By Damilola Fatunmise
Hope Ojaolakun-Akinwunmi has emerged as a transformative force in the world of microfinance and business development.
With over a decade of proven experience, her leadership has driven impactful business growth, operational excellence, and financial inclusion. Her ability to empower teams and communities alike is a testament to her passion for innovation and sustainable progress.
From July 2022 to June 2023, Hope served as the Head of Business at NIJ Business Hub, where she spearheaded initiatives to expand market reach and enhance operational efficiency. “I believe innovation is the backbone of business transformation,” she said during a recent briefing, reflecting on her leadership in implementing Bankone software to streamline operations. Under her guidance, the organization closed a 100-million-naira shop deal, which she described as “a collaborative triumph that underscores what’s possible when strategy meets execution.”
Her leadership wasn’t just about business; it was about people. “I’m proud of how our team embraced challenges and transformed them into opportunities for growth,” she noted. Her efforts in staff recruitment and training not only strengthened team dynamics but also ensured seamless branch operations in challenging circumstances.
In her role as Recovery Team Lead at the NIJ Business Hub Ikotun Branch (March 2021–June 2022), Hope demonstrated her ability to recover debt with empathy and strategy. “Recovery isn’t just about numbers; it’s about restoring trust,” she explained. Her innovative approach to credit management significantly reduced non-performing loans, improved payment timeliness, and strengthened client relationships.
“When clients see that you’re invested in their success, it changes the conversation,” she said, emphasizing how personalized communication and a problem-solving approach were critical to her success. Her efforts not only boosted liquidity but also improved the institution’s reputation as a trusted financial partner.
Before becoming the Recovery Team Lead, Hope excelled as Team Lead at NIJ Ikotun Branch from 2020 to 2021. Her leadership resulted in a 75% growth in the unit’s portfolio, an achievement she attributed to market understanding and strategic expansion.
“Growth is about understanding your market and creating solutions tailored to their needs. It’s about going beyond boundaries—both physical and mental,” she remarked.
Her initiatives expanded the organization’s footprint into Egbe and Idimu, a feat that earned the branch recognition as the 2nd Best Unit of the year. “This was a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together toward a shared vision,” she reflected. Hope’s ability to train her team on the Bankone software further strengthened the branch’s operational capabilities.
Hope’s journey in microfinance began at Infinity Microfinance Bank, where she served as Branch Manager from May 2018 to December 2019. Her strategic leadership consistently exceeded targets, with her team achieving branch goals before the fourth quarter each year. “Leading a branch is about balancing multiple priorities—growth, compliance, and, most importantly, customer satisfaction,” she said.
Her ability to develop high-performing teams was complemented by her focus on market development and risk management. “A high-performing team is built on trust, support, and accountability,” she emphasized, underscoring her leadership style.
Before entering the world of microfinance, Hope honed her skills in customer service as a Supervisor at Beford Hotels from 2013 to 2018. Her tenure was marked by exceptional problem-solving skills and a commitment to excellence. Reflecting on this period, she stated, “Those years taught me the importance of empathy in leadership. Whether you’re managing guests or clients, people want to feel heard, valued, and respected.”
One of her key achievements was reducing the conversion cost of poor service delivery from 52% to just 6%, a success she described as “a win for both the organization and the guests we served.”
Throughout her career, Hope has been driven by a desire to use microfinance as a tool for empowerment. “Microfinance is not just about loans,” she explained. “It’s about enabling people to dream bigger, build better, and achieve more.” Her work has consistently reflected her belief that financial inclusion is the bridge between poverty and prosperity.
“When you give people access to financial tools and resources, you’re not just changing their lives—you’re transforming entire communities,” she added, emphasizing the transformative power of financial empowerment.
Hope’s career is defined by her resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking approach. She consistently emphasizes that success is about people as much as it is about strategy. “Success is not just about numbers; it’s about the lives you touch,” she said, capturing her people-first philosophy.
Her contributions to microfinance and business development demonstrate that strategic leadership, innovation, and empathy are essential for driving sustainable growth. As she continues her remarkable journey, Hope Ojaolakun-Akinwunmi remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders and a driving force in fostering economic empowerment and financial inclusion.