April 14, (THEWILL)- Amaka Okeke-Lawal symbolises the progress of women in the Nigerian corporate sector. An Executive Director in Optiva Capital Partners, an investment, immigration and wealth management company, she speaks with IVORY UKONU about her passion for mentoring, raising exceptional and career-driven youth, as well as the pivotal role women play in the workplace. Excerpts:
What do you make of the saying that nations that actively encourage and empower their womenfolk perform better and rank higher on the global human development index?
In a world where progress and development are paramount, the empowerment of women plays a pivotal role. This correlation is not a mere coincidence; it reflects the profound impact of gender equality and women’s empowerment on societal well-being. Although every individual, regardless of gender, should be valued, respected, and included, women have however not enjoyed this because historically, women have faced discrimination and marginalisation.
Luckily, we are beginning to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes in the workplace and creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all. The world should learn to encourage us, celebrate the achievements of women from diverse backgrounds, amplify their voices, and work towards a future where every woman feels empowered and included.
The world should be committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equality, not just today, but every day. Together, we can inspire change, uplift women around the world, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
Despite the efforts of women and their contribution to development, they remain under-represented in politics, governance and at the helm of large corporate organisations. What do you think can trigger the progress of today’s women?
Inclusion can trigger efforts that foster the progress of today’s women by promoting a culture of support and empowerment. When women feel valued and included in their communities and workplaces, they are more likely to succeed. This can also spark initiatives to address inequalities and promote gender equality by raising awareness of the challenges facing women. By advocating equal opportunities and supporting women in leadership roles, then we can drive meaningful change.
Also, by showcasing diverse women’s achievements and providing role models, women can be empowered to overcome obstacles and reach new heights in their lives. Ultimately, it has the potential to create a more inclusive and diverse world where women can thrive and lead with confidence.
There should be a reignition, a renewed commitment towards addressing the under-representation of women in politics, governance and top leadership roles within large corporate organisations. By highlighting the importance of inclusivity and diversity, it has the potential to spark meaningful conversations, drive policy changes and empower women to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings, as well as a call to action for increased support, advocacy and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and creating a more inclusive society where women are given equal opportunities to thrive and lead.
How would you describe women and leadership roles in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, women have made progress in leadership despite challenges. The country’s patriarchal society traditionally limited women’s access to leadership roles. However, there has been a shift towards greater inclusion of women in politics, with female politicians holding key government positions. Women still face barriers like cultural norms and discrimination.
In the corporate sector, Nigerian women have advanced in leadership, but gender stereotypes persist. Challenges such as unequal pay and work-life balance hinder women’s progress. At the grassroots level, Nigerian women lead in sectors like education and healthcare. However, they lack recognition and support. To enhance gender equality in leadership, addressing systemic barriers, promoting inclusive policies, offering mentorship, and challenging stereotypes are essential. Empowering women in leadership can drive sustainable development and progress in Nigeria.
There are over 1,000 employees in Optiva Capital Partners across major cities in Nigeria. Of this workforce, about 80 per cent are mainly youths who you mentor. How did this passion for mentorship take root?
I am passionate about promoting and empowering youths, even women, in Nigeria. It is something that is innate.
What advice would you give to young people struggling against current economic challenges in the country?
In the dynamic economic landscape of today, young individuals are confronted with a multitude of challenges that may seem overwhelming. They need to arm themselves with the requisite skills and mindset, not only to endure but also to excel in the face of adversity. My advice to young people is to focus on continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Given the ever-evolving nature of the economy, staying updated on current market trends and technologies can provide a competitive advantage in the job market. Cultivating resilience and adaptability is also crucial, as economic fluctuations are inevitable.
By fostering a resilient attitude and the ability to adapt to change, they can navigate economic uncertainties more effectively and emerge stronger. Building relationships with mentors and peers through networking can offer valuable guidance and growth opportunities in times of economic turmoil.
Taking a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to career development is key in a competitive job market. Initiating action, exploring new prospects, and being open to calculated risks can distinguish them from their peers.
Finally, emphasising financial literacy and prudent money management is vital. Acquiring knowledge of fundamental financial principles like budgeting, saving, and investing can empower them to make informed decisions and secure their financial well-being in uncertain circumstances.
In what way does your firm support the entrepreneurial drive of young people, many of whom are beginning to generate income from legitimate sources and enterprises?
We have a policy to help and enable local entrepreneurs. So many young people are naturally endowed, but they don’t have the opportunity to have the right sponsorship that will enable their gift to be actualized. We try to help as much as we can. The firm offers mentorship and guidance to young entrepreneurs as we can see in our just concluded sponsorship tagged ‘Be More’ which was aimed at sponsoring, encouraging and uplifting young women to become better versions of themselves by maximizing their full potential recently sponsored the Doam Foundation Annual Charity Golf Tournament and the goal was to lift 50 less privileged children from the streets and put smiles on their faces.
At what point did you become an investment, immigration and wealth management expert?
My journey has been one filled with accomplishments and this is evident in my continuous growth. I joined Optiva Capital Partners in September 2013 as a relationship management executive. The chairman didn’t know me from anywhere, but he believed in me and he challenged me. The truth is that I love a good challenge. When I set my mind to do something, nothing can stop me. He identified my strengths and weaknesses and began to train me. He built an extreme hunger for success in me and I was recognised consistently as the top salesperson. From there, I grew to become General Manager and right now, I’m the Executive Director of Business Development. I am in charge of building a high-performance organization overseeing 21 branches and my responsibilities include implementing business strategies, work tools for business development, training and development of the team, institutional operations, branch expansion, identifying key results business strategies, and social media marketing.
What are the other things that occupy your time?
As the Executive Director, I’m in charge of the development and implementation of business development strategies, institutional operations, branch expansion strategies, training and development of the business development team. As a wife, I take care of and manage everything in the home with precision and spend quality time with my husband.
Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?
Mr. Franklin Nechi has been and still is a great influence in my life. He is the Chairman of Optiva Capital Partners. He motivated me and redirected my energy and focus to be a person of significance by identifying my strengths and weaknesses and began to train me. He built an extreme hunger for success in me, elevated my trust in God and trained me to be mentally tough, the kind of mental toughness that helped me to glide through the challenges of life unfazed.
The chairman is a visionary. We call him the Odogwu of Optiva! According to him, equipping a woman is like equipping a generation and this reflects greatly at Optiva Capital Partners as 70 per cent of our workforce are women. The chairman believes that women as nurturers give in everything when given an opportunity.
What else do you do when you are not implementing business development strategies?
My vibrant personality extends to my exquisite fashion taste and passion for writing, travelling and dancing.
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