ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Mary Dinah: Eyes On The Job
Mary Dinah is one woman the phrase ‘prim and proper’ describes aptly. With passion for connecting people to their dream jobs and shoring up their employability level, she comes across like Mother Teresa of the Nigerian job market. Mary runs Nigeria’s first real job centre – JobLink Recruitment Services.
“Anyone from different walks of life can come into our centre, drop off their resume or fill a form. From there, we add them to our database; we then connect them to the list of vacancies we have from employers.”
“We have a network of about 1 million job seekers in Nigeria and about 500 employers that use our services daily,” she says. These numbers are growing in terms of the job seekers and employers that we attend to.”
Mary did not start her career life as a human resource manager. She was formerly in the hospitality industry working with the top global brands such as Hilton, Marriott, Four Seasons, Le Meridien and Sheraton, an industry which by her own admission is an artificial world. “The light never goes; there’s always a car, free food and room services to do your chores for you. It is not the real world.”
Eventually, armed with an entrepreneurship training at Harvard University, she left that world to start her own firm.
In 2008, Mary established M.A.D Hospitality, a London-based hospitality consulting firm with particular focuses on the management of boutique hotels and service excellence training. The company has since grown and diversified into corporate hotel bookings with international clients which include Fortune 500 companies.
In 2014, the human resource department of M.A.D Hospitality metamorphosed into JobLink Recruitment Services, Nigeria’s first job centre.
In the real world of the sometime choking Nigerian business space, Mary is constantly evolving, tackling and surmounting one barrier after another.
“Working in Nigeria has been interesting,” she says. “Staffing was easy for us to do because we are a recruitment service company. But there is that challenge of financial support. We have been lucky because our company is of social importance and national interest. We have been enjoying the support of corporate organisations.”
But the challenges are not deterring Mary. Her main task now is to ensure low-level professionals have employability value.
“We are currently working hard to train people on employability. We found out that as we are connecting people to jobs, what about the people who have a minimum level of professionalism? So we are working with British council on training that was designed from the studies they have carried out. Also, corporate organisations have told us what universities don’t teach students: time management, teamwork and using initiatives on the job. These we teach to people.
“Last year we trained 2000 people. But this year we planned to train 500, 000 people. We are partnering with Lagos State Government, who have been very supportive, and a few companies, televisions and radio stations. Companies like Forte Oil, Sahara Foundation, Dangote Foundation and First City Monument Bank have all been supportive.”
As a woman, Mary Dinah believes it is sexist to limit a woman to a certain aspect of the economy.
To her, it is grossly inadequate to say women have certain things they must contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy, especially now when the country is in dire strait. “We can contribute a lot of things, especially when we have women in leadership positions,” she says with a serious look on her face.
“Women are not completely different creatures from men. I believe if we have more women in leadership roles such as president, governors and ministers, things will change.
“But I believe women also need to rise and go for it. The ceiling is made of glass, and to a large extent, it is what we created for ourselves. I wouldn’t say men have tried to keep women down. But if we continue to let men be the only ones to apply for top jobs, let men be the ones to be recommended for ministerial appointments, it won’t work for us. ”
She is of the opinion that women may not be getting better deals in the Nigerian economic space because they do not have a better network. She suggests that women cultivate an expansive network that includes people of influence in different aspects of life. She opines that having strong resumes would further enhance the ability of women being in leadership positions.
“But then with about 50 per cent of women not working, how will they contribute meaningfully to the economy,” she asks rhetorically with a slight laughter. But this is not a funny issue, she is quick to point out. “It is only if you have worked that you can build a CV and build a career. Then you can start to take up leadership positions.
“I don’t assume that they should give us positions just so they can increase the quota of women in leadership positions,” Mary says. She emphasises the need for women to work hard the way some men do.
However, she recognises that there are societal barriers that women have to surmount. And there’s one she considers pet peeve: the idea that a woman holding business meetings at late hours with men is considered a no-no.
“Before, women were not allowed to work. Men wouldn’t want their wives to work for a male. In fact, my own mum, Adesqueen, never worked for any man. She was a movie producer with a lot of Nollywood movies to her credit.
“But now we have a lot of women in the corporate world and government circles. That entails meetings, networking, business relationships and relations with people of opposite sex.
“A lot of my young male friends can afford to go to Aliko Dangote’s house or to his boat and have drinks at 10 pm. By the time they finish, they would have already signed a contract. But for a lady, that may not be possible.
“For instance, if a man asks me to come to his boat for a meeting at 8 pm. I will probably say that it is too late and suggest 5 pm. In broad daylight. Even then, when people see me at 5 pm walking towards his boat, they probably will say we have something going on.
“Another issue is that when women forge ahead and get to leadership positions, people automatically think that they slept their way up.”
Mary believes these societal conceptions are detrimental to the woman and preclude her, sometimes, from getting to where she should be. “But there is a solution,” she says, again with that signature laughter.
“The solution is for young women to keep working in an honest way. You have to have morals. You have to understand you cannot relate with men the way you bond with women. There will always be a difference in terms of decency and being appropriate.”
She concedes that there is nothing wrong with women having business engagements with men insofar the parameter are well defined, the relationship is not secretive and is kept decent. She notes that if more women do clean businesses with men, the society will change its view of such relationships.
Mary’s advice has obviously worked well for her. In just two years of being in business, her company has won five awards, and she has been conferred with the fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Brand Management.
However, Mary is not new to such level of acclaim. In addition to numerous awards, Mary received the much coveted Marriott Golden Circle Award for her outstanding achievement and contribution towards generating millions of Dollars in revenue at the Marriott London Sales Office. Her academic profile includes graduating Best in Class with Distinction in MSc International Hotel Management from the University of Surrey which is rated Number 1 in Europe for Tourism.
For these successes and positive press she has enjoyed since she decided to start her own business, Mary is thankful.
“I am very grateful to Starwood for bringing me back to Nigeria and for giving me a very soft landing in the country.
“I’m also thankful to Kemdy McErnest of the McErnet Company who has been helpful to our cause.”
But Mary still has lofty ambitions; ambitions to make her recruitment company the go-to centre for job seekers.
CULLED FROM THE GUARDIAN
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Franka Undie Pioneers AI Solutions In Healthcare, Garners Distinction, Special Award From Foreign Varsity
Franka Undie, a Nigerian from Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State has graduated from the RUDN University with the highest distinction in Applied Mathematics and Informatics/Data Science and Digital Transformation in her Master’s degree. Her outstanding achievements include receiving a special award for her groundbreaking scientific research aimed at revolutionizing the healthcare sector through artificial intelligence (AI).
Mrs Franca Undie Okache
Recalled that In 2019, Franka Undie captured national and international attention when she received over 20 MSc admissions from prestigious universities around the world. Opting to pursue her studies at RUDN University, she has since demonstrated unparalleled dedication and brilliance, culminating in her recent graduation with a distinction in MSc degree.
Mrs. Okache’s MSc thesis has set a new benchmark in the application of AI in healthcare. Her research focuses on developing an AI system that not only aids doctors in decision-making but also provides clear, understandable explanations for its recommendations. This innovation is designed to enhance the decision-making process in medical practice, enabling doctors to make better-informed choices based on comprehensive patient data.
Her AI system stands out for its user-friendly interface, which demystifies complex AI algorithms, making them accessible to medical professionals without extensive technical backgrounds. This breakthrough holds the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by ensuring that medical decisions are both data-driven and comprehensible.
Franka’s exceptional work has not gone unnoticed. She was honoured with a special award by RUDN University for her scientific contributions, highlighting the impact and importance of her research in the field of AI and healthcare. This accolade is proof of her innovative spirit and the practical relevance of her work.
Beyond her academic and research accomplishments, Mrs. Franka Matthew Okache’s personal life also reflects a commitment to excellence and service. She is married to Mr. Matthew Okache ANIPR, the Chief Press Secretary to Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly. Her family and friends are immensely proud of her achievements and the positive representation she brings to Nigeria on the global stage.
Apuye Angiating is an experienced, multi-competent, and Pro African Entrepreneur with a proven track record of excellence in the agricultural, real estate, investment banking and healthcare sectors. He has a knack for turning ideas into creative impactful brands that address the unmet needs of the underserved and at-risk communities, focusing on developing local content/potential to compete with global brands.
Mr Apuye Angiating
He has a passion for promoting youth and women productivity, which has led to the creation of brands with an inclusive ideology evident in the composition of his team and workforce. His entrepreneurial drive to help accelerate sectorial growth and entrepreneurship is playing a pivotal role to create jobs and self-reliance in a competitive economy like ours.
Mr Apuye Angiating is a USA based Agropreneur and the MD/CEO of Uteb Agro Consult and Farms Co. Ltd, with presence in Ondo State, Ekiti State and Cross River State. A reputable and established Agroprenuer with large scale farming projects in Ondo and Ekiti States, in maize/corn cultivation, creating employment for several members of these states. From the humble beginning as a small-scale farmer in Akure, Ondo State, his journey into agriculture and farming has been one of continuous growth and innovation.
Over the years, he has expanded his operations to encompass 175 hectares of farmland with ambitious plans to reach 1000 hectares and beyond within the next five years. This expansion is not just a testament to his vision but also a reflection of his unwavering commitment to promoting agro-allied services and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Innovation is at the heart of everything he does, from precision agriculture techniques to the adoption of climate smart practices, he is constantly exploring new ways to enhance productivity.
In a bid to promote indigenous excellence, Mr. Angiating has established the Superfine Vegetable Oil Factory in Bebuagbong Village, Ipong, Obudu LGA of Cross River State. The Superfine Vegetable Oil Factory is a testament to his commitment to local empowerment and sustainable development. As the first indigenous vegetable oil factory in Cross River State, he takes immense pride in pioneering an era of agricultural excellence. With state-of-the-art oil processing machines and a cutting-edge oil refinery, the superfine vegetable oil factory epitomizes the fusion of tradition and technology, delivering unparallel quality with every oil drop. Superfine vegetable oil is produced, refined and packaged to perfection in nutritional value in the 21st century.
The Uteb Agro Mentorship Hub pioneered and powered by Mr Apuye Angiating is a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth and development providing support, resources, and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. Through this mentorship program, he provides agricultural inputs and financial support to women and youths who aspires to venture into agriculture. Mr. Angiating is also planning a scholarship scheme to support Northern Cross River State students who are studying agriculture in tertiary institutions.
Currently Mr. Angiating is looking homeward with a proposed plan to establish cassava and maize projects in Cross River State. The discussion is on-going with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Cross River State and other community stakeholders.
As an Innovative entrepreneur, over the years he has created and established new business models to generate profit, accomplish company goals, and assist his community. With applied creativity, he has identified opportunities, developed innovative business models to meet consumer needs, improved market competitiveness, and transform ideas into business success. These are vital in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and addressing modern societal needs to push the boundaries of progress.
Considering his Entrepreneurial pedigree, Mr Apuye Angiating has been nominated as the Innovative Entrepreneur Man of the Year 2024 by Yala Achievers Award which is slated for July 28th at Transcorp Calabar, Calabar . This is to celebrate his remarkable accomplishments of who has shown immense and outstanding entrepreneurial innovation, leadership, creativity, and dedication towards providing gainful employment for Cross Riverians and Nigerians at large. The growing importance of Apuye’s works highlights his crucial role in encouraging innovation, inspiring future entrepreneurs, and driving economic growth.
Apuye Angiating holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the prestigious Howard University, Washington DC, USA. He is married to Victoria Utebye Angiating and the marriage is blessed with three lovely kids
Nigeria’s biggest annual symposium on career information, business development, employment and economic opportunities for students, young professionals and SMEs in Nigeria, National Career Fair, NCF, has moved to provide 6000 fresh jobs for unemployed graduates nationwide.
The annual event which is back for its 6th edition is designed to reduce the growing unemployment rate in Nigeria and respond to the growing needs of the society- student undergraduates, graduates through an all-encompassing career information program; and has this year introduced a Nationwide campaign tagged “#EmployAnIntern” in a bid to create instant jobs for Youths and students.
According to the convener of the NCF, Oluwaseun Shogbamu, “The #EmployAnIntern campaign is designed to engage a growing Nigerian workforce positively. The campaign encourages Organizations, to employ interns all around the country on the NCF platform that have been trained in work etiquette and professionalism either on the short or long term basis. The campaign is directed at both established companies and entrepreneurs, thus opening the minds of students, job seekers and youths to a whole new world of job descriptions they never thought existed.”
He added that the nationwide tour of the annual free symposium which will begin in Lagos at the Main Auditorium of the prestigious University of Lagos on the 7th of December, 2017 will be held across the six geo-political zones in the country and will also feature sixty (60) speakers and professionals while partnering with top HR personnel, Vocational training institutes, as well as Capacity Building-Oriented oraganisations.
The organisers of the National Career Fair however urged youth to take advantage of its platform to enhance personal branding by either volunteering for the event in various states or applying for various job and internship opportunities to be provided during the course of the nationwide tour.
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