Member’s Corner takes a closer look at Dority International Alumni Association members. This month, September 2026, features Nnenna Helen John from Class of 2006.

Nnenna Helen John (Obianuka) is a lawyer, entrepreneur and emerging Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) professional whose career reflects continuous growth, reinvention and a willingness to evolve with the times.

After completing her secondary education at Dority, she proceeded to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana, where she studied Law and graduated with an LLB in 2011.

She distinguished herself academically, emerging as the Best Graduating Foreign Student of the Faculty of Law for the 2010/2011 academic year. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012.

With over 14 years of experience in legal practice, Nnenna began her professional journey in litigation and dispute resolution, building a strong foundation in advocacy and legal practice.

Her professional experience includes facilitating international franchise arrangements involving Nigerian companies and multinational companies, advising on corporate and regulatory matters, and serving on the boards of corporate bodies. 

Her litigation and dispute resolution practice has also included representing a portfolio of clients in EFCC-related matters, both in pursuing the recovery of funds and in defending clients involved in investigations and proceedings.

This aspect of her practice has, informally, earned her the nickname “Madam EFCC” among some of her clients and colleagues.

She has also embraced entrepreneurship, establishing Gold Pine Attorneys and Consultants, her private legal and consulting firm, through which she provides legal, corporate, regulatory and advisory services.

Currently, Nnenna serves as a Legal Officer with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), a Federal Government of Nigeria parastatal, giving her the unique perspective of having worked across both private legal practice and the public sector.

Beyond traditional legal practice, Nnenna has undertaken training in Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking, and is now focused on Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) — an area where law, technology, regulation and organisational risk intersect.

From litigation to corporate law, from private practice to public service, from entrepreneurship to technology and GRC, Nnenna continues to explore new areas of knowledge and challenge herself to acquire skills beyond the boundaries of the legal profession.

How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as someone who, despite life’s hard knocks, has never allowed them to define or diminish me.

I have always chosen to see the possibilities in life, to press forward, and to remain conscious of the qualities and strength within me.

I am also someone who strives for excellence in whatever I do. I believe that my work should carry a distinctive mark of quality.

I like to put my own touch on what I do so that when you see the finished product, you can say, “Yes, Nnenna did this.”

I am intentional about showing up, making an impact and leaving a positive impression wherever I find myself. I suppose, in my own way, I like my presence to be felt without necessarily having to announce it.

What made you study Law in Ghana instead of Nigeria?

I had always wanted the experience of studying outside Nigeria, but as an only daughter, my parents were initially quite hesitant about sending me too far from home.

At the time, there were also frequent disruptions and strike actions in Nigerian universities.

Ghana therefore presented a very good middle ground: it gave me the opportunity to study outside Nigeria while still being relatively close to home and, importantly, offered the standard of education my parents wanted for me.

So, in many ways, studying in Ghana was a compromise between my desire for an international experience and my parents’ desire to keep their only daughter within reach.

You graduated as the Best Graduating Foreign Student of the Faculty of Law at KNUST. What did that achievement mean to you?

That achievement meant a great deal to me. It felt like a continuation of the academic excellence I had pursued throughout my education, from my early school years through secondary school.

I had always been very conscious of doing well academically, so going to Ghana and achieving that distinction was deeply fulfilling.

It was particularly meaningful because my father (may his soul rest in peace) used to remind me, rather dramatically, that the school fees he was paying for me in Ghana could probably pay the school fees of many students in Nigeria!

So, when I emerged as the Best Graduating Foreign Student, it was a very proud moment for both of us. My father was there to witness it, and he was incredibly happy and proud of me.

Looking back now, knowing that he was able to see that achievement and share that moment with me makes it even more precious.

For me personally, the achievement also reinforced something I had always believed about myself: that I had the capacity to excel, even when placed in a completely new environment.

It gave me greater confidence in my abilities and became a reminder that excellence is something I can carry with me wherever I go.

When you first chose Law, what kind of lawyer did you imagine you would become?

When I first chose law, I had the rather idealistic vision of becoming a lawyer who would fight for the downtrodden and champion justice for people who could not fight for themselves.

Interestingly, my actual career path took me somewhere somewhat different. I began my professional journey in litigation, which gave me valuable exposure to advocacy, dispute resolution and the realities of legal practice.

Along the way, however, I discovered that I had a natural affinity for corporate and commercial law, as well as legal drafting.

Corporate law had always intrigued me from my university and law school days. I found myself genuinely enjoying statutory legal frameworks and the structure behind businesses and transactions.

As for legal drafting, it came quite naturally to me. I have always enjoyed taking complex ideas, identifying the legal issues within them, and translating them into clear, precise and practical language.

I particularly enjoy the discipline of drafting because the choice of words matters, and a well-drafted document can anticipate issues, manage risks and provide clarity before a dispute ever arises.

So, while I initially imagined myself primarily as a courtroom advocate fighting individual battles for justice, my career has evolved into something broader.

I have found myself drawn to the intersection of law, business, regulation, governance and drafting — using the law not only to resolve disputes, but also to structure transactions, manage risk and create practical solutions.

At what point did you decide to establish Gold Pine Attorneys and Consultants?

I established Gold Pine Attorneys and Consultants in 2015, a few years after I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2012.

For me, establishing my own firm was a natural extension of both my legal training and my entrepreneurial upbringing. I come from a family with a strong entrepreneurial background, so the idea of building something of my own was not entirely unfamiliar to me.

Having gained some practical experience, I began to appreciate that being a lawyer does not necessarily mean being confined to traditional paid employment.

The profession gives you the opportunity to build your own practice, develop your clientele, and create a professional identity around your strengths and interests.

Gold Pine has therefore been an important part of my journey towards greater independence as a legal practitioner and entrepreneur.

It has allowed me to grow professionally, explore different areas of legal practice, and build something that reflects both my legal expertise and my entrepreneurial instincts.

You currently serve as a Legal Officer with the Industrial Training Fund. What attracted you to public service?

My decision to move into public service was largely driven by curiosity and a desire for a broader professional experience.

Having spent most of my career in private practice, I wanted to understand how law operates from the public-sector perspective. I wanted to experience a different institutional environment, understand its processes and contribute my legal experience within that space.

In many ways, it has given me the opportunity to see the practice of law from another angle. I have been able to draw from my private-sector experience while learning how legal, regulatory and governance issues are approached within a public institution.

So, for me, the move was less about leaving one world for another and more about expanding my understanding of the profession by experiencing both sides.

Having worked in both private and public sectors, what important differences have you observed in how organisations in the two sectors approach law?

One of the clearest differences I have observed is the pace and structure within which legal issues are addressed.

Private-sector organisations generally operate in a highly competitive environment, so there is often a strong emphasis on speed, commercial outcomes, innovation and proactive problem-solving.

Legal advice is frequently expected to anticipate risks while also finding practical ways to facilitate the organisation’s objectives.

The public sector, on the other hand, operates within a more structured framework, with greater emphasis on due process, established procedures, accountability and institutional safeguards.

Decisions often have to pass through several layers of consideration because they affect public resources and broader public interests.

Neither environment operates without its challenges, but working in both has taught me that the lawyer’s role is ultimately about understanding the environment in which an organisation operates and providing advice that is both legally sound and practically useful.

What sparked your interest in cybersecurity and ethical hacking?

My interest in cybersecurity grew from my realisation that the legal profession is evolving alongside technology.

One of the areas that particularly opened my eyes was data privacy.

During one of my continuing legal education programmes with the Nigerian Bar Association, I took a course relating to data privacy, and it made me appreciate just how much the intersection between law and technology was going to shape the future of professional practice.

That prompted me to explore cybersecurity and ethical hacking. I became interested in understanding not just the legal and regulatory side of technology, but also some of the technical concepts behind cybersecurity.

It eventually led me towards Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), which feels like a natural intersection of many of the areas I already enjoy — law, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk management and technology.

For me, it is another example of my belief that a professional career should not be static. I enjoy learning, acquiring new skills and finding ways to make seemingly different areas of expertise work together.

Looking back at your years at Dority, what memories or experiences have stayed with you?

One of the biggest things that has stayed with me from my years at Dority is the academic discipline.

Dority gave me a strong foundation in hard work, discipline, and the expectation that I should take my academics seriously. I carried that mindset with me to Ghana, and I believe it played a significant role in how I approached my studies at KNUST.

At the time, there was a perception among some people that Nigerian students studying in Ghana were predominantly children of wealthy or politically connected families who had gone there to enjoy a certain lifestyle.

I was determined, in my own little way, to challenge that perception and demonstrate that Nigerian students could distinguish themselves academically.

So, I showed up, worked hard, and let my academic performance speak for itself. Looking back, I see how much of that discipline has stayed with me.

It influences the way I approach my professional work today, particularly my emphasis on thoroughness, attention to detail, and ensuring that my work is well-considered and meets a high professional standard.

The environment may change, but the discipline, determination and desire to excel stay with you. Those are some of the values DISS gave me that I continue to carry today.

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Member’s Corner takes a closer look at Dority International Alumni Association members. This month, August 2026, features Professor Chinelo Ezeocha from Class of 1997.

Chinelo Vanessa Ezeocha is a dedicated academic, researcher, and mentor in in Food Science and Technology, with extensive experience in teaching, research, innovation, and community service. 

She is a 1997 graduate of DISS and holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and PhD degrees in Food Science and Technology. A recipient of the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Fellowship, she completed Advanced Science Training at the Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) in Montpellier, France, and served as a Visiting Researcher at CORAF/WECARD in Dakar, Senegal.

She began her career at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, where she rose to the rank of Senior Research Officer. In 2015, she joined Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), where she progressed through the academic ranks to become a Professor of Food Science and Technology. She is currently on sabbatical leave at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Professor Ezeocha is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, a Certified Food Scientist (CFS), and a member of several other related professional bodies.

When did you first become interested in Food Science and Technology, and why did you choose it as a career?

As a child I had always been very selective when it comes to food, I always complained about the monotonous diet at home and when I did, my mum would ask me to go to the kitchen and fix the so called special diet myself. So I always found myself in the kitchen experimenting with recipes, some of which turned out great, while some others were nasty.

When it was time to choose what to study, I knew I wanted to do something related to food which was completely against what my parents wanted for me. I discussed my passion with my uncle who then advised me to go for Food Science and Technology since I performed well in my sciences and mathematics.

He helped me convince my parents and that was how my journey in Food Science and Technology started. Since then, I decided to work hard to prove to my parents that my career choice was the right one for me and I am happy that they later agreed with me.

What important lessons did you learn during your time at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike?

My journey in the research world started at National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, where I learnt how to identify practical challenges facing farmers, processors and consumers and develop innovative solutions. I also learnt patience, perseverance, how to pay attention to details while working with data and how to collaborate and work within a multidisciplinary team.

I was also exposed to a lot of trainings and short courses such as the ones organized by IITA, CIRAD, Wageningen University etc. The years I spent in NRCRI were my formative years which laid the solid foundation on which I stand today.

What were the most significant challenges on your journey to becoming a professor?

The greatest challenge on my journey to becoming a Professor was time management. It was not easy balancing the demands of teaching, research and family responsibilities.

Another challenge was working in an environment where research infrastructure and funding were usually inadequate. This pushed me to become resourceful, collaborate with colleagues from better equipped institutions and seek for funding opportunities, which were very competitive, to strengthen my research and professional development.

Despite these challenges I faced, perseverance, mentorship and the passion for advancing knowledge kept me motivated.

How does your research in food processing, preservation and value addition improve the lives of ordinary households, farmers and entrepreneurs?

My research is aimed at improving food security, nutrition and livelihoods. By developing simple, affordable and sustainable processing technologies and value-added products, my research contributes to the reduction of post-harvest losses, extension of shelf life and improvement in the quality and safety of food products made from locally available crops.

These can increase the economic value of these crops and minimize waste for farmers. I always ensure that my research work always translate into real benefits for communities through improved nutrition, increased income and sustainable food systems.

How did the AWARD Fellowship and your research experiences in France and Senegal influence your professional development?

The African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) fellowship was a transformative milestone in my professional development. It equipped me with leadership, mentorship and proposal writing skills, enabling me to build stronger research collaborations and compete more effectively for research funding.

Through the advanced science training, I was exposed to state-of-the-art research facilities and cutting-edge analytical techniques. These experiences have shaped my approach to research and teaching.

They inspired me to pursue excellence, foster collaborations, mentor young scientists and conduct research that benefit my community.

What challenges have you encountered as a woman working in agricultural research and academia, and how did you overcome them?

One of the greatest challenges I encountered as a working woman was balancing the demands of teaching, research, mentorship, and administrative duties with family and personal responsibilities simultaneously, often under serious time constraints.

Most times, I had to work extra hard to establish credibility and demonstrate my capabilities above my male colleagues.

Mentorship by senior colleagues, participation in initiatives such as AWARD and my international experiences gave me the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. By remaining resilient, maintaining high professional standards and focusing on research that addressed real societal needs, I was able to build a rewarding career.

Today, I am passionate about mentoring young women scientists, encouraging them to believe in their abilities, that with determination, integrity and hard work, they can overcome barriers.

You have supervised many undergraduate and postgraduate students. What principles guide your approach to teaching and mentorship?

I have always believed that education is not only about imparting knowledge but also inspiring curiosity, critical thinking and innovation.

So I try to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas and develop confidence in their abilities.

I encourage my students to think independently and equip them with what it takes to become problem solvers, effective communicators, team players and future leaders. One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing my former students excel in the real world after graduation.

I met one of my students in Italy during one of my industrial visits and I was very happy when his supervisor was speaking highly of him. Such achievements reaffirm my belief in mentorship.

What have you learnt from training master bakers, women’s groups, young people and entrepreneurs to develop products from indigenous crops?

Training these various groups of people has taught me that scientific knowledge has its greatest value when it is translated into practical solutions that improve people’s lives and livelihoods.

This helped me to realize that innovation must be pertinent to local needs and that capacity building is as important as technology development.

I also learnt that the most successful innovations are those developed by combining scientific expertise with local experience because they usually give rise to practical, affordable and culturally acceptable solutions.

You mentioned Mrs. Zovannah Onumah’s influence on you as a student. Was there another person, teacher or experience at Dority that significantly influenced your future?

The collective influence of the teachers and values promoted at Dority laid the foundation for my future. However, the teachers that had the most significant influence were Monsieur Abosi Mukete and Mr. Moses Ineh.

Monsieur Abosi Mukete taught us how fun learning a new language could be, he taught us nice songs and we also acted drama in French. Those experiences gave me the confidence and open mind I needed during my sojourn in non-English speaking countries.

Mr. Moses Ineh taught us discipline which is one of the principles that has guided my academic and professional journey.

The JETS club competition we went for in Ogun State was what triggered my interest in science, and I remain grateful for such experiences.

What advice would you give to Dority students and younger alumni who want to build meaningful careers in the agriculture and food industry?

My advice to Dority students and younger alumni is to pursue their dreams with purpose, curiosity and perseverance.

They should first build a strong academic foundation and never stop learning since technology is constantly evolving, they should remain open to new ideas and innovations.

They should also work hard, remain resilient, seek mentors and build meaningful professional networks, collaborate and take advantage of internships, research opportunities and professional development programmes that will broaden their experience.

Most importantly, they should use their knowledge to improve their community.

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Member’s Corner takes a closer look at Dority International Alumni Association members. This month, July 2026, features Uzoma Ekwebelem from Class of 2002.

Uzoma Ekwebelem is a technology executive, entrepreneur, board member, and business leader with over two decades of experience leading business transformation, technology adoption, and growth initiatives across Africa.

She holds a first degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master’s degree in Technology and Business Management, University of Manchester, Manchester Business School, United Kingdom. 

She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arya Marketplace, a technology -enabled B2B wholesale marketplace connecting African manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors to buyers across the continent. 

Prior to entrepreneurship, she built a distinguished corporate career with global technology leaders IBM and Oracle, where she held several leadership positions spanning enterprise technology, cloud computing, and public sector transformation.

She is passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, women’s leadership, and Africa’s economic transformation. She is also committed to creating opportunities and empowering the next generation.

What inspired your interest in Electrical and Electronics Engineering?

My Dad.

He was my idol growing up. I watched him build a business and a factory from the ground up, and I simply wanted to be like him. At the same time, I was always fascinated by how things worked and enjoyed solving problems.

Engineering appealed to me because it combined analytical thinking with the ability to create practical solutions to real-world problems. Looking back, it was the perfect foundation for the technology and business career I would later build.

What were the most important lessons you learned working for IBM and Oracle?

IBM and Oracle taught me how to build businesses that can scale.

I learned the importance of structure, delegation, accountability, and ownership. As organizations grow, success becomes less about individual effort and more about building systems and teams that can consistently deliver results.

The second lesson was that relationships are often more important than transactions. Long-term success is built on trust, credibility, and the ability to work effectively with people.

The third lesson was that technology is never really about technology. It is about solving business and societal problems. The most successful solutions are those that create measurable value for the people they serve.

As Cloud Country Leader for Nigeria and Public Sector Director at Oracle, you worked on major technology initiatives. What achievement from that period stands out most to you?

What stands out most is not a single project but the opportunity to contribute to initiatives that impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.

I had the privilege of working on projects that helped digitize government payroll and HR systems, customs and border modernization initiatives to support trade and exports, health insurance systems, and pension administration platforms.

One moment I will never forget was when a police officer walked up to me after a meeting and thanked us because, for the first time in his career, salaries were being paid on time. He explained that in the past, officers often had to bribe people or go through unnecessary hurdles just to access what they had earned.

Another memorable moment was receiving feedback from a pensioner who had struggled for years to receive pension payments and finally began receiving them through a digitized system without needing to beg anyone.

Those experiences reminded me that technology projects are never just about software or systems. Behind every project are real people whose lives can be improved when things work better.

Beyond the technology itself, I am proud of the teams I built, the people I mentored, and the leaders who grew through those experiences.

You’re the Founder and CEO of Arya Marketplace. What inspired you to build Arya Marketplace?

Arya Marketplace was inspired by both personal experience and research.

I grew up in Aba and come from a manufacturing background, so I saw firsthand the challenges manufacturers faced in finding new markets and growing their businesses.

During my Master’s degree research, I spent time speaking with merchants in the Aba leather and footwear cluster, and many of them described the same challenges—limited market access, trust issues, fragmented supply chains, and difficulty reaching buyers beyond their immediate environment.

Years later, when I started my own retail e-commerce business, I encountered many of the same problems. The experience was frustrating enough that I decided this was a problem worth solving.

Arya Marketplace was created to help manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and buyers source products cheaper, safer, and faster while unlocking access to larger markets across Africa.

What future do you see for African businesses when technology is used to connect markets?

I believe the future is incredibly exciting.

Technology has the potential to remove geographical barriers, improve trust, increase transparency, reduce transaction costs, and connect businesses to customers far beyond their immediate communities.

As more African businesses embrace digital platforms, we will see stronger regional trade, greater competitiveness, increased job creation, and more locally made products reaching national and international markets.

Technology can become one of the greatest enablers of Africa’s economic transformation.

What’s the most difficult part of building a business from the ground up?

The most difficult part is dealing with uncertainty.

In a corporate environment, many systems, resources, and structures already exist. As an entrepreneur, you are building while simultaneously learning, adapting, and solving problems you have never encountered before.

There are moments when progress feels slow and outcomes are uncertain. What keeps you going is resilience, belief in your vision, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when you do not yet have all the answers.

You received multiple awards for exceptional performance. What do those recognitions mean to you?]

I am grateful for every recognition I have received, but I view awards as a by-product rather than the objective.

To me, they represent the collective effort of teams, mentors, colleagues, customers, and partners who contributed to those achievements. They are reminders of what is possible when people work together toward a shared goal.

Ultimately, the impact we create and the opportunities we help others access are far more important than the awards themselves.

In what ways did Dority help shape your confidence and ambition?

I certainly was not a model student at Dority! (LOL)

But Dority provided an environment that emphasized learning, discipline, and excellence.

I believe many of the experiences we went through helped build resilience and prepared us for the realities of life beyond the classroom.

Dority was all about excellence. It taught me that excellence should be pursued consistently and that ambition should never be limited by circumstances.

Those values have stayed with me throughout my career and continue to influence how I approach both business and life.

What are some of your fondest memories from your time at Dority?

Without a doubt, walking home with my classmates.

The walk home was an experience in itself. We would gist, laugh, buy ice cream, share stories, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Looking back, some of my fondest memories are the friendships, shared experiences, and sense of community that came with being part of the school.

Dority was where many lifelong friendships were formed, and those relationships remain one of the greatest gifts from that period of my life.

What advice would you give to current Dority students and younger alumni who want to build corporate careers but are unsure where to begin?

Start before you feel ready.

Focus on building skills, not just collecting qualifications. Be curious, ask questions, seek mentors, and take every opportunity to learn.

Do not be afraid to start small. Every successful career is built one step at a time. Consistency often matters more than brilliance.

Most importantly, understand that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Invest in your character, your reputation, your relationships, and your ability to keep learning. Those assets will open more doors than any job title ever will.

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