HH People: We know you as Chidimma Ugbojiaku, the dynamic, colour blocking goal-getter serving the Group as Government Relations Manager. Tell us some random facts we like don’t know about you.
Chidimma: Lol! Well, I don’t know how to ride a bicycle. I am a self-taught yogi, I love philosophy, metaphysics and astrology and I love mountain climbing, hiking and extreme sports. I guess the part about mountain climbing and extreme sports is not too much of a surprise. J
HH People: What was your childhood like?
Chidimma: I grew up in Lagos with my six siblings and parents. This means we were a total of seven children (four boys & three girls), and I was number four. I loved my childhood and all my siblings with our playful adventures from back in the day. However, I was very close to my older brother, to the point where I wanted to walk, and talk like him. Hint hint, I became a mini tomboy. I remember being twelve when he was eighteen. All of a sudden, he wouldn’t let me hang with him and his friends anymore and I tried to find out why. He said to me “Didi, your chest has started forming and you can’t be seen with the boys anymore.”
Then I was like: “how do I stop it from growing?” “Apply some hot candle wax on it…” he replied.
Can you believe I actually tried it? I cannot explain the pain I felt plus the punishment I got from my mother, for trying to deny her future grandkids from having their first healthy meal.
Today, I think of that incident with fondness. Truth is, my childhood holds a potpourri of memories – some of my favourite memories would be of going to Apapa Club to play tennis with my Dad, Sunday’s at the Apapa Amusement Park with my siblings, Sunday evening TV binging (Tales by moonlight, willy-willy, new masquerade and then Frank Olize’s Newsline at 9 pm… not forgetting the ultimate pep talk from my Mother “ if you hug a boy, you will get pregnant”
HH People: So why did you decide to start your career in oil and gas?
Chidimma: Coming from a background where everyone around me was either a Pharmacist or a Medical Doctor, I wanted something different. First, I was inspired by my older cousin who worked with Baker Hughes and Shell at the time as a Petrochemical Engineer. He thought me Physics and Further Maths all through secondary school and I became naturally inclined to follow his lead. I went ahead to bag my first degree in Chemical Engineering, which allowed me to be deployed to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for my internship, youth service and first job exposure. At the DPR, I worked as a Process Safety Engineer under the Technical Services division where I was saddled with the responsibility of carrying out Risk-Based Inspections, condition monitoring of Oil and Gas facilities, Environmental remediation studies, issuance of radioactive permits, licenses to operating companies and general technical safety control studies and activities.
HH People: So interesting to backtrack with you on your career journey. It makes us wonder: how did you join the Group?
Chidimma: I got poached by my former MD, Dr Tony Chukwueke. He needed support in Regulatory compliance and HSE for Tenoil, and as we say in Naija, the ‘Lord’ chose me, lol! It was a rainy Thursday, and my former boss at the DPR (Mr David Udoma) called me to his office. He said our former Director, “Oga Chukwueke” (as we all called him) needed assistance with an Indigenous E&P company he was managing. No one told me the company belonged to Mr Elumelu. Fast forward, I got the company address, contacted Mr Chukwueke and he asked me to come down to 1 Macgregor. The aesthetics of the building was the first thing that hit me! In my head, I was thinking “this must be a studio.” I was asked to wait for Mr Chukwueke at the board-lounge, so I sat down and continued admiring the space. A few minutes later, a man walked into the board-room lounge with a smile and asked me “are you waiting for someone? Have you been attended to?” I responded affirmatively, indicating that I was waiting for Mr Chukwueke. The man walked off in his nicely tapered navy-blue suit and red socks that appeared each time he took a stride – he walked to Mr Chukwueke (whom at this time I realized was called TC in this fancy organisation). Next, I heard was a friendly yell “TC, you have a guest here!” and he walked off. That was when it dawned on me that the peng looking individual was Mr Tony Elumelu CON, the Standard Trust/UBA guy, the one in magazines and news media. Nah! I knew it was about to be a great day!
I had my brief interview with Mr Chukwueke, where we mostly discussed the conversion of Gas to Liquid technology and gas flaring sanctions in the Niger Delta, and he immediately asked that I resume the following week (Monday, 3rd March 2014). It’s been an amazing 5+ years in the group ever since.
HH People: It’s been an interesting five years indeed. You were recently appointed Government Relations Head for the group, what does that entail?
Chidimma: This entails ensuring that the Group has zero infraction concerning Government/regulatory-related activities, through adequate compliance and cordial relationship.
HH People: How does it feel, particularly as a woman, to be tasked with maintaining public sector interests for the Group?
Chidimma: Honestly, it doesn’t feel strange, challenging, yes. But certainly not strange. In my five years with the group, I have never gotten the sense that my role or the assessment of my performance is gendered. With the companies, it is always about getting the job done. The female representation in the Group is undeniably outstanding. The Group should be referenced across board as one that encourages and empowers women to do more! From the CEO of Avon Medical (Dr. Mrs Elumelu), CEO of Transcorp (Owen Omogiafo), CEO of Afriland (Uzo Oshogwe), CEO of Avon HMO (Simbo Ukiri), CEO of TEF (Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu), Company Secretary (Oyinda aka Aunty Momo) and the list goes on. However, I also like to mention that women who sit in these roles were nominated because of their capacity and I believe that is an important factor to consider. Also, like my father would say whenever we do well “it is a thing of pride” to belong to this great family where women are challenged positively.
HH People: That is so inspiring. But we are curious, how you spend a Lagos weekend?
Chidimma: When I am not in Apapa enjoying my parent’s company, sharing a bottle of wine with my Dad and laughing at my mum’s jokes, you just may find me in my room Netflixing and chilling, or at the beach behind my estate taking in some Vitamin Sea and practising yoga.
HH People: What inspires your fashion style?
Chidimma: My fashion style is inspired by nature, emotions, and my to-do-list. I can go from wearing all red to doing all black or even more demure colours. People like Kerry Washington, Sarah Jessica Parker & Erykah Badu influenced the way I started to see fashion as a grown woman, and I love how I own my look. Always classy, always comfortable (Okay maybe not always.) Some days I love the long overflowing palazzo pants with an oversized blazer, other days I want it well tapered; it all depends on how I am feeling, the environment and what I have planned for the day… but the point is never to be caught “unfresh” lol.
HH People: You are obviously very passionate about this. Can you share some tips, please? What three items should a lady have in her wardrobe?
Chidimma: That’s easy any time. A little black dress, a classic blazer, dark washed skinny jeans
HH People: Tell us about your fitness routine.
Chidimma: I work-out daily. I start my day with a 30-minute meditation, lace my running shoes and then hit the road for a 10km run (1 hour), after which I return to the gym for a circuit (squats, spinning, burpees, lifts and pullups etc). I also go for a 12 – 15km beach run on Saturdays and I play tennis occasionally. My fitness journey started back in 2010, although I had always been a sporty girl (without a structured fitness routine). In 2010, I lost a dear friend to asphyxiation. Apparently, he had a health issue which could have been corrected by consistent exercising. The news of his demise changed my lifestyle.
HH People: How have you been able to stay consistently committed to fitness?
Chidimma: Discipline – I incorporated fitness into my lifestyle, and now it is a part of my daily activity. I can assure you that it isn’t always easy to leave my cosy little room every 5 am to go to the gym. I honestly would rather stay in bed. However, I have managed to train my mind to the point where if I don’t work-out, I get guilt pangs and always have to make up for it in my next workout session. I also have amazing gym buddies, who push me every other time… shout out to Jason and Peter Amedome.
HH People: We are fast approaching the end of 2019. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned this year?
Chidimma: I have learned that the universe isn’t obligated to hand you your dreams, and it’s nobody’s job to tell you to go after them.
HH People: If you could change something about Nigeria, what would it be?
Chidimma: The leadership – The incorruptible judge (Olu Olagoke) once said “if the citadel of justice is corrupt, what will happen to the body politics? It will be completely rotten and collapse.” We need to agree on what is just and lawful, and everyone must be held equally accountable for their actions. On one hand, leadership that exists without principles, morals and outside of the law will always trickle down to the masses. On the other hand, good and respectable leadership begins with how we individually govern ourselves and be accountable. Every leader was once just an individual. Let’s start there.
HH People: If you had the opportunity to mentor young girls, what would you advise?
Chidimma: As someone who has been through various phases of life and after interacting with individuals on regular basis, I would advise young girls to:
- Have confidence in their ability to be anything you dream.
- Complete their Education.
- Be financially independent
- Respect and value yourself
- Eat well and Eat right
- Grow… Achieve…Shine
- Don’t just be beautiful; be intelligent, curious, determined, hardworking, brave, independent, witty, friendly, considerate, adventurous, energetic, wild, revolutionary, creative, be a dreamer. Be You!
HH People: What does Christmas mean to you?
Chidimma: A period to spend more time with my family, showing gratitude, love, sharing and making people happy. lastly, Christmas also means I get to attend the most popping party in Africa “HH Christmas party! Parte after parte!”.
Chidimma for president!!!
Looking gorgeous as usual. Interesting story