What I love about my role at West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE) is witnessing the direct impact of my financial management in reducing youth unemployment across Africa. Each financial decision I make directly influences our mission to foster positive social change. With WAVE’s limited resources, it’s incredibly fulfilling to devise strategies that optimise the efficient use of our funds.
My mother had a profound influence on my choice of career. Growing up in Gboko, Benue State, I would watch captivated as she drew up accounts, fascinated in particular by the debit and credit entries. Later, having earned my degree in accountancy from Benue State University in north-central Nigeria, I began my career in finance at the Artee Group, with the Spar International grocery chain. Then, in 2011, I joined the cinema group Silverbird and worked as a project accountant at the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre before being transferred to lead Silverbird’s finance team in Ghana.
In 2016, I pursued a master’s degree in finance at Sheffield Hallam University. Following this, I took on various corporate roles before becoming the financial management and sustainability lead at WAVE in 2021. WAVE is dedicated to reducing youth unemployment by equipping young people with the skills and training that employers need, and providing job opportunities in industries such as retail and hospitality.
As interim CEO, I have had to Make decisions I never imagined I would face
Leading the financial management and sustainability team, I play a crucial role in WAVE’s efforts through effective reporting and grant management. We track financial performance by monitoring our various programmes and identifying cost-saving opportunities. In addition, we have developed metrics to assess the effectiveness of our training programmes and job placements, measuring cost per graduate and reporting on these initiatives to stakeholders. These metrics help us to make best use of the funds available.
Our major source of revenue comes in the form of grants. Therefore, we ensure compliance and transparency for our providers by adhering to all regulations and building trust with our stakeholders. However, it is also important for us to identify other potential grants and funding that align with our mission to generate revenue for WAVE.
Currently I am acting as the interim CEO of WAVE. This role has taken me out of my comfort zone as I have had to develop new skills and make decisions I never imagined I would face. Leaving employment to study abroad was also a significant challenge. I was self-funded and left my family and friends for a new country. However, it has paid off.
I like this saying: ‘What you are not changing or stopping, you are aiding or accepting.’ I interpret this as meaning you have the power to change what you feel is not right by standing up and being counted. For me as a finance professional, this speaks to my desire to do the right thing and act with integrity.
If I had law-making powers, I would guarantee universal access to free, quality education for every child at primary and secondary levels. I would also improve the infrastructure, resources and teacher training in the education sector, and establish more vocational training centres to teach practical skills that align with market demands. In addition, I would like to see the provision of comprehensive healthcare services for young people, so they are fit and able to take advantage of educational opportunities.
I have a passion for fashion, so I might also have enjoyed a career as a designer
My biggest achievement is my family. However, completing my ACCA training within two years, while simultaneously studying for my master’s degree, was also a significant accomplishment.
If I weren’t an accountant, I am sure that I would still have worked in finance, perhaps as an investment banker. However, I also have a passion for fashion, so I might also have enjoyed a career as a fashion designer.
In my spare time, I like to play badminton and watch movies. I have also co-founded a green plantation farm, growing palm trees, rice, cassava and maize in a way that does not deplete natural resources or harm biodiversity. I’m happy with the positive impact the farm has made, especially in terms of improving the local food supply and employment in Benue State.
