IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – A Nigerian woman, Patience Adesuwa Ajao has taken to her Facebook page to celebrate her promotion as the branch manager of a leading bank in Canada.
In her post, Mrs. Ajao recalled how people said she would never be promoted when she was employed as a Customer Service Representative with the bank eight years ago.
“Upon relocating to Canada eight years ago, I was told to abandon all thoughts of building a career, and just survive. A few months later, I accepted the Customer Service Representative role with one of Canada’s top five Banks,” she wrote.
“Talks in my ears sounded like: you will not get promoted, you will be a teller for life, remember you are black, a woman and an immigrant from Nigeria, three strikes against you. Forging on, I moved through four roles: Financial Services Representative, Financial Advisor, Manager of Customer Experience, and Assistant Branch Manager.
“In addition to having my 3rd child, pregnancy and maternity did not prevent my climb up the ladder. Needless to say, I have since distanced myself from those that never believed in me.
“I am blessed to be a part of an organization that has provided a level playing field for everyone. In this month of November 2022, I accepted the promotion to the role of Branch Manager, thank you TD!!
“Finally, Dear Immigrants: seek an organization that will accept your potential and believe in yourself that you can attain whatever height you aim for.”
Her announcement has garnered mixed reactions from Nigerians.
Some netizens congratulated her, while others bashed her for making the promotion a big deal, when it isn’t.
Reacting to the news, Goldmachet wrote: “Very inspiring…..congratulations.”
An anonymous commentator also wrote: “Congrats dear. That’s my bank; TD!”
Another netizen chastised her for posting it on a social media platform.
“This job does not pay up to $100k annually and you are here making this noise. Pls, keep quiet and thank God. People at home will think that you have arrived and that you are making good money. You are setting your family back home up for bad things, God forbid ! Be careful.“
“And this goes to social media. Nigerians have turned even LinkedIn to a gossip site. Congratulations, but your bringing this to social media is unprofessional,” another anonymous netizen wrote.
Fact, another user, reacted, saying: “What’s special about this? How many Canadians will celebrate been a branch manager of a bank in Lagos? Blacks and inferiority complex. Build Nigeria and succeed.”
“Am so happy for u ….Thank God u didn’t give up… Now ur life and achievement is an encouragement for other pple… Many more wins,” wrote Mazi Chinex.
A netizen whose moniker is Don’t fuck aroundslammed her for celebrating the promotion and said: “Shame. Nigerians are celebrating been branch managers in wannabe USA which is Canada while Indians are CEO’s of most top organisations in America.”