Here are Nigeria’s Most Influential Women in HR & Talent Management

Amidst a youthful and vibrant population of over 200 million in  Nigeria, a dynamic force of women professionals is redefining the landscape of human resources and talent management. 

With about 70% under 30 years old and 42% under the age of 15, this holds significant “Brain Capital” despite challenges such as unemployment, poverty, and insecurity that drive youth migration.

A PricewaterhouseCoopers report shows that Nigeria’s youthful demographic advantage compared to aging populations in countries like Germany and the U.S., faces a declining working-age population.

Nigeria’s young talents are making notable strides in service sectors like entertainment and sports, with skilled professionals leading the way in talent development for both local and international markets

Despite facing challenges like unemployment and the attractive nature of the ‘Japa’ syndrome due to socio-economic pressures, these women are forging pathways to growth and innovation. 

According to experts at Nairametrics, here are the exceptional women who are leading and inspiring change within Nigeria’s HR sector.

Lara Yeku – Strategic Leadership at Flour Mills

Lara Yeku, as the Head of HR at Flour Mills of Nigeria, stands at the forefront of strategic human resources, driving initiatives that bolster the company as a leader in the food and agro-allied sector in Africa. 

With a career spanning over 16 years in diverse sectors, Lara joined Accenture in 2008, eventually becoming the Country HR Lead for Nigeria until 2019. She is a Certified Professional Coach, a member of the International Coaching Federation, and founder of the HR GEMs Coach Network.

Lara has received multiple accolades, including the 2020 Talent Management Strategist award and recognition as one of LinkedIn’s top 10 women thought leaders in 2020. She holds certifications from Cornell University and the Human Capital Institute and is also an associate and graduate member of prominent HR and training institutes in Nigeria.

Dr. Jumoke Aleoke-Malachi – Talent Innovator at Wema Bank

At Wema Bank, Dr. Jumoke Aleoke-Malachi pioneers cutting-edge talent management strategies that significantly boost organizational performance. 

Her role extends beyond traditional HR functions, embedding innovative people strategies that have earned her recognition among the Top 20 Disruptive People Leaders and a spot among the Top 100 Career Women in Africa. 

Beyond her corporate role, Jumoke actively empowers individuals through her coaching platform, WorkplacewithJAM, and contributes globally as an Accredited Organizational Culture Consulting Partner at The Culture Factor Africa. Her previous experiences include impactful positions at TVC Communications, Aldelia, IHS Towers, and Human Edge Limited, where she led significant HR initiatives and programs.

Lola Esan – Leading HR Transformation at Ernst & Young

Lola Esan is an accomplished Organization Design specialist with over 20 years of experience in media, advocacy, HR management, and consulting across diverse international settings, including Mexico, Switzerland, the UK, and Nigeria. 

She has advanced degrees from Queen Mary, University of London, and the University of Ibadan, and holds certifications in MCIPM, PRINCE2, and GPHR. 

Lola’s career began at the World Health Organization in Switzerland and progressed through significant roles at Phillips Consulting and Cornerstone Insurance, where she developed and implemented HR strategies. 

Most recently, she has been a key figure at PwC Nigeria and now serves as a Partner and People Consulting Leader at Ernst & Young West Africa, leading major HR transformation projects.

Katrina Modupe Akindele – UBA Group’s HR Visionary

Katrina Modupe Akindele brings over two decades of HR experience to her role as the Group Head of Human Resources at UBA Group. Her journey includes a significant role as the Group Human Resources Director at Heirs Holdings Ltd, where she began in 2017.

A seasoned professional, Modupe is known for her strategic expertise and leadership in human capital management. 

She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Managers (ACIPM) in Nigeria and a recognized Senior HR Executive by the Society for Human Resource Management in the USA. 

Her qualifications include MBTI certification and Kolbe Accreditation, highlighting her advanced understanding of HR practices and principles.

Oyinade Kuku – Architect of People Strategies at First Bank Holdings

Oyinade Kuku is the Head of Human Resources at FBN Holdings Plc, responsible for the company’s Human Resource Strategy and People Agenda. She brings over 16 years of experience in HR management across the Financial Services, Consulting, and Oil & Gas sectors.

Oyinade’s expertise includes HR Strategy & Analytics, Organizational Design & Transformation, and Talent Management. Previously, she served at FirstBank Nigeria Ltd and has held significant HR roles at UBA Plc, Workforce Group Consulting, and Mobil Producing Nigeria (ExxonMobil). 

She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Lagos and a Master’s degree from Robert Gordon University, Scotland. She is also an associate member of both the CIPMN in Nigeria and the CIPD in the UK.

Taiwo ‘Dayo-Abatan – Regional HR Leadership at VFS Global

Taiwo Dayo-Abatan, a seasoned HR professional, exemplifies leadership with over 20 years of experience across multiple sectors including insurance, healthcare, and financial services.

Early in her career, Taiwo also managed HR and administrative functions at BELLFORTE CONSULTING, Gerizim Group Limited, and UBA Group.

She holds a global SPHRi™ certification and is a certified career coach and mentor. Taiwo currently leads HR for Sub-Saharan Africa at VFS Global and founded the Premium Mentoring Program with TDA. 

Her career includes significant roles at Primera Africa Finance Group, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, and Total Health Trust Limited, where she led major business transformations and won numerous awards for HR best practices.

Folake Adeniyi-Adeleye – Transformative HR at Oracle EMEA

Folake Adeniyi-Adeleye’s extensive HR experience spans significant roles at major international firms, including Oando Plc and Zain Group, before her current position as the Regional HR Director at Oracle. 

At Oando Plc, she offered strategic HR guidance, initiated culture change, and implemented a new performance management system. 

She further honed her expertise at Zain Group and Microsoft, where she served as a Senior HR Business Partner and Regional HR Manager, respectively. Currently, she is the Regional HR Director at Oracle, where she leads HR teams across Sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing her reputation as a transformative leader in the field.

Ifeoma Okoruen – Strategic HR Management at Mouka Limited

Ifeoma Okoruen leads HR and Administration at Mouka Limited, where her broad expertise shapes the company’s people strategy. Her previous roles at Sahara Group and UBA Metropolitan Life Insurance showcase her ability to navigate and lead HR in diverse industries.

Currently, she is the Head of HR and Administration at Mouka Limited, part of the Dolidol Group. Previously, she led HR at Sahara Group and UBA Metropolitan Life Insurance, and served as a Regional HR Business Partner at Airtel Nigeria. 

Okoruen has managed substantial budgets and led teams to achieve aligned business objectives, earning multiple awards for her leadership. 

She holds an M.Sc. in Human Resources Management with Distinction from ESUT Business School and is a certified HR Business Professional (HRBP) since 2013.

Funke Amobi – Corporate Leadership and Development at StanbicIBTC Bank

Funke Amobi is a distinguished HR professional with over 25 years of experience in the oil and gas, banking, and telecommunications sectors. She is currently the Deputy Head of Operations at StanbicIBTC Bank and has been appointed Honorary Professor of Practice at Lancaster University Management School in the UK. 

Amobi is recognized globally as a leading HR figure, with accolades including the All-Africa Employee Engagement Professional of the Year and being named one of Nigeria’s Top 50 Corporate Women. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Lagos and an MBA from Lancaster University, where she received the Dean’s Prize. 

Additionally, Amobi serves on several advisory boards and as a non-executive director for Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd, and is involved with various non-profits like WISCAR.

Esther Akinnukawe – Leading HR at MTN Nigeria

Esther Akinnukawe serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for MTN Nigeria Communications PLC, bringing over thirty years of experience from various sectors including consulting, education, banking, and telecommunications. 

She has led MTN Nigeria to win several awards, such as the Employer of the Year and the NECA Employers’ Excellence Award. Recognized for her contributions to gender equality, Esther received the Outstanding Gender Leader Award and was named HR Person of the Year 2023 by HR People Magazine. 

Additionally, she was listed among 31 female change-makers in Africa. Esther also serves on the board of Edfin Microfinance Bank. She holds advanced degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, IESE Business School, and Harvard Business School, and is a member of several professional HR and director institutes.