DYNAMIC DIRECTOR TRANSFORMS ORGANIZATIONS: THE VICTORIA AKAI STORY

BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

Victoria Akai is a leader of purpose and precision. With a career spanning decades and continents, Victoria has distinguished herself as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of organizational leadership.

A graduate who has a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Victoria laid the foundation for her illustrious career. But it was her thirst for knowledge and relentless pursuit of excellence that led her to obtain an MBA, and later, a Doctoral degree in Business Administration.

Victoria’s journey is not just defined by degrees and certificates but by her relentless pursuit of transformation. Armed with a plethora of certifications from esteemed institutions like the GIZ Academy for International Cooperation and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Victoria honed her skills in project management, leadership, and financial management.

Her story is one of turning adversity into opportunity, of transforming challenges into triumphs. Victoria’s tenure as a Senior Consultant at Nigeria’s National Assembly stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to progress. Leading the charge in the Committee on Primary Health Care, she played a pivotal role in ensuring the implementation of critical decisions aimed at revolutionizing healthcare across the continent.

However, it is perhaps in her role as the Director of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry where Victoria’s impact is most palpable. Under her stewardship, the Chamber underwent a metamorphosis, evolving from a conventional institution into a beacon of innovation and inclusivity.

Victoria spearheaded the institutionalization of various centers within the Chamber, including the Training and Technology Center and the Policy Advocacy Center. But it was her commitment to gender mainstreaming that truly set her apart. Mobilizing support from international programs, she championed initiatives to promote gender and disability inclusion within the Chamber, ensuring that no voice went unheard and no talent went untapped.

The digitization process she initiated revolutionized the way the Chamber operated, making it more responsive to the needs of its members, particularly micro, medium, and small-scale businesses. Through her visionary leadership, Victoria not only empowered entrepreneurs but also catalyzed economic growth and development.

In conclusion, Victoria Akai’s remarkable journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in every facet of her professional endeavors. From her tenure as Managing Director at KVS International Limited, where she streamlined operations and drove business development initiatives, to her pivotal role as a lead Consultant to Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Primary Health Care, Victoria has consistently demonstrated strategic acumen and a passion for driving growth and profitability. Her extensive experience, ranging from managerial roles to advisory positions, showcases her versatility and profound impact across diverse sectors. As a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators in Nigeria and a member of prestigious committees and associations, including the Presidential High Level Advisory Committee on women and girls in Nigeria and the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture, Victoria’s influence extends far beyond organizational boundaries. Her dynamic leadership style, characterized by foresight, resilience, and a dedication to fostering excellence, continues to inspire and elevate those around her. Victoria Akai’s legacy as a transformative leader is firmly established, leaving an indelible mark on the business landscape and the individuals she leads.