Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Community Service
Affiliations
Publications
Timeline
Generic

Obaka Ikani

Selwyn, Lincoln,New Zealand

Summary

Results-driven Project Development and Management Specialist with 15+ years of expertise in sustainable food production, community development, business development, and humanitarian services. Proven track record of designing and leading high-impact projects across Nigeria and Africa, enhancing livelihoods for thousands of households, and fostering sustainable community resilience. Adept at strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and delivering scalable solutions that drive socioeconomic growth. Passionate about creating lasting change through innovative, people-centered development initiatives.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Head Value Added Services

ThriveAgric Limited
Abuja, Nigeria
01.2021 - 06.2024
  • I managed processing and trading of over 10,000 metric tonnes of agricultural commodities - rice, maize and soybean meal, spices, etc across Nigeria.
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for streamlined work practices.
  • Kept accurate inventory records and tracked costs against budget targets.
  • Used administrative and operational expertise to help team meet deadlines and long-term objectives.
  • Assisted front-line personnel with delivering timely service to customers by expertly managing support needs.
  • Organized data and documentation to support accurate business forecasting.
  • Tracked and analyzed reports covering budgets, operational activities and department metrics.

Operations Team Lead

Thrive Agric
Abuja, Nigeria
07.2017 - 01.2021
  • MEL Focal Person for Thrive Agric on the USAID-WATIH $1.8m Grant for 50,000 farmers in Nigeria.
  • Program Manager, Economic & Livelihood Pillar of the UNDP Peace Project in Benue, Nasarawa & Taraba for over 3000 beneficiaries.
  • Project Manager, Innovation Accelerator program 2020 in Adamawa state (World Food Programme in collaboration with Thrive Agric). Aggregated 500MT of white sorghum from 10,000 farmers.
  • Developed and managed largest poultry out-grower chain in Nigeria to produce over 4m birds as head of livestock operations.
  • Project Manager, Tomato out-grower operations in collaboration with Technoserve (Rockefeller YieldWise Project) in Kaduna and Katsina states.
  • Project Manager, Apiculture out-grower operations in Edo state in collaboration with MADE (DFID funded).
  • Coordinate livestock operations team in farmer onboarding, inputs distribution & husbandry practices.
  • Support expansion strategy, exploring program-fit in new areas.
  • Periodic operations strategy development.
  • Project monitoring & performance management.
  • Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Provided ongoing coaching and mentorship opportunities for staff development and skill enhancement.
  • Completed paperwork and data entry accurately and timely to promote steady flow of information.
  • Prepared detailed reports on operational activities, analyzing data for trends or potential issues.
  • Supervised daily operations to ensure smooth workflow and efficient resource utilization.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams to optimize operational processes and improve overall efficiency.
  • Assisted upper management in developing long-term strategic plans for continued growth and success.
  • Monitored inventory levels, ordered supplies, and maintained warehouse organization.
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures for streamlined work practices.

Program Assistant

Jireh Doo Foundation
Makurdi, Nigeria
04.2014 - 04.2016
  • Supported development & implementation of humanitarian response projects (JDF & Christian Aid Project in Benue State) to over 4,000 IDPs.
  • Planned & implemented child/youth development projects (JDF & Catholic Relief Services Project in Benue state) to over 3,000 vulnerable children.
  • Developed activity and donor reports and development of project/program materials.
  • Provided administrative and logistical support for projects, initiatives, and programs.
  • Promoted data accuracy and accessibility by updating databases in (NOMIS).
  • Maintained detailed project/program documentation.
  • Coordinated internal program events, including staff meetings and presentations.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Regenerative Agriculture

Lincoln University
New Zealand
06.2027

M.Sc. - Animal Production & Management

Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi
Makurdi, Nigeria
06.2019

B.Sc. - Animal Production

Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi
Makurdi, Nigeria
07.2012

Skills

  • Data analysis and visualisation
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Analytical thinking
  • Project planning and management
  • Partnership development
  • Experience in leadership
  • Performance management
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Relationship management
  • Teamwork and collaboration

Languages

English, Proficient (C2)

Community Service

Benue State Emergency Management IDP Camp, ADHOC Manager, Daudu, Guma LGA, Nigeria, 2018

Affiliations

  • Member, New Zealand Grassland Association (NZGA).
  • Member, New Zealand Society of Animal Production (NZSAP).
  • Graduate member, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).
  • Member, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS).
  • Member, Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN).

Publications

  • Height and Mineral Composition of 12 Improved Tropical Forage Legume Species in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria, Ikani, J.O., Ibrahim, O., & Ojo, G.O.S., International Journal of Livestock Research, 8, 12, 302-306, 10.5455/ijlr.20180721060420, 2018
  • Herbage Yield, Grain Yield and Leaf Dry Matter Yield of Some Forage Legumes in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Benue State, Nigeria, Ikani J.O., Okwori, A.I & Ojo, G.O.S., Proceeding of the 44th Annual Nigerian Society of Animal Production, Abuja, 91-94, 2019
  • Detergent Fibre Analysis and Proximate Composition of 12 Improved Tropical Forage Legume Species in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria, Ikani J.O., Okwori, A.I & Ojo, G.O.S., Proceeding of the 44th Annual Nigerian Society of Animal Production, Abuja, 73-76, 2019

Timeline

Head Value Added Services

ThriveAgric Limited
01.2021 - 06.2024

Operations Team Lead

Thrive Agric
07.2017 - 01.2021

Program Assistant

Jireh Doo Foundation
04.2014 - 04.2016

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Regenerative Agriculture

Lincoln University

M.Sc. - Animal Production & Management

Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi

B.Sc. - Animal Production

Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi

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Obaka Ikani