Staying Up-To-Date With Industry Best Practices Has Helped Me Build Confidence In My Work – Oge Dan-Gogo, Manager, Compliance And Risk Management, LES Energy
Can we have an insight into your background and profile?
I am Oge Dan-Gogo, a passionate professional with a degree in Biotechnology. With over 13 years of experience in the Oil and Gas industry, I’ve developed expertise in Tendering, Subsea Operations, Interface Management and Communication, Auditing and Investigation.
My current role at LES has given me hands-on experience with sustainability, policy development, risk management and compliance management tools. My profile is built on consistency, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. I’m honored to be recognized as one of the 25 most value-adding female professionals in Nigeria.
Can you take us through your career trajectory?
My oil and gas career journey began with a front desk role in Tilone Subsea Ltd in 2012 and as I built capacity, I was given more responsibilities including leading the tendering team and project management role. Each step has been a learning experience, shaping me into the professional I am today. I’ve had the privilege of working with IOCs like SNEPCO, TOTAL, ENI, ExxonMobil and NOCs as part of Tilone’s oil servicing operations to deliver various marine and subsea scopes.
I worked with Addax Petroleum as Client Rep onboard MV Kalaface for the provision of WROV and survey services for Okwori Tree Valve Override Operations in 2021. My background has equipped me with an understanding of regulatory and stakeholder requirement which is the bedrock of my current role.
Who and who would you say have been most influential on your life and career?
My first formal work experience was as Secretary to Pastor Jerry Eze the renown NSPPD convener who was in part time ministry and working at the UNFPA at the time. He believed that with God, you could literally walk on water and when I got my first oil and gas job and was worried I didn’t have the right academic backgroundin engineering to excel in the role, he said to me “you can do anything- challenge yourself” and that has stayed with me till date.
My first manager in Tilone was instrumental in the most unconventional way in mentoring me because she had no room for errors, gave no second chances, so I learnt the hard way to get it right the first time. I’ve also learned a great deal from my current line manager, Mr. Omale who is a brilliant professional and exceptional leader.
In terms of personal influences, my late dad was major and my family is remarkably supportive – allowing me navigate the demands of my role and achieve all I am designed to. The biggest influence without a shadow of doubt is God!
As a woman, what were the challenges you have encountered in the course of your career and how did you tackle them?
Navigating a male dominated industry, overcoming biases and stereotypes is at the top of the list. I’ve encountered situations where my abilities were underestimated or overlooked just because of my gender but I focus on personal growth and staying up-to-date with industry best practices, which has helped me build confidence and credibility in my role.
I’ve also learned to advocate for myself and others, like Maya Angelo said “each time a woman stands up for herself…she stands up for all women. Another is work-life balance; managing professional responsibilities while maintaining a healthy personal life is farfetched.
Whilst I’ve had my fair share of challenges, I’ve embraced them as necessary for growth to build anti-fragility and adaptability.
Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in the course of your career?
When I transitioned to Tender Coordinator; my team lead had just resigned, the organization was on a brink, so 95% of my team were placed on redundancy, leaving me with very little to work with yet at the top of my KPI was bid success and bid conversion rates. I was torn between excitement on the promotion and fear of failure. Thankfully, I met my KPIs which culminated in my project coordinator role. It was a turning point in my career that taught me resilience.
Stewarded with leading the organization in an International Third Party legacy audit to evaluate the overall compliance to the Contract Agreement of the ExxonMobil General Maintenance Contract for USAN and ERHA which resulted in zero major findings and recognition by the client in my first quarter at LES and in compliance rolewas a chef-d’oeuvre for me!
In what ways would you say you have been impacting and adding value to the company?
Committed to driving growth and innovation, I conduct training on risk management with adoptable models to inculcate foundational knowledge and ability to carry out risk management at process levels; spearhead the utilization of compliance tools; enhanced customer satisfaction by frequently collecting and analyzing client feedback then using the data to improve service delivery; fostered a strong team culture by organizing team building initiatives such as: participating in annual walking football tournaments for people living with Parkinsons which improves collaboration among team members whilst giving back to the community; annual outing for the LES Women in celebration of the International Women’s Day, 2024 and 2025, to promote inclusion; celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity giving team members the opportunity to showcase their culture and bask in the unique identity we bring; nurturing wellness and mental health support through the Employee Assistance Program, EAP, provided under LES Health Insurance plan.
What are your future goals?
To leverage my expertise to foster a culture of integrity and excellence, thereby contributing to the company’s growth and success. Commit to continuous learning to position me for more senior roles where I can drive strategic initiatives and shape the company’s compliance vision and the oil and gas industry at large.
What advice do you have for aspiring female professionals?
God first, then God again. Develop resilience and understand that preparation is part of presentation- don’t wait for a “big” opportunity make every day count.
My Goal Is to Build a World-Class Risk Function for Moneda Invest – Olajumoke Adekanmi, Chief Risk Officer
Her role involves ensuring Moneda Invest meets its strategic objectives through effective rick oversight because she is its Chief Risk Officer. Furthermore, Olajumoke Adekanmi is responsible for safeguarding the resilience of the organization’s asset portfolio. This role, it is gratifying to say, she has been performing awesomely well to the admiration of all stakeholders of the organization.
She said, ‘I have developed and institutionalized a risk management strategy that protects our assets and enhances our strategic ability. I lead, and mentor a strong team, cultivating a culture of professionalism, accountability and innovation.
Risk management is now embedded into our strategic planning and performance review cycles, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.”
Olajumoke, a banking and finance degree holder is no new-comer to risk management. Prior to joining Moneda, she spent 15 years in the banking sector, leading and contributing to risk management functions. Besides her degree, she holds several certifications in risk management and is a Qualified Risk Expert. Over the years, she has worked across diverse risk roles, deepening her expertise and growing into leadership.
And when she left the banking sector, it was to Moneda she headed and today, she continues to thank her stars for making that bold but pivotal move as she is now focused on supporting African SMES and institutional partners by creating frameworks that de-risks investments whilst enabling sustainable growth.
She is eternally grateful to her parents, siblings and husband for the incredible support they’ve been rendering all through her career to the present. And on the professional side, she acknowledges the impact of Eneni Oduwole, one of her mentors whom she says has had a profound influence on her. According to her, Eneni has challenged her to grow, think more strategically and lead with authenticity.
Recounting some defining moments in her career, she says, “One defining moment was leaving an organization I had worked in for 15 years to join Moneda and establish its risk management framework from scratch. It was both a leap of faith and a growth catalyst. Creating a bespoke risk architecture that enables Moneda to support African SMES- ensuring African natural resources create African wealth has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career”.
On the challenges she has encountered as a career woman, the Moneda CRO stated that one of the biggest has been balancing her professional ambitions with family and personal responsibilities. However, she informed that she was able to navigate this through a strong support system, intentional time management, and learning to delegate effectively.
Another challenge she mentioned has been that of ensuring that her decision – making remains objective and free from emotions. To caution herself, she has over time learnt to pursue, reflect and apply a disciplined, principles – based approach to making decisions.
As regards challenges being faced in the discharge of her duties, she noted: “Driving risk awareness across non – risk functions can be challenging, especially in fast – paced, entrepreneurial environments.” But she explained that this is being tackled by engaging stakeholders consistently, co – creating solutions with business leaders, and demonstrating the value of risk thinking in achieving growth and profitability.
Overall, Olajumoke’s passion is to build a world class risk function that not only protects value but also creates it at Moneda. And to aspiring female professionals, she has these words of advice for them: “Define a clear vision for your life and career. Commit to learning, growth and excellence. Seek mentors and be open to feedback. Stay grounded in gratitude, even as you aim higher. Don’t wait to feel ready. Be bold. Do it afraid if you must – but do it anyway.”
I Believe Every Challenge Carries An Opportunity To Learn, Grow, And Make A Difference – Olajumoke Ajayi, MD, Ingentia Energies
Can we have an insight into your background?
I studied Applied Geophysics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and later earned a master’s degree in the same course from the University of Lagos. I started my career with Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, which gave me my first hands-on experience in the oil and gas industry.
From there, I have been fortunate to take on leadership roles in different organizations, including Centrica Resources (British Gas), Peak Petroleum, Degeconek Consulting, and Asharami Energy, which is the upstream arm of Sahara Group.
At Asharami, I led the team that successfully delivered first oil in record time, which was a really rewarding experience. Currently, I am the MD/CEO of Ingentia Energies Limited, an independent oil and gas exploration and production company.
Beyond the technical work, I am passionate about leading with integrity and professionalism. As the President-elect of Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, NAPE, I do my best to use my journey to inspire younger professionals, who want to make an impact in the industry.
You studied Applied Geophysics, what motivated your choice of the course?
I have always been passionate about science. Growing up in a family of educators, I developed a deep admiration for knowledge and problem-solving, so it was natural for me to be drawn to fields like engineering and technology.
At first, I was fascinated by civil engineering, I loved seeing how incredible structures like bridges could be built over water, then I became curious about computer engineering.
However, what really captured my interest was Geophysics. To me, it offered the perfect blend of science, technology, and real-world impact, and I found that exciting.
Choosing Geophysics was not the easiest path. My parents were a bit concerned about me going into what was seen as a male-dominated field. But rather than discourage me, that only strengthened my resolve.
I have always believed that passion, skill, and dedication, not gender, should define one’s career, and I was determined to build my own path in a field that challenges and inspires me.
Who and who would you say have been most influential on your life and career?
I have been fortunate to have many mentors in the industry who have supported and guided me throughout my journey. I look up to respected professionals like Mr. Biodun Adesanya, Dr. Kehinde Ladipo, Dr. Ebi Omatsola, Dr. Layi Fatona, Dr. Emmanuel Enu, and Mr. Austin Avuru, among others.
Whenever I find myself at a crossroads, they have always been willing to listen and offer solid advice and practical solutions. Their guidance has truly shaped my career, and I am deeply grateful for their support.
What keeps you motivated, even when the journey gets tough?
What keeps me going is the belief that every challenge carries an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to make a difference. I am driven by a sense of purpose: knowing that my work impacts not just the company, but the people, communities, and future generations we serve.
I draw strength from my faith in God, from the support of those around me, and from the responsibility to pave the way for others, especially young professionals looking up and seeing what is possible. That is what inspires me to keep pushing forward, no matter how hard it gets.
Can you relate some memorable experiences that you’ve had in the course of your career?
There are some experiences that have stayed with me because they made all the years of study, hard work, and extra effort truly feel worth it. One I’m especially proud of is when my team and I delivered a five-year work program in less than three years, it showed what’s possible when people are dedicated and focused.
Another was in 2016, when oil prices fell to $30 and many companies were downsizing. It was a difficult time, but we found creative ways to protect jobs. Under my leadership as the MD, we successfully reduced the company’s overhead by 52% without laying off any staff.
For me, that was more than just a business decision, it was about protecting livelihoods and standing by valued and committed staff when it mattered most.
What have been your achievements as the MD of Ingentia Energies?
One of the achievements I am most proud of as the MD of Ingentia Energies is leading our small but dedicated team to attain first oil in record time, this was no small feat. We worked with limited resources and funding, but through teamwork, innovation, and sheer determination, we achieved what many thought would take longer.
Another thing I am proud of is how intentional we have been about involving the communities around our field. We have made it a priority to hire locally, not just for full-time roles but also through internships, so young people in the community we operate can get real experience and feel a sense of ownership in what we’re building.
We have also ensured that some of the services we carry out on the field are handled by contractors from the host communities. It is important to me that as we grow, the people around us grow too. I want them to be part of the journey, not just observing from the sidelines.
Beyond that, I have worked hard with my team to keep our operations steady and consistent. We have been able to maintain regular oil production and evacuation, which has not always been easy, but it is something we have been very deliberate about.
For me, it is not just about hitting numbers. It is about building a company that adds real value, both in the industry and in the lives of the people around us.
What are your aspirations for the company?
My biggest aspiration is for Ingentia Energies to be known not just as another player in oil and gas, but as a company that truly does things differently, with integrity, safety, and care at the core. I want us to be a model for how energy companies can operate responsibly, without cutting corners or compromising people and the environment.
We are in an industry that is often seen as rigid or slow to evolve, but I believe we can change that narrative. I want to see us embrace smarter technologies, build strong local partnerships, and leave a positive footprint in the communities where we work, not just in words, but in real, tangible ways.
At the heart of it, my hope is that everything we do creates lasting value for our people, our partners, and Nigeria as a whole. If in a few years people can point to Ingentia and say, “They got it right,” then I will know we have done our job.
OYIZA SALU: HR Expert Shaping Polaris Bank’s Work, Culture And Driving Talent Strategies
As the Chief Talent and Culture Officer for Polaris Bank, Oyiza Salu plays a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture and driving talent strategies that enables performance in the bank. In fact, her expertise lies in leadership and talent development, human resources strategy and transformation, performance management, organizational culture and change management.
A graduate of Chemical Engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University, she also possesses an MBA from the University of Liverpool, UK and an Advanced Management certification from the Lagos Business School.
In addition, she possesses certifications from the Society for Human Resources Management and the Human Resource Certification Institute. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria and a honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
Asked the reason for her lateral shift from engineering to human resources profession, she replied: “I have always been passionate about building high – performing teams with strong belief that empowering individuals is the key to unlocking their full potential and driving business success”
Daughter of Commodore Albert Ajanaku of the Nigerian Navy who is now of blessed memory, Oyiza says her father had been a strong influence on her life and career as he always reminded them of the importance of good name while growing up, something he himself demonstrated all through his distinguished career.
Oyiza expressed delight that her career which is now over 20 years has been quite interesting, saying that the icing on the cake however was when she was conferred with the fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria in recognition of her contributions to the human resource practice in Nigeria.
Revealing the challenges she faces in the discharge of her duties, she informed that issues such as “japa syndrome” widely experienced in the country today as made talent acquisition and retention difficult.
To combat it, she reasoned, it is needful that a strong employer brand and inclusive culture be entrenched in the bank. This has been a key part of her work, she added. For aspiring female professionals, she advised: “Be Humble, Stay Hunger and Always Hustle.”
Utibe Udo: A Beacon Of Excellence In The Hospitality Industry
SHE is an embodiment of hardwork, the reason she has risen so fast in her career in the hospitality sector, a career she began 14-years ago.
A dedicated professional, she has cultivated a strong foundation in guest service excellence, operational efficiency and the creation of memorable customer experiences in a professional journey spanning event management, hotel operations, and the aviation industry.
And it is because her drive for results and excellence has been earning her notable appointments in the industry that she is today the Commercial Director for Newrest Nigeria. She is Utibe Usen Udo.
For those who may not know, Newrest Nigeria is a big player in the hospitality sector of Nigeria providing in flight catering to international flights from Lagos and Abuja; providing food and beverage services for travellers at airport lounges; providing catering and facility management for construction sites as well as oil and gas sectors; providing meal services for schools, hospitals and offices just as it does retail sales through duty- free shops in international airport departure terminals.
Utibe who holds a bachelor’s degree in Botany from the University of Lagos and an Executive MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University has further honed her expertise through executive education programmes at the Pan Atlantic University and Lagos Business School including training in Essential Management Skills and Strategic Marketing for Competitive Advantage.
Her roles in the hospitality industry has ranged from coordinating large scale events to managing front – of – house hotel operations and engaging in client – facing positions within the aviation sector.
This broad exposure has shaped her into an adaptable, service – oriented professional driven by a passion for exceeding expectations and upholding high standards of excellence across all touch points.
She cannot forget in a hurry those who have profoundly influenced her life and career. She informed that she is especially grateful to Mrs. Yewande Zaccheaus who provided her with the opportunity to begin her career in the hospitality industry through her company as well as Mrs. Patricia Agbons and Mr. Marc Wozniak who recognized her potential and gave her the pivotal opportunity in sales.
On the memorable experiences that she has had, she said: “There were several memorable moments early in my career where I was recognized for exceptional performance and exceeding customer expectations. At Eventful Ltd, I was honoured with the Best Staff Award in 2014.
During my time at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos, I received multiple accolades including Employee of The Month for May and December 2016 in the Front of House Category, as well as the Extraordinary Award as the Sales Department Superstar in June 2018. These recognitions have fueled my commitment to excellence and continue to inspire me to give my best in every area of life.”
On her advice to aspiring female professionals, she has these words of advice: “Authenticity, diligence and preparation are non – negotiable in business. Opportunities do not wait; they reward those who are ready.
We Are On Target To Deliver 100 Units Of Houses In Lagos By 2026 – Vivian Aimakhu, Executive Director, PWAN Perfection
VIVACIOUS Vivian Aimakhu, the Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of PWAN Perfection Business Investment Ltd, an affiliate of PWAN Group is a proactive, efficient, and excellence-driven professional with an appetite for new challenges. A seasoned professional with a proven track record of delivering results, she has been adding value to PWAN Perfection exceedingly.
A product of Westfold School of Management and the School of Estates as well as the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan African University, it is noteworthy that she is also currently undergoing a course in Liverpool John Moores University with a view to obtaining a B.A in International Business.
Career–wise, she stated that she has had several people who have mentored her. But her biggest influences are her husband, Amb. William Aimakhu whom she says has played a huge role in spurring her on as he has been her biggest fan.
Aside from him, another person is Dr Jayne Onwumere, President of PWAN Group, a woman who has been dominating the real estate industry in no small way. “The two have played a huge role in shaping me and my career,” she said.
Talking about what PWAN Perfection is into; Vivian said it started real Estate operations in 2021, majorly focusing on site and service but with a vision to develop houses. In 2022, the vision to build homes came to life working with certified engineers and seasoned professionals for their first project and this project was delivered in December 2024.
That gave them a huge fulfillment knowing that they are not just contributing to reducing the housing deficit in Lagos but also making home ownership dream a reality for all.
Daughter of a construction engineer father, Vivian recalled those days when she used to follow her father to work to his sites and would often watch him directing his workers on what to do, ensuring there is no waste in site, and then paying them for jobs done daily.
These experiences, she offered, had been very useful to her at the point where her company pivoted into construction and real estate. It has equally helped in shaping and building her into the person she is today.
Speaking about her achievements as the COO/ED of her firm, she had this to say: “As the COO, I am majorly responsible for the operations of the organization, coming up with strategies and helping the Managing Director in the management of the staff by ensuring the optimization of staff performances.
One of my major achievements was when PWAN Group had its President/Chairman’s Dinner in March 2025, and I emerged as the Most Outstanding Executive Director for 2024.
For me, that was huge because I wasn’t expecting it. I was just doing what I know best to do, just satisfied playing my role in the group and contributing my quota and did not know anyone was watching. It was a huge encouragement to me, and it has fostered a lot of push for me to do more.”
She sees every challenge as a learning curve saying it’s all part of the experiences she has acquired on the job. She adds: “It’s been a beautiful journey, I must say.”
Her goal for the company is the collective goal of the board. This, she offered, is to see that the company continues to contribute its quota to the reduction of the housing deficit in Lagos and Nigeria. And towards this end, she says they are already on target to deliver 100 housing units in 2026.
On her advice to aspiring female professionals, she admonished them:“All you need is inside you. Just put in the work, you never know who is noticing you. Whether you put in the work or not, there is dividend. So put in the work first and you’ll eventually get to where you are going.”
My Ultimate Goal Is To Make Finance A True Business Partner – Oluwakemi Adeniyi, GM Finance, OmniRetail Africa
Oluwakemi Adeniyi, the General Manager, Finance for OmniRetail Africa was inspired to real Accounting by her brother whom she described as a perfect example of not just discipline and intelligence, but of purpose and integrity.
“He pursued a career in accounting and I watched how committed he was to the process, precision, and impact of his work,” said Oluwakemi.
Continuing, she stressed: “His journey sparked something in me. I became curious about numbers, structure, and how businesses make financial decisions. Over time, that curiosity grew into a passion. Seeing how finance plays a critical role in building and sustaining organizations convinced me that this was the path I wanted to follow. Today as an accountant, I not only honour the inspiration I got from my brother, but I also take pride in helping others build strong financial organizations-just like he did.”
Oluwakemi possesses a B.Sc in Accounting and is also a chartered accountant having written and passed the professional exam of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN.
She confesses that apart from her brother who inspired her, she had been fortunate to also learn from leaders and mentors who along the way challenged her, encouraged her to think bigger, and gave her opportunities to grow. She stated that they have all contributed in shaping her to what she has become today as an accountant.
As regards the defining moments in her career, she explained that one instance that stands out was the time she was tasked with setting up a finance department from scratch for a fast growing company.
According to her, it was both exciting and overwhelming and she could recall having to work more hours, building policies, training a new team, and aligning processes with regulatory standards. When the first external audit was conducted and the department passed without queries, she said she felt incredibly fulfilled.
Another memorable moment was helping OmniRetail build their robust core banking application. Said she: “It was fast- paced and involved navigating complex financial issues and making the developers understand principles of accounting in simple terms. Seeing and knowing I played a key part behind the scenes was deeply fulfilling,” she remarked.
Shedding light on what OmniRetails does, Olajumoke said it is a technology-driven B2B e-commerce company that’s reshaping how retail distribution works across Africa. She said it provides a platform that connects manufacturers and distributors directly with retailers, using data and technology to optimize pricing, inventory and last-mile delivery.
The mission is to make retail more efficient, inclusive and accessible for everyone in the value chain-from producers to the smallest neighborhood retailers.
Olajumoke who declared that her goal is to make finance not just a back- office function but a true business partner advises aspiring female professionals to ensure they belong in every room they walk into, and to learn, grow, and lift others as they rise.
