Connect with us

Jobs/Appointments

Jobberman Advocates Measures to Tackle Talent Migration

Published

on

Jobberman Nigeria

By Adedapo Adesanya

Jobberman, through a webinar, has challenged top HR professionals and senior-level executives with first-hand knowledge of the positive impacts that internship and entry-level graduate programs can have on businesses as top talents are migrating away from the country.

The purpose of the webinar was to encourage organizations at all levels to see internships and entry-level positions as a low-cost training ground for skill development, despite the perceived element of risk.

Enticed by bumper work incentives by firms abroad, Nigerian tech talents, for instance, that are either leaving or taking on remote roles, are causing their local employers to have sleepless nights and forcing them to rethink their recruitment approach.

This puts local firms in direct competition with global firms for talent, and there is a need to be more flexible in their offers as the allure of remote work and the gig economy deepen the search for qualified mid to senior-level talent.

The webinar, which was titled “Harnessing The Business Benefits of Internship Programs,” featured top HR professionals who shared tips on managing the recruitment process to suit business goals, increasing talent retention, and managing business expectations.

There were also attempts to demystify the challenges to entry-level employment that most job seekers face, as well as how businesses may make the most of internships and entry-level roles without becoming a corporate training ground.

The discussion session was led by Bukola Okikiolu, the Communications Specialist at Jobberman Nigeria. Other panellists include Chisom Ofili, Head of Recruitment at Jobberman Nigeria; Abimbola Osibodu, an ex-recruitment specialist at McKinsey & Co.; and Kehinde Alo, Head, Learning & Development at TGI Group.

Jobseekers tend to look for new possibilities when they have been adequately armed with the necessary skills to earn more in their professions, which is why most firms are seldom unwilling to recruit interns or job seekers with little or no relevant experience. But the answer to this isn’t outright ignoring them.

Kehinde Alo suggested that training can be designed around significant business concerns with predetermined ROIs so that if the candidate quits, the host organization will have profited from the relatively brief connection and relevant business challenges could have been attended to within that time frame.

According to Abimbola Osibodu, one possible solution to employee retention is to provide interns and other employees with a clear route to professional advancement. She observed that the majority of people who advance to management roles at the most desirable consulting companies begin as junior associates or interns who are adequately supported by more senior staff members.

When workers began quitting their jobs in droves in early 2021, analysts assumed that the “Great Resignation” was a direct result of pandemic turmoil and uncertainty. Many employees left because their employers could not give appropriate remote-work assistance.

A lot more have departed, seeking greater autonomy. Many others left for better pay elsewhere when the labour market tightened. Even though COVID restrictions have mainly been relaxed, resignation letters continue to pile up.

These panellists suggested that a poor work culture could be responsible for this.

Chisom Ofili observed that enthusiasm for completing things and a good outlook are contagious. It immediately spreads and demonstrates how productive and content everyone is at work when individuals smile, communicate cordially with one another, and crack jokes.

She charged that businesses should foster a positive work environment so that new employees feel empowered to speak out, have their opinions acknowledged, and be a valuable part of the team.

As part of their commitment to encouraging businesses to hire more interns, Jobberman is providing employers with a free listing of internship and entry-level positions requiring no more than three years of experience. This, however, is consistent with their aim of matching excellent employees with quality talent.

Employers can take advantage of this opportunity by visiting jobberman.com/employer/entryjobs

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

Jobs/Appointments

MultiChoice Nigeria Appoints Kemi Omotosho as CEO

Published

on

Kemi Omotosho multichoice

By Adedapo Adesanya

MultiChoice Nigeria has announced a change in its leadership, with Ms Kemi Omotosho emerging as the new chief executive, taking over from Mr John Ugbe, who is set to retire.

The company said the transition, effective this month, follows a structured succession process designed to ensure continuity in leadership and operations.

Mr Ugbe is stepping down after nearly 15 years in the role, a period during which MultiChoice Nigeria navigated shifts in consumer behaviour, technology and regulation within the pay-TV and broader media industry.

Last year, French group Canal+ took over the operations of the South-African broadcasting group and effected some changes management- and content-wise across key markets.

During his tenure, Mr Ugbe oversaw efforts to strengthen the company’s operational framework and position the business to respond to changing market conditions. MultiChoice described his exit as a planned retirement rather than a sudden departure.

Ms Omotosho joins the role with more than two decades of leadership experience spanning media, telecommunications and digital services across Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African markets.

Within the MultiChoice Group, she has previously served as Executive Head of Customer Value Management in Nigeria and later as Group Executive Head of Customer Value Management for Rest of Africa, a role that involved oversight across more than 50 markets.

She most recently held the position of Regional Director for Southern Africa, where she had full profit and loss responsibility for operations covering seven countries. In her new role, Ms Omotosho will be responsible for overseeing MultiChoice Nigeria’s strategy, day-to-day operations and engagement with regulators, partners and other stakeholders.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Omotosho said, “It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of MultiChoice Nigeria at this important moment.

“Nigeria remains one of the Group’s most strategic and dynamic markets. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to deepen our relationship with consumers, champion local storytelling and the creative economy as well build a future-ready organisation that delivers sustainable value.”

Continue Reading

Jobs/Appointments

Adewale Arikawe Replaces Felix Nwabuko on Presco Board

Published

on

Adewale Arikawe

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The board of Presco Plc has appointed Mr Adewale Arikawe as a non-executive director, replacing Mr Felix Nwabuko, retired from the position.

A statement from the organisation disclosed that the appointment of Arikawa took effect from Friday, January 2, 2026, until the next Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Also, he is now the chief executive of all SIAT subsidiaries, including Presco Plc, SIAT Nigeria Limited, and Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Limited.

In this capacity, Mr Arikawe will work alongside the existing leadership teams to strengthen execution, accelerate strategic growth, and foster a high-performance culture across the Group.

He is committed to empowering teams, enhancing leadership capability, and creating an enabling environment for continuous improvement and sustainable results.

Mr Arikawe brings over 26 years of leadership experience spanning across general management, commercial strategy, sales, customer development, and brand management. He has held senior leadership roles at Royal FrieslandCampina, overseeing operations across Sub-Saharan Africa, and at FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria.

His career also includes senior leadership positions at Nestlé Nigeria Plc, where he managed multi-channel sales operations and contributed to key strategic growth initiatives.

He holds an MBA in Business Administration and Management from the University of Chichester and has completed executive education programmes at London Business School and IMD (International Institute for Management Development), Lausanne, Switzerland, with a focus on leadership, execution excellence, and business impact.

The board, in the statement, welcomed Mr Arikawe with open arms, looking “forward to his valuable contributions to the company and the wider SIAT Group.”

Continue Reading

Jobs/Appointments

First Holdco Non-Bank Subsidiaries Get New Board Members

Published

on

first holdco subsidiaries

By Adedapo Adesanya

First Holdco Plc, formerly FBN Holdings Plc, has announced new board appointments across its non-commercial banking subsidiaries as it commits to building stronger businesses across board.

The move, following regulatory approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), is part of efforts to deepen governance, strengthen oversight and position the business for sustainable growth.

FBN Holdings Plc rebranded to First HoldCo Plc in February 2025 to reflect its broader financial services focus beyond just banking.

Its services includes commercial banking (First Bank of Nigeria), merchant banking, asset management (FBNQuest), insurance brokerage, and trusteeship. It operates across Africa and has global offices in London, Paris, and Beijing, serving individuals, small businesses, and corporations.

At First Asset Management Limited, Mrs Ebikabo Williams has been appointed chairman of the board, bringing her extensive industry knowledge spanning banking, capital markets, and consulting. She will be supported by equally experienced board members like Mr Usman Dantata Jr., Mrs Binta Max Gbinije, and Mrs Alero Mobola Adollo.

At FirstCap Limited, its investment management firm, Mrs Yewande Amusan has been appointed chairman. She is an accomplished finance professional with experience cutting across both public and private sectors. Mr Ahmed Indimi and Mrs Irene Akpofure were appointed along with Mrs Adenike Kuti and Mr Zeal Akaraiwe.

First Securities Brokers Limited, which recently emerged as the top performer in the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Brokers Performance Report in terms of both trading volume and transaction value, has named Mr John Akpeki as chairman. He is expected to leverage his vast experience in global marketing and networking. He is joined by Mrs Omolara Adeyemi, ,Mrs Susan Younis and Mrs Kemi Andu-Alausa.

Similarly, First Trustees Limited, one of the Group’s long-standing subsidiaries in trust and estate management, has strengthened its governance structure with the appointment of Mr John Lee as its chairman. He has over 40 years’ experience in global financial services, specialising in Corporate & Institutional Banking and Wealth Management across Africa. The other members of the board who are bringing their combined rich wealth of experience are Mrs Abiola Alabi, Mrs Adebisi Sola-Adeyemi, and Mrs Ugochukwu Obi-Chukwu.

For its insurance business, First Insurance Brokers, the firm has appointed Mr Akinola Phillips as Chairman. He is joined by Mrs Ije Onejeme, Mrs Folukemi Akinmeji and Mrs Mojisola Cardozo.

First Holdco said these appointments are expected to further consolidate the firm’s position as a dominant player in the asset and wealth management space in Nigeria.

The chairman of First Holdco, Mr Femi Otedola, while commenting on the appointments, said, “We are delighted to welcome these distinguished professionals to the boards of our non-commercial banking subsidiaries. Their proven expertise, impeccable track records, and leadership will play a critical role in shaping the next phase of our growth, enhancing stakeholder value, and reinforcing our position as a trusted African leader delivering innovative solutions across diverse sectors.”

“These appointments reaffirm our commitment to building resilient businesses that contribute meaningfully to economic development in the broader ecosystem in which we operate,” he added.

Continue Reading

Trending