Celine is one of the most sought after marketing communications and business strategists in Africa, Celine obtained a BSc. (Hons) in Agriculture from the University of London Wye College and a Masters Degree in Development Economics from the University of Reading UK.
Celine began her career with Microsoft UK, rising through the ranks to become the Regional Product Marketing Manager for Africa & Middle East a region which comprised 15 countries. After over 20 years in the UK studying and building a successful career, which includes 8 years with the software giant Microsoft, and 4 years running ASPIRE Media Ltd, publisher of the award-winning ASPIRE magazine, she returned to Nigeria where she quickly became one of the most sought after Marketing Communications executives.
While at Microsoft UK, she honed her skills in Business Strategy & Marketing Communications, rising through the ranks in roles such as Business Analyst, Strategic Planning Manager, Internal Communications Manager, and later moved to the Africa & Middle East region as Regional Product Marketing Manager.
After returning to Nigeria in 2006, she served as Divisional Head, Brands & Communications at United Bank for Africa (UBA) successfully guiding the Bank through its merger. Her talent, hardwork and abilities were recognised and Celine soon became Group Director, Marketing & Corporate Relations.
Fending off interest from two global banks, Celine was head hunted to lead the marketing team at First Bank of Nigeria Plc, a position which she held for a while and she resigned her position in 2010. Her most recent work includes consultantices for numerous organisations. She currently serves as the communications consultant for the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as pursuing her passions in the creative industry – Publishing, Film and Television.
Celine is multiple award winner, mentor and entrepreneur and she strives to be the driving force for positive change in any organisation.
Redwire
Celine is the Group marketing partner of Rediwire. Rediwire is an insights-driven marketing and brand consultancy, committed to helping their clients design and execute transformational marketing programmes
Aspire
Aspire is a glossy international lifestyle, fashion and socio-political magazine for women of African and Caribbean descent.
The vision for ASPIRE is to redress that balance, by highlighting positive stories and identifying strong personalities and role models, to enhance the perception of our people and to inspire emerging generations
Last Flight To Abuja
Celine had never had any interest in acting as a career, but her desire for creativity was made known through writing and interpreting stories and it goes as far back as school dramas, church plays, end of term skits, etc. at the age of 16, Celine wrote a 45-minute stage play, scripted it and played the main character.
Last Flight to Abuja is Celine’s first film role and Obi Emelonye’s directing style gave the actors the freedom to express the characters as they felt them. Celine played the Co-pilot, Seye. Seye didn’t have much of a back story; she was interesting only to the extent that she was a lone female in a male-dominated profession. To give her a bit more dimension, Celine imagined that she (Seye) had a secret crush on her colleague (the Pilot), thus introducing intrigue and more chemistry between the characters.
Recognitions
*Top 50 outstanding Cameroonians by Dulce Camer (2009)
*Exquisite Magazine Female Banker of the Year (2009);
*Mode Men Magazine Woman of the Year (2009);
*Vanguard Allure Magazine’s Style Icon (2008);
*Role Model Award by GOTNI – Guardians Of The Nation International (2007); *Outstanding Achievement in Media by European Federation of Black Women Business Owners (2005);
*Excellence in Media Award by GAB (Gathering of Africa’s Best, 2006);
*Named amongst Outstanding Sakerettes by EXSSA USA (2004);
*Microsoft Ltd Finance & Administration Measure of Excellence (1993)
Life Lessons
“What I learned along the way is that you can never know too much; every day, and everyone you meet, is an opportunity to learn something.”
“Do your homework; knowing your subject matter does wonders for your confidence and your ability to influence others.”
“Never mix business with pleasure; if you must, tread carefully and be aware of the lines.”
Greatest influence
“Free-thinking, intelligent and courageous women throughout history – they inspire me to try to walk in their footprints.”
The best advice given
It is in overcoming life’s obstacles and challenges that you find out who you really are.
Kemi Ajumobi
