March was an exciting month for women – from women’s history month to the International women’s day. In this edition, we decided to wrap up our spotlight on our HH women by featuring two interesting women in the Group – Tokunbo Ajayi, MD/CEO United Capital Trustees, who is the longest female staff member in the Group, and of course, Faith Nelson-Ojeaga, one of the newest female staff member in the Group.
Enjoy the read.
Tokunbo Ajayi
What was your first day in the Group and how did it feel?
I recall with nostalgia that I felt at home and amidst family on my first day at work in UBA Trustees Limited (as it then was), so many years ago, despite the usual trepidations and jitters that I experienced as the most junior Officer in the Company. I acknowledge the hand holding of my Line Manager then, Mr. Samuel E. O. Nnaji, who though stern, had a compassionate and caring nature.
What were your career aspirations at the onset of your career?
From the onset, I felt encouraged and didn’t feel any limitations. I can easily ascribe this posture to my first MD/CEO, Chief (Mrs.) Patience A. O. Adebiyi who coincidentally is also a Lady Barrister. I therefore naturally believed under her Mentorship, that I could also accomplish what She had done and followed in her footsteps. She was a trailblazer that was actively involved in FIDA Nigeria (International Federation of Women Lawyers) and the Lions Club. As a result, I naturally accompanied her to various events, which gave me the needed exposure and confidence.
I was also opportune to have served under two powerful and influential women earlier on. They are the Late Professor Jadesola O. Akande at the Family Law Center, Lagos (which was an NGO run under the auspices of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Ford Foundation in the 80s) to render free legal advice on all matrimonial problems and disputes, to low income people who couldn’t afford the services of legal practitioners/solicitors and Mrs Hairat A. Balogun, OON a former Chairman and Life Bencher of the Body of Benchers of Nigeria as a Student Assistant at the 6th Commonwealth Law Conference, Lagos – 17th to 23rd August, 1980.
In what way at various times of your career trajectory has the Group helped you succeed as a woman?
The Group has enabled me to express myself and perform in a conducive environment, which is probably why I didn’t realize the years slip by.
I never felt bias, discrimination nor victimization as a result of gender and I was always given equal opportunities with my male counterparts, when I stepped into the shoes of my former bosses, Mr. Samuel E. O Nnaji and Hon. Peter N. Jiya at various times.
I must admit that my role on the job is a perfect fit to my character because I’ve always had a passion to solve problems and render assistance to people, as a result of which several nicknames have been coined over the years, such as “School Mother”, “Aunty Toks”, “Mama Nik” (I’m certain that there might be some others).
How has it been working with other women across the Group?
I’ve interacted with several other women across and found the experience invigorating. I must admit that trust and respect have been very encouraging.
The narrative wouldn’t be complete without mention of the amazing achievements I also attained due to the tutelage of my former Female bosses, Mrs. Tomi Somefun, who is now the CEO of Unity Bank Plc and Mrs. Toyin F. Sanni who is now the CEO of Emerging Africa Capital Group.
Do you think women can achieve balance within the corporate space?
I believe it is possible for women to succeed professionally and achieve Work-Life Balance with minimal stress. This can be done by them identifying what’s most important at that point in time and trim what is unimportant from their schedules. This would naturally differ for everyone and vary during the various stages of development/family life etc. For example, nursing mothers would need to devote quality time to their new born babies by nursing mothers.
What is your advice to young female professionals across the Group?
My advice to our young ladies is that they should take heed of the following few suggestions:
To be passionate about your job, which will enable you to achieve astonishing results. Get a Mentor to guide and coach you. Attend suitable training and obtain all the necessary qualifications that will enhance knowledge and capabilities in the workplace. Keep up with current news in your field to keep your knowledge fresh. Be innovative and don’t be afraid to express your ideas/creative abilities. Ask for help (if needed) and always show appreciation for any assistant rendered Embrace criticism to aid your learning experience. Adopt a friendly attitude with everyone at work and including your clients to create a positive environment that would boost success. Be respectful. You don’t have to like everyone you work with, but you do have to show them respect. Be flexible. Your role will change often. A new experience is new knowledge and ultimately leads to being more well-rounded in your field. Sometimes you will feel like you have to work a little harder to make an impression than your male counterpart. Embrace the burden and use it as a motivator to be better.
Faith Nelson-Ojeaga
Tell us about your first day working in the Group?
My first working day in the group was exciting. I was warmly welcomed by everyone at AVON HMO and made to feel at home quite quickly. I later had a meeting with my CEO Simbo Ukiri who warmly received me and gave me a quick pep talk (which helped to calm the nerves!!). I had to attend a meeting same day at HH, so I guess I dived into the work immediately, so it felt like I had been part of the HH family for longer. It was a great first day and I am really happy to be part of the HH Team.
Tell us what you felt about the gender balance ratio?
HH is a highly diversified group; the gender balance, in my opinion, is well represented in all the companies. We have women who are heading companies and teams in the respective companies, who have achieved these milestones through hard work and belief in their capabilities. Gender balance is deliberate in the group and I believe HH scores very high marks in that area.
As a newbie, in what way do you think the Group will help you succeed as a woman?
To succeed as a woman in the Group, it is expected that I will have the usual support as my male colleagues and my work output will be judged based on merit, which is already the culture in the Group.
What has it been like working with your female colleagues?
My female colleagues are fantastic, from the Head of Sales, Kehinde Oyesiku, team lead Medical Operations, Eunice Daniels, EA to the CEO Priscilia Omonlejie, and everyone else, they are available to give all the support. I also admire their focus and passion for their work.
If you could say something to older women within the group, what would it be?
We celebrate every one of you! You have blazed the trail for so many women in the Group and others who aspire to be leaders in their different organizations or want to be entrepreneurs.
What is your advise to every female young professional seeking to make a difference?
Believe in yourself! You can be anything you want to be. Just stay focused and “Don’t Let Anyone Dull Your Shine”!
