Rita Okoji-Adesoji

Head, SCM

Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice and never the result of selfishness – Napoleon Hill

It has been an impactful and exciting journey of twenty five (25) and as expected, a lot has also been learnt. There has been a period of low moments and high moments. Whilst the former has helped to define my strength, resilience, the latter has pushed me towards striving for excellence and self fulfilment.

I have always known that I would be a leader but what type of leader, I had no idea until 2003, then a manager/HOD of Supply Chain Management Department, when I came across a quote by Rosalynn Carter that says:

 “ A Leader takes people where they want to go. A great Leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go but ought to be” Rosalynn Carter

I decided that in addition to building a career, I was going to build and manage anyone under my tutelage believing that managing people was one of the qualities a GREAT LEADER must possess.

I can confidently say that my career story will not be complete without mentioning some notable achievements in the organization. My career fulfilment is not in the promotion or remuneration over the 25 years, rather it’s the joy and excitement of seeing some of the people I managed and mentored going ahead to excel in their career within and outside the organization.

In addition to that, so much value has been created through so many initiatives, two (2) of which are landmark projects that have added unassailable value to the organization.

1. Customer Self Service Portal (CSSP) – This project was already on when I joined Customer Experience & Advocacy Department as the HOD. As soon as I joined, my then line manager gave me a mandate to ensure it was delivered. I was a senior member of the team that did not only deliver the project but also successfully managed the FOS customers through the introduction of DATA CAP. This is notable because the same Data cap was unsuccessfully implemented three (3) times because of the reactions from FOS customers.
2. PARIC Application – This is an equivalent of an ERP system that manages all procurement transactions companywide.

This has been a rewarding journey with ipNX, lessons have been learnt, friendships made, with some I have come to understand better, the continuous evolution of human relationship. The moments of triumph and celebration overshadow the not so good moments I must say.