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My Journey Has Been Marked By A Series Of Achievements, Reflecting My Growth And Transformation Into The Woman I Have Become: Amaka Okeke-Lawal

Amaka Okeke-Lawal is the Executive Director, Business Development at Optiva Capital Partners, the largest provider of investment immigration not just in Nigeria but across Africa. She is a risk management professional, personal finance specialist, and management consultant. Amaka is a quintessential, dedicated, and goal-oriented businesswoman leading a high-performance organization with over 1,000 full-paid employees. She oversees 21 branches while playing a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction as a member of the Board and Executive Committee. Amaka holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Lagos and also a certified business analysis professional.

Tell us your story on what inspired you to pursue a career in the business industry, particularly in Nigeria.

The Chairman of Optiva Capital Partners has been a transformative influence in my career journey, inspiring me to pursue a career in the business industry. His visionary leadership and mentorship have instilled in me a sense of purpose, mental toughness, and a hunger for success that has guided me toward personal and professional growth since our encounter in September 2013. His belief in my potential has propelled me to embrace growth opportunities, shaping my career trajectory with resilience and determination in the face of challenges. My unwavering determination, persistence, and focus on achieving successful outcomes define my approach to goal-setting and overcoming obstacles.

Can you please share with us your journey of becoming the Executive Director at Optiva Capital Partners?

My journey has been marked by a series of achievements, reflecting my growth and transformation into the woman I have become. I started my career as a Relationship Management Executive. I progressed to the role of General Manager and I’m currently the Executive Director, Business Development.

I oversee the development and implementation of business strategies, providing leadership and strategic direction to the organization, identify potential locations for branch expansion, work tools for business development, team training and development, institutional operations, social media marketing, and generally overseeing the business operations of over 21 branches and still expanding.

As a female Executive Director, what challenges have you faced in your career and how did you overcome them? How do you believe gender diversity and inclusion can contribute to building transformative businesses in Nigeria and Africa?

On the contrary, I’m one of those who never faced a challenge in her industry as a woman. I have been opportune to meet liberal people who are not biased but are interested in my growth and success.

By embracing and promoting gender diversity, businesses can tap into a wider pool of talent, perspectives, and experiences. Inclusive workplaces that value gender diversity create an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents. By valuing and empowering individuals regardless of gender, businesses can unlock the full potential of their workforce and contribute to the economic growth and development of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Could you share any notable success stories or achievements at Optiva Capital Partners that highlight the positive impact it has made on individuals and businesses in Nigeria?

Optiva Capital Partners is a wealth management and investment advisory firm established and incorporated under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We specialize in the provision of tailored wealth management solutions for High-Net-Worth individuals and institutional clients.

We leverage our long-standing relationships with international partners and leading fund houses globally to provide a gateway to exclusive investment opportunities for our clients across different asset classes, currencies and geographies globally to enhance and maximize their wealth.

Aside from our vast experience in wealth management services, Optiva Capital Partners is passionate about giving back to society. We partnered with a Microfinance Bank in Enugu State to help over 700 women with Interest-free loans to set up and manage their petty trading businesses.

We also partnered with the Lagos State Government to promote maternal healthcare to ensure the reduction of the maternal death rate in the country, thereby fulfilling one of the United Nations Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the firm is deeply devoted to the promotion of arts, entertainment, and tourism within the country. Optiva Capital Partners actively engages in multiple sponsorships and promotional initiatives aimed at enhancing and elevating the nation’s tourism landscape. For instance, Alibaba’s January 1^st Concert, Responsible Funnybone Live concert (Lagos), and Pencil Unbroken show in Abuja and Lagos. The company sponsored a new epic movie from the Nollywood stable titled ‘Áfàméfùnà: Nwa Boi Story’ and a soon-to-be-released movie titled ‘Kiss of Death’. We were also the platinum sponsors of Eko Hotel ‘Tropical Christmas Wonderland’ in December where children and families were able to have a fun and memorable time together. We are also passionate about promoting charity works as we recently sponsored “Be More by ChinnyLove” a women empowerment program and Doam Foundation Annual Charity Golf Tournament.

We also give back to our clients through Optiva + which is a complimentary service given to our clients free of charge which includes visa resolution, school admission processing, and passport renewal. This is one of our unique strategies that is rooted in service to our clients.

Optiva Capital Partners specializes in investment immigration, investment advisory, international real estate, and insurance services. Could you tell us more about the vision and the unique approach and strategies that your organization employs to provide these services in solving the investment needs of individuals in Nigeria and Africa?

Our vision is to be the undisputed leader in our chosen areas of focus- investment immigration, investment advisory and insurance. We are a Gateway to superior investment opportunities, we are here to serve and provide solutions to individuals and families. With our state of art branches and staff strength of over 1,000, we are right where our clients are, be it in their place of work, business or homes.

Nigerians are the most Global in terms of outlook, their needs for travel, tourism, global trade opportunities, children’s education and quality of life aspirations. The bigger picture at Optiva Capital Partners provides financial security, stability, independence and sustainability for our clients globally and also, currency depreciation and devaluation of local currency portfolios over time.

In your opinion, what are the key factors that contribute to the success of a business in Nigeria, how do you identify potential investment opportunities and assess their potential for transformative impact?

The success of any business is dependent on the value it offers. Optiva Capital Partners is a solution-driven organization and we offer value to our clients. One of our core values is rooted in service. So, for you to succeed in any business or to identify potential investment opportunities, you must, first of all, identify a niche for yourself and devote your time to serving your unique market with bespoke products that will make them trust and rely on you all the time. Businesses that start by serving a niche market have a greater chance of succeeding over time as they develop a specialization in their offerings and own that space just as we have done at Optiva Capital Partners as the undisputed market leader in investment immigration, and investment advisory in Nigeria.

As a leader, what are the core values and principles that guide your decision-making process and shape the company’s culture at Optiva Capital Partners?

As a leader, the core values and principles that guide my decision-making process and shape the company’s culture at Optiva Capital Partners are professionalism, loyalty, and always ready to serve.

In the same vein, I drive this culture across branches at Optiva Capital Partners and I ensure that this same culture cascades to the entire team to follow suit.

As the Executive Director of Optiva Capital Partners, I am committed to consistently meeting and exceeding our client’s expectations. Optiva Capital Partners is a premium brand which means that our values are like a compass and it is embedded in our D.N.A. We offer top-notch and end-to-end services to our esteemed clients.

Africa is a diverse continent with unique cultural, economic, and political landscapes. How do you navigate these complexities while building and expanding businesses across different African countries? What are some of the lessons you have learned from your experiences?

At Optiva Capital Partners, we recognize and respect the unique cultural diversity present across Africa. We understand that each country has its traditions, customs, and ways of doing business. To navigate these complexities, we prioritize building strong local and international partnerships and networks. This allows us to gain insights into the local and international business environment, understand cultural nuances, and establish trust with key partners. We have branches in different locations across Nigeria. Each state has its own economic strengths, challenges, and regulatory frameworks. We conduct thorough market research and analysis to identify opportunities and assess risks in each specific market. This helps us tailor our strategies and offerings to meet the definitive needs and demands of our clients in different locations.

From our 14 years of service at Optiva Capital Partners, we have learned the importance of flexibility, agility, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions. This adaptability is crucial to our success in building and expanding our business.

As a female Executive leader in the business industry, what advice would you give to aspiring young professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs who are looking to make a difference in Africa? What skills and qualities do you believe are essential for success in this challenging yet promising market?

It is crucial to establish a strong foundation for your career or entrepreneurial endeavors. Knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you learn so equip yourself every step of the way. Success is not accidental but rather a result of hard work, smart strategies, and a continuous learning mindset. Rome wasn’t built in a day, emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance in the journey towards success. Equip yourself with knowledge, embrace learning opportunities, and be open to feedback to enhance your performance and drive professional growth.

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My Journey Has Been Marked By A Series Of Achievements, Reflecting My Growth And Transformation Into The Woman I Have Become: Amaka Okeke-Lawal

Tell us your story on what inspired you to pursue a career in the business industry, particularly in Nigeria.

Can you please share with us your journey of becoming the Executive Director at Optiva Capital Partners?

As a female Executive Director, what challenges have you faced in your career and how did you overcome them? How do you believe gender diversity and inclusion can contribute to building transformative businesses in Nigeria and Africa?

Could you share any notable success stories or achievements at Optiva Capital Partners that highlight the positive impact it has made on individuals and businesses in Nigeria?

In your opinion, what are the key factors that contribute to the success of a business in Nigeria, how do you identify potential investment opportunities and assess their potential for transformative impact?

As a leader, what are the core values and principles that guide your decision-making process and shape the company’s culture at Optiva Capital Partners?

Africa is a diverse continent with unique cultural, economic, and political landscapes. How do you navigate these complexities while building and expanding businesses across different African countries? What are some of the lessons you have learned from your experiences?

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