In an inspiring interview with Premium Times, Odunayo Sanya, the Executive Director of MTN Nigeria Foundation, shared her remarkable 29-year career journey, leadership philosophy, and her mission to empower women in the workplace. With experience spanning multiple sectors, from financial services and education to telecommunications and social impact, Sanya’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and a commitment to lifting others along the way.
From Teller to Executive Director: A Journey of Growth and Resilience
Sanya’s career began in the financial services industry at Chartered Bank, where she worked as a Teller despite having a background in Political Science. Over the years, she gained experience in various banking roles, including treasury, marketing, and credit, before moving to MTN Nigeria in 2005. Now, with 20 years of service at MTN, Sanya reflects on the challenges and milestones that have shaped her career, including transitioning to the MTN Foundation in 2019.
“I see my move to the Foundation as divine, and the rest, as they say, is history,” Sanya remarked, emphasizing the importance of seizing new opportunities.
Women Leaders: Catalysts for Change
When asked about how women leaders inspire and empower others, Sanya passionately believes that women are natural change agents and nurturers. She highlights the power of mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship to help women rise to leadership positions. According to her, the key to empowerment lies in leading by example, when women live with excellence, purpose, and resilience, they inspire others to follow.
“Women leaders are custodians of possibilities for other women,” she stated. “We must speak for other women, contribute to policy-making, and ensure that work environments are conducive to our success.”
The Unique Value of Women in Leadership
Sanya believes women bring a unique and balanced perspective to leadership, offering mental rigor and richer insights in decision-making. She also stresses that women leaders must be proactive in addressing the challenges they face, such as delayed career progression and personal obstacles. Sanya’s advice? Focus on the bigger picture, invest in personal development, and never let setbacks deter you.
A Career-defining Moment: Empowering Communities
One of the most rewarding moments of Sanya’s career has been leading the MTN Foundation’s efforts to revitalize 49 Primary Healthcare Centres across Nigeria. This socio-economic intervention, which included renovations, provision of medical equipment, and training healthcare workers, directly impacted underserved communities, improving healthcare access for countless Nigerians.
“The project represents the well-being of our communities,” Sanya said, visibly moved by the impact. “Knowing that I contributed to saving lives is what makes my work so fulfilling.”
Advice for Young Nigerian Women: Dream Big and Aim for Excellence
For young Nigerian women aspiring to leadership, Sanya’s advice is clear: “Your dreams are valid. You can only be stopped or encouraged to the extent that you accept.” She urges women to aim for excellence and understand that despite the odds, they are capable of extraordinary achievements.
Achieving Work-Life Balance: The Key to Sustained Success
When it comes to balancing the demands of her role as CEO with family life, Sanya credits a strong support system, including her parents, in-laws, and siblings. By outsourcing household tasks and prioritizing what matters most, she has crafted a balance that allows her to excel both professionally and personally.
The Power of Women to Create Lasting Change
Reflecting on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” Sanya emphasizes that women hold the power to create meaningful change. “The power to shatter the glass ceiling and create lasting change sits with us,” she concluded. “Let’s create the environment for everyone to thrive and achieve their goals.”
Through her leadership, Odunayo Sanya continues to inspire and empower, proving that women have the strength, intelligence, and resilience to drive impactful change in both the workplace and beyond.
