Jennifer Adighije: Much Ado

Jennifer Adighije has recently been appointed as the managing director  and chief executive officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). This appointment has sparked considerable discussion, largely because she is the first in this role without extensive leadership experience in the power sector.

According to reports, Adighije’s journey began with a solid educational foundation in electrical and electronics engineering from the University of Lagos. Then came a master’s degree in Wireless Networks and Telecommunications. This was followed by a stream of diverse professional experience, including roles in telecommunications and fashion.

Adighije’s time in the telecom industry ended abruptly when Helios Towers terminated her employment in 2010. Against their citing poor performance, Adighije fought back by suing the company. She ultimately won a court case that awarded her N13.5 million in damages. This tenacity demonstrated her resilience, a trait that would later serve her well in her varied career.

Adighije later ventured into the fashion industry, and founded House of Silk, a fabric retail and tailoring company, in 2009. But despite her success in fashion, she returned to the civil service by joining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a value engineer and cost controller.

Adighije’s civil service career then led to a role as senior special assistant (SSA) to President Bola  Tinubu. Here, she advised the president on entrepreneurship development in the digital economy. Even though this role does not align directly with the power sector, her appointment as MD of NDPHC marks a significant leap, one that many have noted as lacking the usual sector-specific background.

But Adighije’s diverse background and resilience might help her bring a fresh perspective to NDPHC. After all, she has demonstrated adaptability throughout her career, moving from engineering to telecommunications, fashion, and back to the civil service. This experience, set against her strong will, is important.

While how her unconventional path will translate into success at NDPHC remains to be seen, it is clear that Adighije is no ordinary MD. Things will certainly be electrifying in the coming days.