Naija Skilled Certified™ Success Stories
Introduction
Meet Okanimee Iruoma Confidence – Driving Her Future at Dangote Refinery
At Skills HR Ltd., we believe in the transformative power of a clear vision and unwavering passion, especially when nurtured by dedicated mentorship. Few stories embody this spirit quite like that of Okanimee Iruoma Confidence. Her journey from purely academic pursuits to becoming a highly competent, certified Forklift Operator at the colossal Dangote Refinery is a powerful testament to personal drive and the impact of our Naija Skilled Certified™ program.
Okanimee’s path began in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, where she was diligently pursuing a degree in Criminology and Security Studies at the National Open University of Nigeria. A brilliant academic mind, she still faced a common reality for many young Nigerians: the challenge of translating theoretical knowledge into immediate, practical employment opportunities. When she first walked into Skills HR Ltd. in early 2024, she was candid. Despite her ongoing university education, she admitted, “I had no practical skills at all that could actually get me a job right away.”
The Spark of Mentorship: Edith Ijeh’s Vision in Action
It was during this critical juncture that Okanimee connected directly with Edith Ijeh, the visionary Founder of Skills HR Ltd. Edith saw beyond Okanimee’s lack of practical experience; she recognized an uncommon drive and an eagerness to learn. “Okanimee’s hunger to do something tangible, to build a skill, was palpable,” Edith recalls. “She wasn’t looking for a handout; she was looking for a pathway.”
Inspired by Edith’s passion for empowering Nigeria’s youth and seeing the immense potential in logistics, Okanimee made a bold decision: to train as a Forklift Operator. This was a significant departure from criminology, and certainly a field not traditionally dominated by women. Yet, with Edith’s encouragement and the structured support from Skills HR Ltd., Okanimee embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
Consistency, Passion, and the Path to Mastery
Okanimee’s training journey was marked by incredible consistency and passion. Starting with absolutely no prior experience operating heavy machinery, she committed herself entirely. She was often among the first to arrive and the last to leave the practical training sessions, meticulously mastering every aspect: from understanding complex safety protocols and machine inspections to achieving precise load handling and navigating tight spaces. Her drive to refine her technique was evident daily. She didn’t just learn; she absorbed, practiced, and perfected.
Upon completing her comprehensive training, Okanimee faced the rigorous Naija Skilled Certified™ assessment. This wasn’t just a test of what she knew, but a true evaluation of her practical competence, adherence to strict safety standards, and her ability to perform under pressure. Her consistent effort paid off: she passed with flying colours, officially earning her Naija Skilled Certified™ credential as a qualified Forklift Operator.
Driving Her Future: A Female Operator at Dangote Refinery
The impact of this certification was almost immediate. Armed with her verified skills and formal recognition, Okanimee applied for a role at one of Africa’s largest and most significant industrial landmarks: the Dangote Refinery.
Today, Okanimee Iruoma Confidence stands tall as a female Forklift Operator at the Dangote Refinery. In a massive industrial complex where efficiency, precision, and safety are paramount, Okanimee plays a crucial role, skillfully handling materials and directly contributing to the refinery’s immense operations.
Empowered Confidence: “Having this certification, and knowing Edith and the Skills HR Ltd. team believed in me, gave me a confidence I never had before,” Okanimee states, her voice radiating assurance. “Now, I don’t just feel capable; I know I am.”
Okanimee’s journey, which began in early 2024, is a living testament to how personal consistency, guided by visionary mentorship like Edith Ijeh’s, and the tangible value of formal certification, can unlock unimaginable opportunities. She exemplifies the immense potential within Nigeria’s youth, proving that with the right guidance and unwavering determination, any dream can be within reach.
Okanimee’s Message: “Find Your Skill, Get Certified, and Go for It!”
When asked for her advice to others, Okanimee’s message is simple, powerful, and deeply felt: “Don’t limit yourself. I studied criminology, but I knew I needed a practical skill to truly make my mark. Skills HR Ltd. and Edith Ijeh showed me the way. Find a skill you’re passionate about, commit to learning it, get certified, and don’t be afraid to go for those big opportunities, even if they seem unconventional. If I can drive my future at Dangote, you can drive yours too!”
Okanimee Iruoma Confidence isn’t just operating a forklift; she’s skillfully navigating her own extraordinary success story, one precise movement at a time, at the very heart of Nigeria’s industrial future.
Inspired by Okanimee’s courage and consistency.
