Rita James started the company Merciport Resources Limited in 2007, at the time she was 27 years old. Under her direction, the company has grown to become one of the top three independent petroleum product marketers in the non-depot owner category in Nigeria.
Prior to Merciport, she pioneered the set-up of an Oil & Gas Company in the downstream sector in Nigeria. As the pioneer General Manager, she steered the ship of the organisation to an enviable feat, before leaving to set-up her own business.
James holds a first degree in Agricultural Economics from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Nigeria and has attended several trainings and seminars both locally and internationally including London Business School and Harvard Business School.
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She is the Founder of Shunammite Foundation, a foundation borne out of her passion to support and make life worth living for the impoverished to enable them successfully transit from poverty to self- sufficiency, by educating and empowering them with the right tools, knowledge and information.
Coming from a humble beginning, she has a strong desire to impact the lives of the less privileged in the society, which led to her partnering with So-Said Charity Homes, Pure Religion Widows amongst other NGOs. She was given an Award for Humanitarian Services by So-Said Charity Homes as her company was recognised for her impact and outstanding contributions to humanity in 2014.
The Foundation carried out a project (Project Profitable Labour), where 20 unemployed graduates (from Ajegunle) were sent on skills acquisition training to notable schools for quality impact in their various field of interests.
In recognition of her business drive and contribution to the economy, her company was nominated by the Tony Elumelu Foundation for “Nigeria Fast Growth 50 companies”. She was also nominated for the Masters Category, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2016, her company was given a distinguished merit award in Marketing Management by the Chartered Institute of Corporate Marketing & Management of Nigeria.
She has also been recognised for the IWEC 2018 Businesswoman of repute, at the IWEC’s 11th Annual Conference & Awards held at CEIBS (China Europe International Business School). She is a fellow of the Wimboard Institute and an alumnus of Lagos Business School and also an associate member of Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ).
She currently sits on the board of regents of the prestigious Covenant University.
Rita James is happily married to Victor James and they are blessed with 3 children.
