The Deputy Director of the National Gallery of Art, Dame Nneka Ijeoma, has charged professionals across various fields to build enduring integrity, safeguard their credibility and continually acquire multiple skills to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive world.
Speaking at the monthly meeting of the League of Anambra Journalists Abuja (LAJA), Dame Nneka said professional success is no longer defined by a single career path, stressing that individuals should embrace entrepreneurship and continuous self-development while remaining committed to the ethics of their primary professions.
Drawing from her own experience, she described herself as a public servant who has successfully combined her career with several entrepreneurial ventures.
“I am a professional cake baker. I belong to the International Cake Exploration Society (ICES), and by the grace of God, I am now one of their zonal leaders,” she said.
She revealed that she initially declined the leadership role because of the demands of her official responsibilities but later accepted after persistent encouragement from members of the association.
“I didn’t want to accept the position because of my office, but they encouraged me to serve, and I accepted.”
Beyond her responsibilities at the National Gallery of Art, Dame Nneka disclosed that she is also into yogurt production, event planning and catering, while remaining committed to her profession as a chartered accountant.
“Anywhere you call me, you will see me. But I still know that I have a profession. I am a chartered accountant by profession.”
She urged professionals not to limit themselves to a single source of livelihood, saying acquiring complementary skills enhances personal growth and financial stability without diminishing one’s professional identity.
According to her, integrity remains the greatest asset any professional can possess.
“Your personality and your credibility matter. The ethics of the profession must always come first.”
She warned that while skills and qualifications can open doors, only integrity and discipline can sustain long-term success and earn public trust.
Reflecting on her career journey, Dame Nneka recounted that she began her professional life in the banking sector.
“I started as a banker with First Bank Investment.”
She said the discipline, resilience and commitment to lifelong learning she cultivated in banking had remained the foundation of her achievements in public service and business.
Addressing young professionals, she encouraged them to stay focused on self-improvement, embrace opportunities to learn new skills and never compromise ethical standards.
She also had a special message for women journalists, urging them to pursue excellence while recognising the important role they play both in society and within their families.
“Protect womanhood, be productive. Your first responsibility should be your family, and then in your offices, make discipline and hard work your hallmark.”
Dame Nneka said women in the media serve as ambassadors of their families and communities and should therefore uphold values capable of inspiring confidence and respect wherever they find themselves.
She concluded by encouraging professionals to combine competence, integrity and hard work, insisting that sustainable success belongs to those who remain disciplined, continually improve themselves and uphold the ethics of their professions.
