“I naturally excelled in school and formal training, but I learnt quickly on my first job, that excelling at a job goes far beyond technical knowledge,” says Ojogbo.

Born in Lagos and growing up in the beautiful ancient city of Benin, Ojobo has always been a “star student”. She graduated with first class degrees from the University of Ibadan and the Nigerian Law School. She then joined Olaniwun Ajayi, one of Nigeria’s tier-one law firms, where she was an associate for two years. After her time practising law in Nigeria, she gained admission as an LL.M candidate at the University of Columbia and subsequently qualified to practise in the State of New York.

“I have been fortunate to have people believe in and encourage me at different points in my career. A good number of these people are my peers and I can say that they have indeed, been very helpful”. 

Before her appointment to lead the Centurion Law Group’s Frankfurt office, Ojogbo’s primary focus with the firm’s Johannesburg office was oil and gas, power and finance. She advised clients on transactions in multiple jurisdictions across Africa and acted as the external manager for Centurion for oil and gas assets/blocs across 13 African countries, involving more than 25 licences.

A major highlight of Ojogbo’s work at Centurion involves interacting with different cultures and meeting talented African professionals. 

“It has been rewarding to meet people, particularly young people, shattering expectations and doing things one may have thought impossible, expensive, or financially dissatisfying under current circumstances.”

On her new role, and the expectations that come with being the head of Centurion Law Group’s new Frankfurt office, she says, “Travelling is a huge part of my job and I absolutely love it. Naturally, I was excited about the offer and the opportunity. It is a new market and experience – a challenge that I welcome. I was a little worried about the language but I look forward to learning German as I have always been fascinated by languages and culture. The role is in effect already and I should officially resume at the Frankfurt office by January 2020. The job portfolio is very similar to what I do now – but, of course, with a strong focus on investors from Germany and the wider European market. Simply put, I will help facilitate our European clients’ entry into the African market and provide support to their business on the continent.”

Key qualities which Ojogbo has built over time and she sees as invaluable in attaining her new role include “great” communication skills, the ability to analyse (most times very quickly), as well as expectation management skills. She believes that every lawyer has unique experiences which always shape their career.

A discussion, in her first year at Olaniwun Ajayi, left her with lessons she still remembers. These were: “You have to be hardworking. Do your work and do it well. Go over and beyond and do not expect a pat on the back for it. Your contributions of value will speak for you and when opportunities arise, your competence will pay off.” 

She also adds that starting out one’s career in a good firm/company with people who are experienced and have sound knowledge, is a great advantage.

Ojogbo is passionate about education and also creating awareness around autism and domestic violence. When she can, she provides support to some foundations that promote these causes such as the Black Tree Foundation which promotes literacy across Africa, through prose, poetry and performance.