Victor Obukomena
Digital Communications & Design Associate)
Meet our gap closer of the month, Victor Obukomena, Digital Communications & Design Associate at the Foundation. Speaking about what he finds most rewarding about his work, Victor says it is “witnessing the tangible impact of our efforts, particularly in public service transformation. I find great satisfaction in thinking of how my contributions fit into the larger picture, even if they are just one part of it.”
Please share your educational and professional background
I hold a degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Benin. After graduation, I took a few short courses in graphic design, digital marketing, and motion graphics, which helped me transition into the creative field. I’ve had the opportunity to work with several leading organisations and collaborate on significant projects for major brands like Meta, Affrexim Bank & the IFC. These experiences have helped me build a diverse skill set in communications, design, and project management, which I apply in my current role.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the development sector?
To be honest, I was looking for better opportunities in general. However, as I prepared for interviews and conducted in-depth research on the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, I became deeply inspired by the work being done to drive change in Nigeria and Africa. This aligned with my quiet but strong patriotism and personal hopes for the future of our nation. Despite the challenges Nigeria has faced in recent years, I saw the Foundation’s long-term commitment to transforming public service and creating a more prosperous and respected Africa. This gave me hope and a desire to contribute my skills and efforts toward this vision of progress.
What do you do at the Foundation?
At the Foundation, I serve as the Digital Communications & Design Associate. I manage our digital communications across platforms, including the website, monthly newsletters, and social media channels. My role also extends to project management and overseeing the planning and execution of events related to our various initiatives. Essentially, I’m the go-to person for all things digital at the Foundation, ensuring that our online presence aligns with our broader mission and goals.
What does your typical day look like?
A typical day for me involves a mix of strategic planning and operational tasks. I would probably start with a list of design tasks that need to be completed, or review creatives sent by our agency. After that, I ensure that our website content is current and properly uploaded, then I might be working to make sure our podcast is recorded promptly and sent for editing and then uploaded when finalised. If we are planning an event, I might be developing the workplan and coordinating with vendors. Additionally, I would coordinate daily standups, supervise interns, liaise with our brand consultants for the delivery of key materials like updated guidelines or playbooks. As you can imagine, my responsibilities can shift from week to week based on priorities and upcoming projects.
What makes the work that we do at the Foundation unique?
What sets the Foundation apart is our commitment to transforming public service delivery across Africa, focusing on bridging the gap between the continent and the rest of the world. Our bold, strategic, and results-driven approach emphasizes creating long-lasting change, particularly in the public sector and healthcare. We don’t just address problems; we tackle root causes through innovation, capacity building, and community engagement, as seen in our alumni network and workshops. To my knowledge, we are one of the few organisations in Nigeria—and perhaps Africa—taking this comprehensive approach.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the tangible impact of our efforts, particularly in public service transformation. I find great satisfaction in thinking of how my contributions fit into the larger picture, even if they are just one part of it. After completing an event, hearing the positive feedback from attendees and seeing our work highlighted online brings me immense joy. I find this kind of philanthropy exciting because, while it may not resonate with everyone emotionally, it addresses the broader challenges facing a continent we all hold dear. As a patriot, I aspire to contribute to making my country a better place. Additionally, I am grateful for the learning opportunities I’ve encountered since joining the Foundation, which has enriched my personal and professional growth.