The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Good skin expresses beauty, class – Rixari CEO, Rita Ebigbagha

    Good skin expresses beauty, class – Rixari CEO, Rita Ebigbagha

    Agency Reporter

    Mesotherapist, Laser Technician and esthetician, Rita Chika Ebigbagha who founded and runs Rixari Skin Secrets has stated that beauty is in the skin, saying a good skin expresses beauty and class. She said to enhance your natural beauty and look younger, proper skincare is needed with all your attention and commitment.

    She said the skin is the largest organ of the human body and it serves as a protection to other delicate parts of the body.

    “Due to its largeness, the skin is also the first thing one sees and appreciates. A good skin not only expresses beauty and class but tells the health status of a person. Honestly, taking good care of the skin means adequately protecting the skin from the UV rays and harsh chemicals from the environment and work activities. Besides protection of the skin, treating one’s skin also means restoring, sustaining and improving appearance. When we look good, we feel good. That is why skin care is so important: it makes one look good, it keeps your skin healthy, and you will feel good,” she said.

    Rita Chika Ebigbagha founded Rixari Skin Secrets in 2015 to revolutionize the skincare industry in Nigeria using Mesotherapy, Laser technology and aesthetics.

    She is in the business of formulation of healthy skincare products with locally sourced natural/organic materials for all types of skin color and textures. The company is also involved in the treatment of all kinds of skin challenges ranging from acne, syringoma, stretch marks, dark knuckles, green veins, dark eye circles, sunburns, uneven skin color, warts, moles, wrinkles, etc.

    Rita Chika Ebigbagha is a skin therapist as well as a skin formulator. And she explains what the two entail in this interview.

    Hear her, “A skin therapist also known as skincare specialist or an esthetician is a person that specializes in understanding various skin conditions and proffers appropriate treatment in order to improve the health of the skin conditions.

    “Skin therapists perform services like facial cleansing treatments, laser hair removal, chemical peels, body polishing, etc. Other duties include recommending products based on specific skin needs.

    “While a skin therapist is concerned about the client’s skin and proffering the best products of services to use in improving the skin condition, a formulator is rather concerned about developing skincare products using naturally sourced ingredients to treat the condition. Like I said previously, I have gained certifications on both formation and therapy to be able to build the Rixari Skin Secrets.”

    Rixari Skin Secrets has done numerous treatments with testimonies all over the internet both within and outside Nigeria. The company unarguably has the best skincare products for the treatment of sunburn, dark eye circles, acne, warts, moles, stretch marks, dark knuckles, dark spots, etc. The company has over 96 different products well formulated and very effective.

    “We also render the best services like facial treatment, body polishing, instant mole/wart removal, etc. There are several testimonies to prove our expertise. Our testimonies make us outstanding,” says Ebigbagha

    Rita Chika Ebigbagha graduated from Federal University of Owerri with a Second Class Honors (Upper Division) from the department of Agricultural Economics.

    She was born in Abuja, Kubwa, Federal Capital Territory. She hails from Obowo, Imo State

  • How Daramola Oluwatobi growing Thowbie Makeovers brand

    How Daramola Oluwatobi growing Thowbie Makeovers brand

    The Chief Executive Officer of Thowbie Makeovers, Daramola Oluwatobi has carved a niche for herself as a body sculptor of note, not only in Nigeria but globally.

    The sun truly shines on Daramola’s neck of the wood but it has not been all sunshine all the way, she grew in leaps and bounds.

    “I started my business as a makeup artist and seller. I was selling makeup products and I was also into home deliveries for clients,” Daramola recounted. “I didn’t really start with any amount per se like most people would say. I actually started with no amount of money. I only started using my BBM Channel through which I was able to make contacts and market products based on demand.”

    After 4 years of establishment, clients from all walks of life flock to the Lagos-based Thowbie Makeovers for Daramola’s top-notch body contouring techniques. Using a suction cup, she works to non-surgically reshape and enhance clients’ bodies.

    “I started my business because I love to look good and enhance my facial features. I was so good at it, many people would see my face and ask who did my makeup and I would answer that I did and they would be so wowed, ask for my number and call me to do theirs while I get paid. I was getting referrals back to back and I started training too. As times went on, I went on to learn more beauty skills and included them in my business. Because I have a passion of making myself and others look good, feel great about their own body, and boost their self confidence, that was what made me focus on beauty.” she said.

    Apart from having her Bachelor’s degree from Olabisi Onabanjo, she did a couple of professional courses in music, computer science and others. She also did professional courses in beauty aesthetics and sculpting. She’s a Christian and single.

    Daramola Oluwatobi started a beauty business in 2014. She hails from Osun.

  • Emerging scientist Ologun Ayoyele wins national industrial chemistry prize

    Emerging scientist Ologun Ayoyele wins national industrial chemistry prize

     In a resounding win that has caught the attention of both the scientific and industrial policy community earlier this year, Ologun Ayoyele emerged as the grand prize winner of the 2018 National Applied Chemistry Challenge, a high-level competition aimed at identifying and supporting the next generation of innovators solving Nigeria’s toughest industrial and environmental problems through chemistry.

    Ayoyele’s winning project, titled “Surface-Based Intervention for Corrosion Control in Crude Transport Infrastructure,” introduced a novel technique for chemically modifying metallic surfaces used in pipeline construction, significantly improving their resistance to corrosion caused by crude oil acidity and humid coastal conditions. 

    The judges, a panel of senior chemists, engineers, and policy experts, hailed the solution as “a low-cost, scalable intervention with immediate relevance to Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.”

    Following his victory, Ayoyele was awarded a research development grant and invited to begin consultative engagements with stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and National Metallurgical Development Centre (NMDC). Organisers of the competition confirmed that he will be collaborating with these agencies to explore the integration of his findings into updated industrial guidelines and standards for petroleum infrastructure design.

    His work, which focuses on manipulating material surfaces at the microstructural level using simple chemical treatments, offers a potential breakthrough in reducing annual corrosion-related losses, which cost the Nigerian oil industry billions in pipeline repairs and environmental penalties.

    Since winning the competition, Ayoyele has been hosted at technical briefings with senior engineers from national pipeline agencies and has already conducted pilot testing of his surface treatment method on mid-grade carbon steel samples supplied by a regional refinery. Early results suggest a 47% increase in time-to-failure resistance under accelerated corrosion testing — a promising indicator for long-term pipeline durability in Niger Delta conditions.

    In addition to his technical achievements, Ayoyele is quickly earning a reputation as a communicator and advocate for science-led policymaking. He has been invited to several stakeholder roundtables to discuss how Nigerian chemists can drive indigenous innovation in infrastructure maintenance and environmental protection.

    “He doesn’t just understand the science — he understands the system,” said Mrs. Jumoke Adebiyi, Director of Technical Services at SON. “What makes him stand out is his ability to explain how surface chemistry fits into broader national goals: reducing spills, protecting local ecosystems, and saving money on imported solutions.”

    Ayoyele has also begun working informally with a policy drafting group exploring updates to Nigeria’s environmental compliance standards for petroleum transport and storage. Sources within the Ministry of Environment confirm that his research has already informed a proposed technical note being considered for inclusion in a forthcoming regulatory review.

    Colleagues from his early research circles describe him as deeply focused and unafraid to challenge outdated practices. “He has that rare blend of scientific rigour and national consciousness,” said one mentor. “He asks the big questions — and then he builds solutions that work here, not just in theory.”

    As he continues to engage with regulators and industrial partners, Ayoyele is already setting his sights on broader continental collaboration. He recently hinted at discussions with young chemists in Ghana and Kenya about forming a regional task force focused on sustainable surface engineering for oil and gas systems.

    For now, however, his focus remains clear: ensuring that the science he develops can be used by those who need it most. “We can’t afford to treat corrosion and contamination as inevitabilities,” he said. “We have the tools. What we need is the will to apply them — and the systems that let us do it at scale.”

  • Okada riders foil attempted abduction outside Lagos school

    Okada riders foil attempted abduction outside Lagos school

    Panic broke out yesterday afternoon in Mende, Maryland, when an attempted abduction of a student from Halifield School was foiled by commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) and local security at the estate gate.

    Witnesses said the student, Miss Oreoluwa Toluwani, had just stepped outside the school around 3:30 p.m. when several men tried to force her into a black Toyota Camry. 

    Her screams drew the attention of nearby pupils and Okada riders waiting to ferry students home.

    “I was by the gate waiting for passengers when I heard people shouting, ‘They’ve kidnapped her!’” said Mr. Ramon Ajayi, an eyewitness. “I turned and saw a young girl struggling inside a car, biting one of the men. I shouted, others joined, and we chased the vehicle. We alerted the street gate security, who shut the gate and blocked their escape. That gate saved her.”

    The riders and estate guards held the suspects until police officers arrived and took them into custody. By the time our reporter reached the scene, the visibly shaken victim had been reunited with her mother and escorted away.

    Read Also: Army tightens noose against Boko Haram terrorists, says Buratai

    A family member, who asked not to be named, alleged that the suspects are relatives of the girl and claimed they intended to subject her to female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice the family has repeatedly opposed. 

    “We’ve faced pressure from relatives to allow this harmful practice. I’m relieved the police intervened,” the relative said, urging authorities to protect the child.

    When contacted by phone, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike Oti, confirmed an attempted abduction but said he had not yet received a full briefing. 

    He pledged that more details would be released as the investigation progresses. As at press time, the command had not issued a formal statement.

  • Herdsmen murder Edo man in hunt for brother who exposed farm invasion

    Herdsmen murder Edo man in hunt for brother who exposed farm invasion

    In a brutal attack that underscores Nigeria’s escalating farmer-herder violence, Justice Ehebha (39) was fatally stabbed on Friday afternoon while defending his family home against armed herdsmen.

    The assailants were reportedly hunting for his older brother, Samuel Ehebha (43), a former Human Resources Manager at Imo Hills Farm in Osun State, who had previously exposed the group’s role in a violent farm invasion.

    According to police sources and family testimony, Samuel’s ordeal began at Imo Hills Farm in Osun State, where he served as the HR Manager. Earlier this year, he identified key herdsmen involved in a coordinated invasion that resulted in the destruction of crops and livestock. His testimony led to the arrest of suspects, making him a target for retribution.

    “They threatened to ‘silence him permanently’ for costing their men freedom,” recounted a family member who preferred to remain anonymous. Samuel fled Osun State days later, seeking refuge in his ancestral hometown in Edo State.

    Read Also: Edo: Police arrest 28 suspected kidnappers, robbers, cultists

    “Justice sacrificed himself to buy Samuel time to escape through the back fence,” said a tearful family member.

    “Samuel is now in hiding, knowing they’ll return. Samuel exposed criminals. Now Justice is dead, and Samuel’s life is ruined. We beg the government to intervene.”

    The tragedy reflects a broader national crisis. The United Nations estimates that over 6,000 deaths have occurred since 2000 due to herder-farmer clashes, driven by land disputes and religious divides. Samuel’s case reveals a chilling pattern: whistleblowers are targeted, families are terrorized, and justice remains elusive.

    Edo State Police Public Relations Office, PPRO, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the incident but stated that he had not yet been briefed on the details.

    He admitted that no arrests had been made. “We’re treading carefully. These conflicts ignite communal tensions,” he stated, referencing Nigeria’s volatile North-South divide. He promised to provide an update within the hour, but as of the time of filing this report, we have not yet heard from the Police.

  • Hair maximizes a woman’s beauty – Sandra Aburime

    Hair maximizes a woman’s beauty – Sandra Aburime

    It is often argued that women look more appealing when their hair is made or well arranged. When a hair looks great, it adds confidence to the carrier and attracts more attention from the male folks. While it may not be the major determinant of a woman’s beauty, hair complements the beauty and Sandra Aburime, a Nigerian entrepreneur, and the Chief Executive Officer of Lucious Virgin Hair, is unequivocal about the importance of hair to a woman’s beauty.

    “No matter how nicely dressed a woman is, if her hair is not tidy then she isn’t ready to show up. I would say hair contributes more than 70% to a woman’s beauty,” she stated in a recent interview.

    “Personally, I think beauty is relative, it comes from within, beauty means elegance and class and I believe everyone is beautiful in their own right, that’s why we tell people to patronize Luscious Virgin Hair so we can bring out their inner beauty. I believe hair can maximize a lady’s beauty in the sense that hair is likely the first thing anyone would notice about an individual. Therefore having good hair is very important as it helps in enhancing the confidence of a woman making her look gorgeous,” she added.

    Sandra Aburime founded Lucious Virgin Hair in 2012. Her journey into entrepreneurship began far back in her university days.

    She said it all started as fun because she enjoyed shopping then realized she could actually sell and make extra money for herself and that was it, the rest was history as they say. After graduation she had made a lot of money and was already a millionaire.

    “I had gotten a good car and built my first house, at that point there was no need to look for a job. I was already self-made and my brand was thriving,” she said.

    Sandra Aburime hails from Ewu Local Government in Edo State, Nigeria. She attended Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), in Benin City, Edo State. She bagged both a diploma degree in computer engineering and Bsc degree in accounting from University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.

    Her Lucious Virgin Hair, over the years has grown exponentially not only in staff strength but also in size. She has branches in many States across the country with a great turnover rate. Her dream, according to her, is to have branches all over the world and to create more employment opportunities.

    “I would also love to create a platform for young and new entrepreneurs to thrive in, create a free skill acquisition scheme to empower youths who would love to go into hair business and styling,” she stated.

  • Aphrodisiac business, very lucrative – Enderline Ndubuisi

    Aphrodisiac business, very lucrative – Enderline Ndubuisi

    Kano State-born and bred trending sex therapist and Chief Executive Officer of U Slay Assembly, Ndubuisi Enderline Ngozi started her business of sex in 2017 and a year later she has become a notable figure to respect and listen to.

    In a recent interview the beautiful microbiologist turned sex therapist and sexologist explained why she veered into the sex industry, revealing the passion behind her calling.

    “Growing up, I watched a lot of homes break and as I got older I discovered that more than half of the issues that caused the divorce were sex related and people were very embarrassed to discuss it. I decided to start filling this gap and I’m proud to say that since 2017 I have saved my homes and relationships.

    When asked if the aphrodisiac business has been lucrative, she replied with a gleam on her face.
    “Any business where you serve people and meet a pressing need is lucrative, like the good ol’ saying ” never chase money, create solutions and money will chase you”. The moment I learnt how to personally produce the aphrodisiacs, I can say that the business is quite lucrative,” she said.

    But behind the success she has enjoyed there are unseen scars as she revealed sacrifices she has made to remain on course so far.

    “If you need to serve the public, you have to say goodbye to uninterrupted sleep 8 hours a day, you have to learn to be patient , this is my story. Since I started this business the line between my personal life and the business has blurred. Clients want to chat and call you up at any time they feel low and the interesting part is they need to be heard. These sacrifices are priceless and I am glad that I am able to always proffer solutions that work to the satisfaction of my esteemed clients,” she added.

    Enderline Ndubuisi is known as the youngest Kayanmata Goddess in Nigeria because her secret weapon is the Kayanmata herb. She got to learn of its efficacy by the virtue of her growing up in Kano, a state known widely for the herb.

    “Kayanmata is a Hausa word, meaning ‘Women’s things’. They are herbs used to enhance sexual pleasure. Kayanmata is the same as aphrodisiac, anything that is used to stimulate sexual pleasure. Enderline Ndubuisi started her business in 2017 at the age of 20, making her the youngest in the trade.

    Apart from using her Kayanmata magic to resolve sexual issues between men and women, the Imo State indigene also manufactures other wide range of aphrodisiacs. According to her, she manufactures organic aphrodisiac with the help of her assistant, named Okoh Stephen Ifeanyi, a graduate of biology.

    Ndubuisi Enderline Ngozi was born on March 28, 1997. She’s originally from Imo State but born and bred in Kano. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Ebonyi State University.

  • Geraldine champions green innovation for corrosion control to strengthen manufacturing, industrial supply chains

    Geraldine champions green innovation for corrosion control to strengthen manufacturing, industrial supply chains

    Geraldine Chika Nwokocha, a chemical engineer, advocates for the use of natural plant-based inhibitors to revolutionize corrosion control in the manufacturing and oil & gas sectors, leading to safer operations and more sustainable supply chains.

    Geraldine began her career as a procurement and sourcing manager at Slot Engineering in 2016, following her graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Landmark University in Nigeria. She shared these insights following the publication of her co-authored research article, “Inhibitory Action of Vernonia amygdalina Extract (VAE) on the Corrosion of Carbon Steel in Acidic Medium,” in the Journal of Electrochemical Science and Engineering (Vol. 7, No. 3, August 15, 2017). She was indexed in Scopus, one of the world’s leading scientific databases.

    She notes that corrosion is a silent threat, costing global industries billions annually in repairs, replacements, and supply disruptions. “When equipment fails due to corrosion, production stops, safety is compromised, and the entire supply chain is disrupted,” Geraldine explained.

    Her study evaluated Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) stem extract as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic conditions, achieving a maximum inhibition efficiency of 78.1% at a concentration of 0.6 g/L. “This result demonstrates strong potential for industrial application, providing an eco-friendly alternative to harmful synthetic inhibitors,” she said.

    Connecting this to supply chain and procurement, Geraldine explained that corrosion-related failures often force procurement teams into emergency sourcing, which drives up costs and causes delays. “By extending equipment life and reducing unplanned downtime, green inhibitors like VAE support more stable and predictable supply chains,” she added.

    She further emphasized that integrating such natural inhibitors can reduce dependency on imported synthetic chemicals. “Sourcing inhibitors from locally abundant plants like Vernonia amygdalina supports local agriculture, empowers communities, and aligns procurement strategies with national economic goals,” she noted.

    Geraldine emphasized that production lines rely on equipment integrity and that effective corrosion control is crucial for maintaining consistent output quality. “Adopting green corrosion inhibitors protects assets and ensures that manufacturing timelines and customer commitments are met,” she said.

    Highlighting the green initiative aspect, she pointed out that traditional inhibitors pose significant environmental and health risks. “The use of natural plant extracts is a sustainable alternative that aligns with global environmental standards and corporate social responsibility goals,” Geraldine said.

    Her research found that the adsorption process was spontaneous and followed the Langmuir isotherm model, confirming the formation of a strong, uniform protective film on the steel surface. “We found that compounds like tannins and saponins in the extract were key to forming a robust protective layer, effectively reducing corrosion,” she said.

    Geraldine advocated for policies that encourage industry to invest in green technologies and local research. “Governments and private sectors should create incentives for adopting eco-friendly solutions, which protect assets and reduce the overall carbon footprint,” she said.

    She maintained that this approach could position Nigeria and other African nations as leaders in sustainable industrial practices. “We have the resources and scientific capacity to set a global example. By embracing green corrosion control, we can build stronger, cleaner, and more resilient supply chains,” she added.

    Looking forward, Geraldine is committed to further exploring natural solutions to industrial challenges, bridging her expertise in engineering, procurement, and supply chain management. “My goal is to continue integrating research with practical strategies that drive both economic and environmental benefits,” she said.

    Her research on Vernonia amygdalina not only advances scientific understanding of green corrosion inhibition but also provides a practical roadmap for industries aiming to improve operational efficiency, protect the environment, and enhance supply chain resilience.

    Read the complete publication here: https://doi.org/10.5599/jese.353

  • Danny Oyekan’s Dan Holdings launches App to rival Moneygram, Western Union

    Danny Oyekan’s Dan Holdings launches App to rival Moneygram, Western Union

    Chairman, Dan Holdings and Executive Chairman of Telechat, Danny Oyekan is poised to challenge the status quo in financial services by deploying an App called Telechat that will not only rival Moneygram and Western Union but surpass them in terms of real time efficiency and speed.

    According to Oyekan, Telechat aims to provide worldwide access to financial services by using cryptocurrencies, bypassing the need for an intermediary entity. By being decentralized, stable, and global, Telechat seeks to bring value in the blockchain and fintech ecosystem by bringing crypto to the masses becoming the Uber for Crypto. Telechat utilizes disruptive blockchain technology to deliver a privacy-focused messaging application that provides global payments in a variety of cryptocurrencies.

    “We believe fintech is the future, and the future of money is global”, said Danny Oyekan, Chairman at Dan Holdings and Executive Chairman of Telechat. “Cross border remittance services like Moneygram and Western Union are still popular in developing parts of the world such as India and Africa, however, these services charge fees between 10% and 15%. For some people, these fees take a significant part of their salary. Telechat aims to remove that financial burden by bringing global adoption of DeFi technology.

    Dan Holdings leverages the power of decentralized technology, by launching Telechat, a privacy-focused messaging application that allows users to send money to family and friends as easy as sending messages and images. Equipped with a multicurrency wallet, Telechat implements cryptocurrency transactions in a modern messaging and VOIP application. Users can buy, sell, and transfer digital assets such as The yet to be named Gold backed Coin, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Binance Coin. Intending to replace traditional financial institutions and capture the remittance sector, Telechat seeks to provide a cost-effective option for sending money worldwide.

    Telechat provides messaging features such as private chats, secret chats, broadcast lists, and both private and public channels for group discussions. The chat features video and voice calls, text and voice messages, stickers, user location sharing, and other forms of media. Aside from connecting people socially, the application additionally connects people financially. Users have an integrated cryptocurrency wallet that supports a variety of significant digital assets.

    “The stored cryptocurrencies can be sent to anyone anywhere, and even be exchanged into local currencies. Users have real control over their assets as they hold control over their private keys, ensuring that no one else can access or control their wallet. With a friendly and simple interface, users can view their balance and complete transaction history, filled with details such as addresses, recipients, and transaction value.

    Data became one of the most valuable assets in the 21st century. Technological corporations misuse the trust people have in them by selling their private data. Most messaging platforms are owned by companies who have previously sold user data to other entities. Disturbed by this notion, Dan Holdings focused heavily on privacy when creating Telechat,” Oyekan said.

    Speaking further he added, “Aside from protecting privacy, financial freedom should be established as well. In a period of global geopolitical uncertainty and a potential recession, people not only require stability but demand it. For this reason, Telechat’s Wallet “Coins App” will provide stability using the yet to be named Gold backed Coin for Payments and Remittances and ensuring stability of the price when sending payments.

    “Telechat also provides its users with control over their private keys. Without using intermediaries, everyone can decide how their assets are stored and whom they are sent to, in the absence of any 3rd-party supervisor.

    “Additionally, Telechat focused on portability, ensuring that users can manage and access their cryptocurrency wallet no matter where they are, by implementing their messaging solution into a mobile application. By doing so, users don’t have to worry about the security of their wallet nor be restricted to making transactions only when at home. Telechat helps people stay connected throughout the entire day no matter where they are.

    Telechat Beta Early Access is now available starting on Android and from October 2019 on iOS devices. With a focus on achieving decentralization, stability, and global adoption, Telechat will reinvent the way we use money.”

    Danny Oyekan, a Nigerian-Saint Lucian was born 30 August 1994. He is an early Bitcoin investor and serial entrepreneur. He is the Founder of Dan Holdings and Dan Ventures. Dan Ventures deals in early stage startup funding, whereas Dan Holdings is a Blockchain, and emerging technologies company.

    He was amongst the first wave of Bitcoin investors and is considered a pioneer in establishing the use of virtual currency in the African markets.

    Oyekan has been featured in several media outlets including, Data Source Hub, Time Bulletin, Forbes Middle East, US Times Now, CoinTelegraph, Tech Cabal, Inside Bitcoins, and others

    Oyekan was born in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria. He completed his high school education at Chrisland College. He moved to Dubai, UAE in 2015 to pursue his bachelor’s degree. He attended the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), where he majored in International Business (BBA).

    His entrepreneurial sojourn began in 2012 when he started investing in Bitcoin. After making a series of investments in Bitcoin, Oyekan, 2017/ sold some of his Bitcoin collection to fund his first business idea – Dan Ventures, a Venture investment firm that focuses on ventures, tokens, and projects related to blockchain tech, digital currency, and digital assets and other emerging technologies.

    He later founded Dan Holdings, a Blockchain technology Ecosystems. The aim behind the foundation of this blockchain ecosystem was to revolutionize the technology sector in the Middle East and Africa by supporting the creation of the latest technological inventions, thus building a solid financial foundation for the African and Middle Eastern people.

  • ‘We need HR professionals who think beyond policies’ – Chinenye Okatta

    ‘We need HR professionals who think beyond policies’ – Chinenye Okatta

    As organisations across Nigeria rethink how they recruit, develop, and retain talent, Chinenye Okatta is among a growing number of professionals advocating for practical and people-focused solutions. With a background in Accounting and hands-on experience in recruitment, she has worked across various sectors to help organisations build smarter hiring systems, improve internal mobility, and deliver more transparent performance evaluations.

    In this interview, she reflects on hiring challenges in the Nigerian workplace, the role of empathy and data in HR decision-making, and how small changes in process design can lead to long-term impact.

    You’ve seen different sides of HR in Nigeria. What stands out to you as the most common problem?

    For me, one recurring issue is the way hiring decisions are made. Too often, companies focus on surface-level criteria like degrees or previous job titles. Those things have value, but they don’t tell you how someone will behave on a team or whether they can adapt to a particular environment. I’ve seen many cases where candidates look good on paper but end up struggling in practice. That mismatch can lead to turnover, disengagement, and avoidable training costs.

    What did you do to start solving that problem in your environment?

    I introduced a more structured evaluation process. I began incorporating cognitive and behavioural assessments into the hiring process, especially for mid-level and junior roles. These tools gave us a clearer picture of how candidates think, solve problems, and relate to others. It helped shift the conversation from credentials to actual compatibility with the job.

    Of course, this wasn’t something I did alone. I worked closely with our HR team to build the process and make sure it aligned with existing workflows. Over time, we saw real improvements. The quality of our hires increased, and team dynamics became stronger because people were better suited for their roles.

    What role do you think HR should play in addressing youth unemployment and underemployment in Nigeria?

    I believe HR has a responsibility to do more than fill roles. There’s a whole generation of young people trying to navigate their first few years of work without clear support. I’ve tried to respond to that by designing systems that help junior staff take more ownership of their growth. One approach I used was to introduce self-assessment tools that employees could complete ahead of performance reviews. It encouraged them to reflect on their challenges and contributions.

    That change gave managers a starting point for meaningful conversations, and it helped junior staff see a path forward. As a result, several people who joined in entry-level roles were able to move into more advanced positions within a relatively short time.

    Digital tools are becoming more common in HR. In your experience, is this kind of transformation realistic in Nigeria?

    Yes, it is. I’ve seen firsthand how small changes can make a big difference. I started by looking for areas where tasks were repetitive or unclear, things like onboarding checklists, application reviews, or leave tracking, and found ways to organise them using basic tools like Google Forms and spreadsheets.

    It didn’t require expensive software. What mattered was building processes that were clear, consistent, and easy for the team to manage. It took some coordination and training, but once people saw how much time they were saving, they became active participants in improving the system.

    How do you make sure that technology doesn’t push people away in the process?

    I always try to think about how the system feels to the person using it—whether that’s a new hire, a team lead, or someone applying for a job. Any time I introduce a new tool or process, I communicate the purpose clearly and invite feedback. In one case, when we started using screening assessments, I made sure candidates received summaries of their results so they could understand the process and feel respected, regardless of the outcome.

    In your view, what’s missing from the national conversation around HR today?

    There’s not enough emphasis on using data thoughtfully, and we often ignore the human side of policy. I think some HR departments still see themselves as responding to complaints or enforcing rules. But there’s a lot we can do before things go wrong.

    I use data to understand trends like how long it takes to fill certain roles or which departments have higher turnover, and that helps shape better decisions. But beyond numbers, we also need empathy. We should be asking: What are people experiencing? What obstacles are they facing? And how can we address those in a way that’s fair and sustainable?

    Your academic background is in Accounting. What drew you into Human Resources?

    I was trained to think in terms of process, accuracy, and structure. Accounting gave me that foundation. But I started paying more attention to how people grow at work—and what holds them back. I saw HR as a space where I could apply structure to something more dynamic: human performance.

    It became clear to me that workplace success isn’t just technical. It’s emotional, behavioural, and relational. That realisation changed my focus, and I’ve stayed committed to creating environments where people have the clarity and support they need to thrive.

    What areas are you focused on now, and what direction are you hoping to take in the future?

    Right now, I’m focused on improving how organisations evaluate performance, structure career growth, and communicate expectations. I pay close attention to the feedback loop between managers and employees, and I try to design tools that make that interaction more useful for both sides.

    Long term, I want to continue to carry out extensive research, building practical solutions, tools, and processes that help people understand their work, grow in it, and feel respected in the process. I believe that when systems are fair and thoughtful, they create better outcomes for everyone involved.