Ambassador Amaka Okeke is a wealth management professional, a personal finance specialist, an Investment consultant, and a quintessential businesswoman who is focused and goaI-oriented.
She is the Executive Director of Optlva Capltal Partners, Africa’s foremost wealth retention and Investment advisory firm. She’s a performance-oriented leader with expertise in business analysis, cross-cultural team management, and marketing campaign enhancement.
As women all over the world celebrate the International Women’s Day today, she spoke with Saturday Sun about her views about the International Women’s Day, Women and the girl-child , her career, lifestyle and lots more.
As a female boss, what does this year’s International Women’s Day’s theme mean to you? And how do you think it resonates with your experiences and values?
This year’s International Women’s Day theme; ‘For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’ deeply resonates with me because I have dedicated my leadership to creating a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.
For me, rights mean ensuring that women and girls have access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership roles without discrimination.
Equality is more than just fairness; it’s about creating systems and structures that allow women to compete on a level playing field. At Optiva Capital Partners, 70 per cent of our workforce is women. Women sit on the company’s board as decision makers, and I am one of them. That’s why I continuously work to amplify women’s voices in leadership, business, and society, ensuring they have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Empowerment is the heart of what I do as the Executive Director in charge of business development. Empowerment is about giving women the tools, confidence, and support they need to succeed. Whether through mentorship, capacity-building initiatives, or policy advocacy, I believe that when women are empowered, entire communities flourish.
This year’s theme is not just a statement but a call to action. It reminds us that the fight for gender equality is far from over, and we must continue to push for meaningful change. As a leader, I am committed to driving initiatives that turn these words into reality, ensuring that all women and girls, regardless of background or circumstance, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
How do you believe we can work toward achieving true equality and empowerment for all women and girls, particularly in areas where systemic barriers and biases persist?
I believe that achieving true equality and empowerment for all women and girls starts with three key things: access, opportunity, and support. First is to ensure women and girls have access to education, healthcare, and financial resources. With the right tools, they can build better futures for themselves and their communities.
Secondly, opportunities matter. We must create spaces where women can lead, grow, and succeed—whether in business, politics, or any other field. That means breaking down systemic barriers and challenging outdated norms and cultures that hold women back.
Lastly, support is everything. From mentorship to policy changes, we all have a role to play in uplifting women. When we invest in women, we invest in a stronger, more equal society.
What role do you think education and mentorship play in empowering women and girls to exercise their rights and reach their full potential?
Education and mentorship are two of the most powerful tools for empowering women and girls to exercise their rights and reach their full potential.
Education provides knowledge and confidence, helping women understand their rights and giving them the skills to pursue opportunities. When a girl is educated, she’s more likely to make informed choices about her career, health, and future, breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.
Mentorship, on the other hand, provides guidance and support. It helps women navigate challenges, build networks, and develop the confidence to step into leadership roles. For example, I once mentored a young woman who had big dreams but lacked the confidence to pursue them because of societal expectations. Through regular conversations, encouragement, and connecting her with resources, she is pursuing higher education and has also started her own business. Today, she mentors other young women, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
By investing in education and mentorship, we’re not just changing one life—we’re shaping stronger communities and a more equitable future for all.
As a female boss, what advice would you give to women who are facing challenges or obstacles in their personal and professional lives, and how can they prioritize their empowerment and well-being?
My advice to women facing challenges is this: You must believe in yourself. Be assertive, own your voice, your skills, and your worth. Challenges will come, but don’t let them define you. Instead, use them as stepping stones to grow and prove your strength. Also, build a support system for yourself, such as mentors, friends, or colleagues who uplift you. No one succeeds alone. Having the right people around you can make a big difference. Set boundaries and prioritize self-care. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Say ‘No’ to things that drain you or taking time for your mental and physical well-being. Taking care of yourself is just as important as chasing success.
Finally, keep learning and evolving. The more knowledge and skills you gain, the more control you have over your future. Stay open to growth, embrace new opportunities, and never stop pushing forward.
Empowerment starts with you. No obstacle is big enough to dim your light!
Looking ahead, what do you think are some key strategies and solutions that can help accelerate progress towards achieving the vision of this year’s theme, and what role do you believe individuals, organizations, and governments can play in driving this change?
Achieving this year’s theme requires a collective effort from individuals, organizations, and governments. Key strategies include advocating policy reforms that promote gender equality, investing in education and economic empowerment, and amplifying the voices of marginalized women.
Organisations can drive change by fostering inclusive workplaces—just as we have done at Optiva Capital Partners, where women hold top executive positions and play key leadership roles. Governments must prioritise gender-sensitive policies, allocate resources to bridge systemic inequalities, and hold themselves accountable for measurable progress.
On an individual level, we all have a role to play. By using our voices, networks, and resources, we can advocate change, support women-led initiatives, and challenge biases and stereotypes.
Together, we can build a world where all women and girls have equal rights, opportunities, and the power to reach their full potential.
How do you think women can accelerate action towards greater inclusivity and gender equality in the corporate sector? And what role do you think men can play in supporting this effort?
Women can accelerate action by advocating for themselves and others, seeking out mentorship and sponsorship, and supporting policies and initiatives that promote inclusivity and equality. Men can play a critical role by actively listening, amplifying women’s voices, and using their privilege to challenge and dismantle systemic barriers.
As Executive director of Optiva Capital, how do you approach mentorship and leadership?
I approach mentorship and leadership with a servant-leadership mindset, prioritising the growth, development, and success of my team members.
I believe in empowering my team members to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and solve problems. By giving them the autonomy to lead and manage their projects, I help them develop their critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills.
What was growing up like for you and how did your growing inform your life’s choices?
I was a silver spoon spoilt child and also a daddy’s girl, accustomed to privilege and comfort but the tides changed and eventually I lost my dad. My mum shouldered the responsibility of catering for the family. All I just wanted to be growing up was the wife of an Odogwu (laughs) but all that changed when I met the chairman of Optiva Capita Partners in 2013. I was young and naive with no clear sense of direction, I wanted to be so many things at the same time, but he redirected my energy and focus to one goal – to be a person of significance through focus, confidence, and action. He elevated my trust in God and trained me to be mentally tough, the kind of mental toughness that helped me to glide through the challenges of life unfazed.
How do you balance work and personal life?
I’ve learnt to prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency, delegate responsibilities to capable team members, and efficiently manage my time by creating a schedule that includes dedicating time for work, family, and hobbies.
How does your work influence your fashion choices?
As a business leader, my work requires me to present myself in a professional manner. My fashion choices reflect this from my polished appearance to my poised demeanour and composed communication, as I opt for sleek and sophisticated attire that commands respect and inspires confidence.
What’s your favourite travel destination and why?
That is Dubai. I’m drawn to its unique blend of sophistication and world-class entertainment, from luxurious shopping experiences to thrilling adventurous activities.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy relaxing at home, watching movies, listening to music, and spending quality time with loved ones. I also appreciate trying out new restaurants and exploring different cuisines.
What would you say are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your career, and how have you applied them to your personal and professional life?
I’ve learned the importance of loyalty, resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning. I’ve applied these lessons in my personal and professional life which has been marked by series of achievements, reflecting my growth and transformation into the woman I have become.
How do you prioritise self-care and wellness?
I do that by intentionally allocating time and resources to nourish my mind, body and spirit. This includes activities like spa treatments, work out routines, meditations and taking a break with nature whenever I can.
What qualities or characteristics do you think are essential for success in wealth management and investment advisory services?
First and foremost, I believe in having the right values, quality service delivery, Innovation and a staunch dedication to client’s success. At Optiva Capital Partners, our core values are service, professionalism, International, collaboration and excellence. We leverage our vast network of international partnerships and leading Fund houses, cutting edge technology and a passion for excellence. This helps us to navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving global market, ensuring that we provide a secure and prosperous financial future for our clients.
What advice would you give to younger professionals in your field?
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Success is a gradual and a continuous process that requires persistence, dedication and staying true to one’s goals. Embrace a learning mindset, be open to receiving feedback; both positive and constructive and use them to enhance your performance.
Stay loyal. Stay passionate. Stay the course. By so doing you maintain a consistent trajectory and you will ultimately reach your destination and achieve lasting success.
What inspired you to pursue a career in wealth management?
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact of not having a well-diversified portfolio. I realised the importance of investments across jurisdictions, currencies and asset classes. You don’t get an umbrella when it starts raining, rather you prepare for the rain. Where are the billionaires of yester years? In the last decade, 30 per cent of the rich saw a decline in their wealth. This simply means that people need to ensure that their wealth is maintained across generations. In 2013 the opportunity to serve the needs of clients presented itself when I met the chairman of Optiva capital partners, Mr. Franklin Nechi.
To answer the question, my childhood experience was my inspiration, as my interest in Wealth Management spiked at a very young age.
How has your background in Sociology influenced your approach to the field?
My background in sociology has given me a unique understanding of human behaviour, society, patterns of social relationships, interactions and aspects of culture associated with everyday life.
This has helped me better understand the needs, preferences, attitudes, behaviours and motivations of individuals. Basically, every client is unique, requiring peculiar approach to solving their various needs by providing bespoke solutions and end- to-end service delivery empowering them to transcend borders physically and financially.
What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
I am the executive director of business development, in charge of building a high-performance organisation by providing leadership and direction to a team of over 1,300 full-paid employees across 25 state-of-the-art branches. I have been with Optiva Capital Partners for 12 years and realised that getting people who are ready to stay the course, work hard, stay committed and loyal is a challenge. A lot of people do not want to work but are just interested in getting paid, sometimes you find yourself training and mentoring people who are not committed for the long haul. I have learned to become an inspiration to young people, citing my story from my humble beginning as a trainee to the Executive Director of Optiva Capital Partners. The story of my journey, the accolades, achievements, rise in profile has been able to boost and encourage the team.
Credit: The Sun