Chizoba Mojekwu urges firms to put people before tech
Organizational development consultant Chizoba Mojekwu has called for companies to center their strategies around people rather than processes or technology during a Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce session in Lagos, arguing that employees drive innovation and customer satisfaction while technology remains dependent on human action. She warned that interconnected global markets mean non-customers can damage brand reputation through social media, requiring leaders to view workers as drivers of emotion and connection instead of expenses or resources.
Mojekwu recounted how the Central Bank of Nigeria faced resistance when launching its digital learning portal in 2017, with staff preferring traditional overseas training until management demonstrated that online education expanded access for younger employees and women. The initiative, developed with Skillsoft and Philips Consulting, revealed gender disparities after data showed women attended fewer programs tied to travel, prompting a shift that led female staff to complete learning modules at twice the rate of male colleagues. She emphasized that leaders must respect Generation Z perspectives and communicate organizational purpose to inspire commitment and creativity.
