Connect with us

Business

PROFILE: JESSICA AMARACHI OKU BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

Published

on

PROFILE: JESSICA AMARACHI OKU

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

 

Jessica Amarachi Oku is an accomplished Senior Treasury and Finance professional with 12 years of distinguished experience in enhancing liquidity, managing debt, optimizing investments, driving process efficiency, and comprehensive financial reporting for multi-million dollar portfolios. Her career is marked by a proven track record of inspiring finance teams to drive value creation, achieve outstanding results, mentorship and coaching talent within organizations.

Educational and Professional Development

Jessica’s academic and professional development journey showcases her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. In June 2011, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management with an impressive Upper Class (4.1 GPA) from the University of Nigeria, an achievement assessed by the World Education Services (WES). Continuing her educational pursuits, she completed a Project Management Training at Astute Trainers Consulting in June 2014, equipping her with essential project management skills. By December 2020, she had obtained an International Post Graduate Diploma in Strategic Management from the Metropolitan School of Business and Management, UK, further enhancing her strategic planning and management capabilities. Most recently, in October 2021, Jessica attended the Corporate Treasury Management program at the New York Institute of Finance (NYIF), where she honed her skills in advanced treasury operations and financial strategies. She is also a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) and is finalizing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at a recognized institution in Canada.

Awards and Recognition

Jessica’s exceptional contributions to her field have been recognized through several prestigious awards. In June 2020, she was honored with an Award for Outstanding Performance, reflecting her exceptional achievements and contributions. Following this, in April 2021, she received the Professional Achievers Award, acknowledging her outstanding performance and dedication to excellence. Additionally, she emerged as a top linked voice in Treasury Management in 2024.

Professional Trajectory

Jessica’s career trajectory is marked by significant roles and achievements in various esteemed organizations. At Guaranty Trust Bank Plc., from 2013 to 2016, Jessica served as a Commercial Banking Account Officer. In this role, she prepared budgets, income statements, and balance sheets. Additionally, she was instrumental in acquiring new customers, managing client relationships, and providing financial advisory services. Her analytical skills and dedication to customer service paved the way for her next position at Coronation Merchant Bank Limited. From 2016 to September 2019, as a Corporate Banking Relationship Manager and Team Lead for FMCG Sector, she drove business development initiatives with the primary aim of building the banks income, prospected new customers, and managed existing client relationships. Jessica also excelled in financial analysis, preparing cash flow forecasts, and overseeing credit management processes.

In September 2019, Jessica transitioned to Seven Up Bottling Company Limited as the Assistant Treasury Manager, a role she held until 2020. Here, she managed the company’s cash and debt portfolio, prepared financial reports, and forecasted cash flow requirements, maintaining vital banking relationships. Due to her exceptional performance, she was promoted to Head of Treasury, a position she held from 2020 to 2023. In this role, she was responsible for strategic cash flow planning, working capital optimization, and liaising with banks and lenders to structure financing solutions. Her financial acumen and impact investing led her to the Women’s Health Coalition of Canada in Alberta, where she currently serves as the Director of Fund Development since 2023. Jessica leads strategic planning and coordination of fund development initiatives and oversees treasury operations.

Conclusion

Jessica Amarachi Oku’s journey in the treasury and finance sector is a testament to her expertise, dedication, and leadership. Her extensive experience, combined with her continuous pursuit of professional development, positions her as a leading figure in the field. Her ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage complex financial operations, and inspire teams underscores her invaluable contributions to every organization she has been a part of.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Abducted Rivers bizman rescued, suspected robber arrested

Published

on

Abducted Rivers bizman rescued, suspected robber arrested

 

The Rivers State Police Command said its men rescued a businessman identified as Julius Madabuchi, who was kidnapped by a four-man gang at a filling station in the Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the man was abducted when the miscreants who were driving in a Black Toyota car stormed the area and started shooting discriminately before executing their plan.

The rescue of the man, the police said, followed a distress call sent to the command control room about the activities of the hoodlums on November 17 and immediately mobilised operatives to the scene, saying the abductors engaged the police in a shootout.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Wednesday.

 

The statement reads, “On the 17th of November, 2014, at about 2023hrs, operatives of the command received a distress call from the Room indicating that a gang of armed men numbering about four operating in a Black colour Toyota Corolla car shot sporadically and kidnapped one Madabuchi Julius at Sabbath Filling Station, Oyigbo.

“Operatives were swiftly mobilised to the scene and the hoodlums on sighting the police operatives drove off, but they were given a hot chase by the operatives and subsequently intercepted along Egbu Street, Oyigbo and a gun duel ensued between the operatives and the hoodlums.

“The hoodlums could not withstand the police’s superior firepower and eventually abandoned the victim and their operational vehicle with registration number RIVERS PHC 938 AH and escaped. The victim was rescued unhurt and the vehicle recovered. He has since reunited with his family.”

 

The state police image maker however said an investigation is ongoing while concerted efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons.

In a related development, Iringe-Koko said the following day, precisely on Monday, operatives of the command acted on credible information, coordinated a covert operation at the St Lorinta Street, Oyigbo and arrested one Gabriel Morris, aged 25, at Mercy Ground in Kom-Kom, Oyigbo LGA of the State.

The state police spokesperson stated, “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a syndicate that had been terrorising Oyigbo and its environs in recent times.

 

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, listed items recovered from the suspect including one locally made pistol and a quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

She added, “Investigation is ongoing, while concerted efforts are intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

“This successful operation further demonstrates the effectiveness of the Rivers State Police Command in combating kidnapping and all other forms of crime in the state.”

 

Continue Reading

brands/telecom

Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small-Prudent Ludidi

Published

on

Those who wronged you may never say "I'm sorry" - Prudent Ludidi

Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small-Prudent Ludidi

 

Today, I want to talk about something incredibly important, yet often overlooked: celebrating our wins. Yes, you heard that right – celebrating our wins, no matter how small.

We live in a world that constantly pushes us to achieve more, be more, and do more. We’re always striving for the next goal, the next milestone, the next achievement. And while ambition is great, it’s equally important to acknowledge and celebrate the small victories along the way.

Think about it. How often do you achieve something amazing, only to dismiss it as “not a big deal” or “just part of your job”? How often do you downplay your successes or attribute them to luck rather than your hard work and dedication?

Here’s the thing: every win, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Every achievement, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is a testament to your strength, resilience, and determination.

Celebrating your wins does several things. Firstly, it boosts your confidence and self-esteem. When you acknowledge your achievements, you remind yourself of your capabilities and potential.

Secondly, celebrating your wins helps you stay motivated and focused. By recognizing your progress, you’re more likely to stay committed to your goals and keep pushing forward.

Thirdly, celebrating your wins fosters a positive mindset. When you focus on what you’ve achieved, rather than dwelling on what’s still to be done, you cultivate gratitude, happiness, and contentment.

So, how can you start celebrating your wins?

Start small. Write down three things you’ve accomplished each day before bed. Share your achievements with a friend or family member. Treat yourself to something special.

Celebrate the tiny victories: finishing a difficult project, trying a new recipe, or simply making it through a tough day.

Celebrate the milestones: landing a new job, running a marathon, or graduating from college.

And celebrate the moments in between: learning a new skill, making a new connection, or taking a much-needed break.

Remember, celebrating your wins isn’t about being arrogant or boastful. It’s about acknowledging your hard work and dedication. It’s about recognizing your worth and value.

Don’t wait until you’ve achieved something “big” to celebrate. Celebrate every win, no matter how small. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

You are worthy of recognition. You are worthy of celebration. And you are worthy of acknowledging your own strength and resilience!

Continue Reading

Business

IMF’s Bold Advice to Nigeria: How to Fix Economic Reforms and Win Public Trust” By Achimi Muktar

Published

on

IMF’s Bold Advice to Nigeria: How to Fix Economic Reforms and Win Public Trust”
By Achimi Muktar

 

As frustration mounts across Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African nations undergoing tough economic reforms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stepped in with recommendations aimed at reshaping the narrative. These suggestions focus on addressing the growing civil discontent and turning public opposition into support for reforms critical to stabilizing their economies.

The IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa report highlights “adjustment fatigue” gripping nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya, where reform measures have triggered social unrest and resistance. In Nigeria, particularly, protests and labour strikes have erupted in response to policies like petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange deregulation.

However, the IMF believes a path forward exists—one that involves rethinking reform strategies and engaging citizens more effectively.

The Call for Strategic Rethink
In the report, the IMF emphasizes the need for reform strategies that foster inclusivity and public trust while maintaining momentum for economic recovery. “Realizing this opportunity requires rethinking reform strategies to build and maintain pro-growth coalitions among leaders and the general public,” the report states.

The IMF outlined key pillars for successful reform implementation:

Broad-Based Engagement: Governments must actively involve citizens through two-way dialogue, creating a sense of ownership for reforms among the population, businesses, and civil society.

Transparent Communication: Policymakers should clearly articulate the benefits of reforms, the risks of inaction, and the compensatory measures being implemented. This approach, according to the IMF, will counter misinformation and rebuild trust.

Partnerships with Influencers: Engaging parliamentarians, community leaders, and independent experts can amplify reform messaging and provide credible advocacy for change.

Targeted Social Support: Implementing safety nets like retraining programs and job assistance for those hit hardest by reforms can reduce resistance and ease the social cost of change.

Sequenced Reforms: Staggering reforms over time to prevent overwhelming citizens and prioritizing initiatives with immediate, tangible benefits will help win public support.

Rebuilding Trust in Institutions: Strengthening governance, improving transparency, and tackling corruption are essential to ensure that reforms are seen as credible and effective.

The Nigerian Reality
Nigeria’s reform agenda has been met with resistance from citizens grappling with higher living costs and reduced public services. Labour unions have staged strikes, and civil society groups have accused the government of failing to provide adequate safety nets for vulnerable populations.

The IMF acknowledges these challenges but insists that success hinges on trust and inclusivity. “Opinion surveys indicate that trust in the government’s ability to use public resources to promote the population’s well-being is still relatively low in many Sub-Saharan African countries,” the report notes.

The IMF also warns that reforms without complementary measures—such as job creation and social inclusion policies—risk perpetuating social frustration and undermining long-term economic stability.

Turning Pain into Gains
While reforms are painful, the IMF underscores their necessity for unlocking durable and inclusive growth. “As painful as the current policy choices are, deeper and broader reforms will be required to guarantee that countries reap the gains, and not just the pain, of reform,” the report states.

The Fund advises African leaders to demonstrate upfront wins, such as improved infrastructure, better service delivery, and robust economic policies, to galvanize public confidence in the reform process.

The Bigger Picture
The IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook serves as a roadmap for Sub-Saharan Africa’s policymakers, navigating a delicate balance between fiscal adjustments and social harmony. For Nigeria, the report presents an opportunity to recalibrate its approach, engage its citizens meaningfully, and deliver reforms that prioritize the welfare of the people.

By rethinking reform strategies and implementing the IMF’s recommendations, Nigeria could not only weather its current challenges but emerge as a stronger and more inclusive economy. The onus, however, lies with the government to prove that these reforms are for the collective good and not just a painful necessity.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending