PROFILE OF VICTORIA AKAI

Sahara Weekly Victoria Akai is an organizational leader with wealth of experience and robust educational background. Over the years, she has propelled institutions towards unprecedented success. With a steadfast commitment to achieving organizational goals and a knack for fostering innovation, Akai has carved a niche for herself as a transformative leader par excellence.

Educational Journey and Affiliations

Victoria Akai’s journey towards leadership excellence commenced with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, followed by an MBA from and now culminating in a Doctoral degree in Business Administration. Her academic prowess is complemented by a plethora of certifications from renowned institutions such as the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, MDF Certification in European Development Funds Procedures, GIZ Academy for International Cooperation and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Akai’s affiliation with esteemed organizations including the Institute of Directors UK, Rotary International, and the African Business Integrity Network underscores her commitment to global collaboration and ethical business practices.

Victoria is also a Fellow of the Institute of Charetered Mediators and Cociliators FICMC in Nigeria.

Professional Trajectory

Akai’s illustrious career trajectory is marked by a series of pivotal roles where she has consistently demonstrated her prowess in strategic planning, operational management, and organizational transformation. As the Director General at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), she worked closely with the executive committee to chart the chamber’s strategic course, effectively managing human and financial resources to achieve organizational objectives. Under her adept leadership, ACCI cemented its reputation as a premier Chamber of Commerce in the region, with heightened visibility and enhanced collaboration with key stakeholders.

Prior to her tenure at ACCI, Akai served as the Director of the Business Entrepreneurship Skills Technology Centre, where she spearheaded the establishment and strategic positioning of the center, driving initiatives to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation. Her role involved not only overseeing day-to-day operations but also forging strategic alliances, designing impactful programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. Akai’s adept leadership ensured the center’s alignment with the overarching goals of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, thereby enhancing its relevance and impact within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Before her tenure at the Business Entrepreneurship Skills Technology Centre, Akai held the position of Managing Director at KVS International Limited, where she played a pivotal role in streamlining operations, driving business development initiatives, and fostering a culture of excellence. Her strategic acumen and keen business insights were instrumental in driving growth and profitability for the organization.

Victoria has served as a lead Consultant to Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Primary Health Care. She has also served as a board member of the University of Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship.

Victoria is currently a member of the Presidential High Level Advisory Committee on women and girls in Nigeria. She also currently serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture where is represents the EXCO on the Board of Nigerian National Accreditation System NiNAS, she is board member of the Nigerian Turkish Business Council and the Nigerian Ambassador of the Global African Business Association, USA.

Strategic Vision and Operational Excellence

At the core of Akai’s leadership philosophy lies a relentless pursuit of excellence and a strategic vision that transcends organizational boundaries. Whether it is optimizing resource allocation, fostering collaboration, or driving innovation, Akai consistently leverages her diverse skill set and extensive experience to navigate complexities and deliver tangible results. Her ability to inspire and motivate teams, coupled with her analytical prowess and sound judgment, enables her to tackle challenges head-on and steer organizations towards sustainable growth and success.

Akai’s strategic foresight is further evidenced by her tenure a Manager in European Union Support to Health Projects in Nigeria managed by EPOS Germany and Consiel Sante/Sofreco, France, where she oversaw procurement operations across multiple project offices, driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, her role as a Banking Analyst equipped her with invaluable insights into risk management, financial analysis, and customer relationship management, further enriching her multifaceted skill set.

Conclusion`

Victoria Akai shines as a beacon of stability and strategic insight amidst a turbulent environment, demonstrating a remarkable ability to navigate complexities with grace and precision. Her steadfast dedication to excellence, bolstered by her extensive experience and educational background, positions her as a transformative leader capable of steering organizational success amid evolving challenges. Victoria’s pioneering spirit and ability to inspire change underscore the profound impact of visionary leadership and operational excellence. She transcends mere leadership, embodying the qualities of a visionary, trailblazer, and inspiration to all. Victoria’s dynamic leadership leaves an enduring imprint on both organizational goals and the individuals she leads, fostering a culture of excellence in the ever-evolving business landscape. As a luminary in organizational management, Victoria exemplifies dedication, innovation, and excellence, continually inspiring and elevating those around her. Her unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and adeptness in navigating challenges with poise further solidify her legacy as a transformative leader.

Human Rights Activist warns Nigerians not to elect ineffective officials

By Ifeoma Ikem

The convener, Ambassador for Peace & Enlightenment and Human Rights Activist, Comrade Saviour Iche has called on Federal government to stop electing ineffective officials to head agency that fight corruption.

He said that for Nigerians to believe or have confidence in this sector again, we need those who will carry out these duties diligently without compromising and bias.

Commenting on the fight against corruption, he said that what is happening with this present administration is worse that the previous governments.

“We all know what has been happening in cases where monkey swallows billions of Naira, rat eats it’s own, snake swallows and the administration claims to be fighting corruption.

“This situation has reached a point where the masses should be asking questions about the work of the independent Financial Crime Commissions.

According to him, ‘people with high morals and reputation should be selected to head the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), ICPC etc.

“We are all aware of what happened to the Accountant General of the Federation who could have been a more trusted personnel, but reverse is the case as about One Hundred and Ninety billion was recovered from him and it’s still counting.

“We are not even talking of all the properties that has been bought in his name and the names of his partners.

” Also, the petroleum sector is where you will see massive looting and the government knows all this without saying anything because there are being controlled by the same authority which is not supposed to be”, he added.

Iche, also condemned the immunity granted to politicians.

“That immunity should be removed so that anybody that steals even if you are in the office as the president or governor that person should be jailed and the money will be recovered.

“Just take a look at the statement from the former governor of Edo state, a well respected man saying if anyone in an opposition party that has embezzled money come over to join the ruling party the person’s sin would be forgiven.

“The past political leaders who embezzled money are moving about freely.

“The same people are being recycled back to the system and the agency fighting corruption are there selecting whom to arrest and whom not to arrest.

He said that the government works when they apprehend a young boy with a computer or when they are witch hunting an opponent of another political party.

“That’s when you will see that EFCC can climb a wall to arrest someone and even hold people hostage in hotels.

” The youths that have now derailed to become Yahoo boys is as a result of the corrupt and hard system they find themselves in the country.

“Most of all these people they arrested and show on television and EFCC gives them board thereby convicting them, none of these people have been convicted”.

He said the government has failed in some high profile cases, for example the governor of Plateau state and some other ones were pardoned because they wanted to use them in winning elections.

” Meanwhile our children in higher institutions are at home for the past five months and government is claiming that there’s no money but some persons are looting our money unchallenged.

“It is only God that will see us through and bring someone with sincerity of heart to fight corruption not witch hunting the country.