Nigerian Digital Innovation Strategist Foyeke Ogundipe Honored for Leading a Landmark SAP Deployment

By Rebecca Ejifoma

On February 17, 2023, the Jotna Group celebrated a pivotal technological achievement with the Go Live of Project Blaze, a landmark SAP ERP implementation that stands as one of the largest in Nigeria’s corporate history. At the helm of this transformative initiative was Foyeke Ogundipe, a distinguished Nigerian digital innovation strategist whose exemplary leadership on the Human Capital Management (HCM) component earned her widespread acclaim and recognition.

During the Go Live event, Ogundipe was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of her vital contributions to the project’s success. Project Blaze marked a monumental step forward for the Jotna Group by unifying the operations of four distinct companies, each with its own structural complexities. Ogundipe played a central role in leading the HCM implementation, which served as a foundational element for the integrated platform, connecting key business units such as finance, supply chain, and sales into a cohesive and efficient system.

Her leadership was instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of SAP HCM modules with other essential SAP components, including SuccessFactors, Finance and Controlling (FICO), Sales and Distribution, Material Management, Organizational Management, and Payroll. This comprehensive integration not only streamlined data flow and synchronized processes but also enhanced collaboration across departments. The resulting centralized digital infrastructure redefined the group’s operational capabilities, setting a benchmark for scalability and long-term growth.

Since transitioning into ERP deployment in 2019, Ogundipe has earned a reputation as a formidable leader in managing high-stakes digital transformation projects across West Africa. Her academic foundation in finance gave her firsthand exposure to the limitations of siloed systems, which motivated her shift toward enterprise technology solutions. This pivot was further solidified when she joined an SAP implementation partner as an intern. From her first day, she showcased her capability by leading a critical client engagement for a major oil and gas company, a defining moment that laid the groundwork for her burgeoning career in ERP systems.

Over the years, Ogundipe has consistently delivered innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of organizations. She has spearheaded projects that optimized business processes, centralized operations, and reduced inefficiencies, reinforcing the strategic role of technology in achieving business objectives. At Jotna Group, her efforts have been transformative, yielding a projected 20% reduction in operational costs and a 15% increase in process efficiency. Her approach involved close collaboration with business leaders, subject matter experts, and cross-functional technical teams to align system functionality with organizational goals.

Ogundipe’s capacity to bridge business objectives with technology solutions has been a defining aspect of her work. By implementing robust change management strategies and fostering alignment between diverse stakeholders, she has ensured the smooth adoption of integrated systems across industries. Her expertise extends beyond implementation to advocacy, as she champions greater investment in digital infrastructure across Africa. Drawing from her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has highlighted the resilience offered by comprehensive ERP systems, which enabled organizations to adapt swiftly to remote work environments and maintain operational continuity.

Beyond her technical prowess, Ogundipe remains committed to driving broader conversations about the future of digital transformation in Africa. She has emphasized the need for businesses to adopt advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data analytics to maintain competitiveness and foster innovation. Her work not only reflects her technical acumen but also her dedication to building systems that empower organizations to scale sustainably and adapt dynamically.

Foyeke Ogundipe’s recognition at the Project Blaze Go Live event is a testament to her unparalleled expertise and visionary leadership. Her contributions have set a new standard for large-scale SAP deployments, affirming her role as a trailblazer in digital innovation and a vital architect of Africa’s digital future.