your advice to women who are struggling to get a hold of their career life?
My word of advice is that you are not alone, and the truth is you are not struggling because you are not good enough. In Africa, women face a lot of societal challenges and a lot is expected of women from every quarter. It is not easy to combine all of these societal expectations with career. So, sometimes when you see yourself failing, it is not because you are not good enough but because you are trying to share your time with everyone else. But a successful career is still possible; your journey is valid and your struggles are acknowledged. First and foremost, believe in your own potential. Self-doubt can be one of the biggest barriers to success. Trust that you have the skills, talents and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Confidence in yourself is the foundation upon which you can build your career. The world is constantly evolving and so should you. Continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow, get help where necessary. Learn, whether it’s through formal education, professional development courses or self-study. Internet has opened a world of opportunities for women; you no longer need to leave your home to earn that degree or to get certification in that course. Embracing lifelong learning will keep you adaptable and ready to take on new challenges.
Then surround yourself with a strong support network. Connect with mentors, peers and
industry professionals who can offer guidance, support and opportunities. Networking is not just about advancing your career; it’s also about finding a community that understands and supports your aspirations so you can set goals for your career. Break down your long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate each milestone along the way. This approach will help you stay focused and track your progress.
And lastly, remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as pursuing your career.
Striking a balance between work and personal life is crucial for long-term success and well-
being. Make time for self-care, family and hobbies to recharge and maintain a healthy mindset.
Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but they do not define you. Cultivate resilience by
viewing obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. Adaptability is a key trait in navigating the unpredictable nature of any career path. Take time to recognise and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledging your achievements
boosts your confidence and reminds you of your progress.

What key lessons have you garnered in your years of running your business?
Over the years, I have learned invaluable lessons while running Moppet. These lessons have not
only shaped the growth of Moppet but also refined my approach to entrepreneurship. The first is that managing staff as a small business can be challenging, and finding the right hands is not easy. Its crucial to treasure your good employees, reward them and show them that they are
valued.

What is your life mantra?
My life mantra is simple yet profound: Perseverance, passion and purpose. Perseverance
reminds me that challenges are an integral part of the journey. It encourages me to stay resilient, face obstacles head-on, and never give up, regardless of the difficulties.
Passion for what I do not only brings joy and fulfillment but also inspires those around me.
Purpose gives my work meaning and direction. It is the core reason behind every decision I
make and every action I take.
These elements remind me to stay resilient, remain enthusiastic about my endeavours and always work towards a meaningful and impactful goal.