@50: Every Moment Reminded Me of How Blessed I Am to Be Surrounded by Loved Ones – Ijomah

One of the most exciting moments for a Risk Consultant and Project Manager, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Okwunna Ijomah (née Ifediora), who recently turned 50, was seeing how generations came together in a joyful and elegant atmosphere to mark her golden jubilee celebration at the Axolon Centre, Silverbird Galleria, Lagos.

With laughter, shared stories, and dancing that filled the space with warmth, she couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. These heartfelt eulogies reminded her of how blessed she is to be surrounded by such devoted loved ones.

A well-traveled Ifeyinwa Ijomah is one of the outstanding women achievers who have journeyed through the financial and corporate world to establish herself as a formidable figure in both local and global spheres.

In this interview with PUNCH Newspapers, she shares her memorable excitement and journey of excellence, dedication, and family values that have made her stand out among her peers.

Reflecting on the day, Ijomah is filled with immense appreciation for the incredible people who made it all possible, especially her wonderful children, dear siblings, and close friends. “Their love and unwavering support brought this event to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” she reflects.

She adds, “They took care of every detail with such thoughtfulness—from the beautiful décor and music to organizing the gathering so that friends and family from near and far could join in the celebration. Their commitment and care made this milestone all the more meaningful for me.”
One of the most exciting moments was seeing how effortlessly generations came together in a joyful, elegant atmosphere. “The laughter, shared stories, and dancing filled the space with warmth, and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. Every moment of it reminded me of how blessed I am to be surrounded by such devoted loved ones,” she enthused.

In the vibrant city of Abuja lives a woman of remarkable strength, intelligence, and commitment, Ifeyinwa Ijomah, fondly known as “Adadioramma Dioka,” a title bestowed upon her by the Umudioka Improvement Union, Women’s Wing. With over a decade of experience in financial services, operations, and human capacity building, Ifeyinwa has become a pillar of excellence, guided by her passion for optimizing performance and organizational success.

The sixth of seven children born to Chief Eugene and Christiana Ifediora of Umuezechua Umudioka, Anambra State, Ifeyinwa’s journey is deeply rooted in family values and cultural heritage. She is the proud mother of two wonderful sons, Unobuagha Kenechukwu and Ijomah Chinazaekpele, and the loving grandmother of two cherished grandchildren. Balancing her roles as a mother and grandmother, she harmonizes family life with her professional aspirations, passing on values of resilience, integrity, and purpose to her children and grandchildren.

Her academic journey began at Ogidi Girls Secondary School in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. This was followed by prestigious higher education achievements, including an MBA from the University of Port Harcourt, and a Master’s in Financial Services, Risk, and Operations from Glasgow Caledonia University in the United Kingdom. Her studies, capped by a dissertation on corporate governance in banking, set the stage for a successful career in risk management and financial strategy.

Ifeyinwa’s career spans pivotal roles across reputable organizations, showcasing her proficiency in business development, risk management, and strategic operations. She is a Risk Consultant for C&I Leasing, with respect to their Leased Asset portfolio management, though she is currently engaged with K Y Universal Services Ltd. In her roles, she has been instrumental in implementing risk functions, overseeing loan portfolios, and strategically managing credit to support sustainable financial services with rigor and precision.

At the World Bank-assisted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Ifeyinwa coordinated staff capacity-building initiatives across Abia, Anambra, Edo, and Ebonyi States. Later, at Studio 24, she led sales increases and new branch openings, demonstrating her knack for driving results and fostering accountability.

As Group Head of Business Development and Risk Management at Aquila Capital Limited, she managed a large team focused on risk and business growth across Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. She secured contracts, notably with the Lagos State Government, and reduced non-performing loans by over 50 percent, cementing her reputation as a results-driven leader.
Ifeyinwa’s dedication to her field is reflected in her memberships in several professional bodies, including the Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN) and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). These affiliations highlight her commitment to maintaining industry standards and continuous learning.

Beyond her career, Ifeyinwa embodies the spirit of family and community. She is celebrated not only for her professional accomplishments but for her nurturing and selfless nature. Known by her people as Adadioramma Dioka, she symbolizes the strength, wisdom, and compassion deeply respected in her community. As a proud daughter of Anambra, Ijomah’s journey serves as an inspiration, reminding all who meet her of the profound impact of dedication, excellence, and a commitment to one’s roots and values.

“Raising two sons single-handedly has been both a challenge and a breakthrough,” Ifeyinwa reflects. “From ensuring they had all the basic necessities to fostering a deep commitment to education, it was a journey of constant resilience and sacrifice. I faced moments of uncertainty and difficulty, but seeing my sons grow into capable young men has been my greatest reward. Through every challenge, my faith kept me grounded, especially my devotion to the rosary. It’s been my source of strength and guidance.”

“My proudest moments are tied to my children and their achievements. Watching them succeed and thrive, knowing the values I instilled in them have become their guiding principles, brings me immense joy,” she shares. “Another high point has been my deepening spirituality. Spending time in prayer and reflection in recent years has brought me closer to my faith, and it fills me with peace and gratitude.”

“My guiding philosophy has always been that integrity and knowledge are priceless assets. Although I couldn’t offer my sons material wealth, I believed deeply that education would be their most powerful ally. I’ve always taught them to embrace learning, not just as a means to a career, but as a way to shape their values and character. I also believe in the power of faith and community; they provide the foundation to face life’s challenges with grace and resilience.”

“I spend much of my time in prayer and devotion, especially praying the rosary, which brings me peace,” Ifeyinwa reveals. “I also enjoy reading spiritual literature and spending quiet moments reflecting on life and God’s grace.”