Uzoamaka Letticia Okorie serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the bespoke cleanings ervicing company, Nikolasjay Global Services Limited. Uzoamaka is a result driven, self-motivated and resourceful CEO with a proven ability to strengthen management teams in order to maximise company profitability and efficiency. Possessing excellent communication skills with the ability to establish sustainable and profitable relationships with customers and stakeholders.
With her Human Resources Background, she has served in various executive
management roles as the Practice Manager for Fine and Country (International) West Africa,
and in MTN Nigeria Communication where she was the Human Resource Advisory Executive
to three departments in one and two Divisions within the Business.
Her more than 20-year career spans from HR Management with Lotus Capital Limited and
Quantum Communications Limited, Program/Administrative coordinator with FATE
Foundation (NGO) to her Customer Service experiential delivery in the Airline Industry.
Uzoamaka holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Botany from the University of Lagos, Certified
Women Entrepreneurial course from EDC (Enterprise Development Centre; Pan-African
University), certified HR courses with Cornell University, USA and an Executive MBA from Lagos Business School.
In this Interview with Oyinlola Sale, she explains how she has managed to change the game in the cleaning business.
As the CEO of a Bespoke Cleaning Service Company, tell us about your journey into creating Nikolasjay Global Services Limited?
My journey has been a very adventurous one. First and foremost, we as a company are 100% service oriented, I realized that one of my strong suits is resourcefulness, I found it upsetting most times to find good “service” when sourcing for vendors to offer their respective services. So, in seeking for what to do, coming from paid employment, I decided to contribute to that vacuum by offering services in a manner that speaks volumes. Our Janitorial service company was born out of this need. It is my joy to pull from my strengths in offering these services to clients with integrity and black excellence.
Now, can you elaborate on the growth of cleaning companies in Nigeria?
Oh the cleaning company industry in Nigeria has grown significantly over the years, unfortunately, some see it as just the use of mop and bucket while some see it as a service being offered to clients who see the value being created in order to increase their productivity. Having said that, it is no doubt a growing industry which has much more to contribute to the Nigerian economy. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the true expediency of the service we have to offer as categorized under frontline workers.
When did the industry realize they have to brand cleaning services companies in Nigeria?
I wouldn’t say there was a set time where the industry realized they have to brand the cleaning service company, like every other developing industry, companies grow with the changing times, business models change, as well as technology, social media etc. therefore the need to increase quality and standards in order to meet the growing and competitive needs of the end users.
So what does it take to set up a company like Nikolasjay Global Services Limited in Nigeria?
Self motivation, determination and inner strength…lol. You have to first be convicted by your “WHY?”… this is because, if you are doing it for just the money, you will burn out quickly by the challenges that come with starting a business in Nigeria, you will look for reasons daily to go back to paid employment. Therefore, your reason behind your vision is critical. It drives you to keep going daily.
What are the challenges you have faced so far in running this business?
Human Resources. It is such a challenge finding human capital to train and develop to meet our standards. The industry generally has high turnover and this is something we constantly have to work around with minimal impact to our clients experience.
Starting up a business is never easy, so tell us how did you manage to finance this business in it’s early days?
The early days were very challenging. Trying to get clients to believe in your business, to release hard earned money to deliver a service was an uphill task, but I’m thankful for how far we have come. My family and friends (aka angel investors) were very supportive, we did not have to consider bank loan solutions.
The Cleaning Service Industry is becoming quite competitive, how have you managed to carve a niche for yourself?
I believe we stay focused on our customer needs. That is always key. Our clients needs come first always, no client is too small or too big, everyone gets the highest level of service. This ia also what we try to imbibe with our client facing consultants. I believe that has worked for us over the years.
What is your growth projection for Nikolasjay Global Services Limited in the next 5 years?
In the next 5years I see Nikolasjay Global Services as one of the leading companies to be reckoned with in the industry, leading the way in digitising how cleaning is done.