Gbenga Onitilo, Vice President at Wakanow, has shared an inspiring account of his professional journey, highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication.
In 2002, after two challenging years of job hunting post-NYSC, Onitilo secured a position at Le Méridien Hotel (now Eko Hotels and Suites) as a Front Office Concierge Officer. However, just two months into his role, he was unexpectedly reassigned to the position of doorman by the Front Office Manager, who announced the change publicly in the hotel lobby.
Shocked and disheartened, Onitilo, a graduate with honors in Biochemistry, initially considered quitting the demeaning role. However, he decided to face the challenge, despite the psychological battle of accepting a position typically held by those with only a Secondary School Certificate. Observing his former classmates flourishing in the booming telecom and oil and gas industries, Onitilo felt the sting of perceived failure, with one peer even remarking, “I think that guy is finished.”
Determined to prove his worth, Onitilo embraced his new role wholeheartedly, delivering exceptional customer service and dedication. Remarkably, his salary remained that of a Front Office Concierge Officer, not reduced to a doorman’s wages.
Two months later, his efforts were noticed by the Rooms Divisional General Manager, a Venezuelan, who greeted him one night at his post and asked about his experience. Impressed by Onitilo’s positive response, the General Manager reinstated him as a Front Office Concierge Officer upon his next shift.
This marked the beginning of Onitilo’s career advancement. In 2005, he transitioned to the airline industry, starting with Virgin Nigeria. By 2010, he had risen to the position of Country Manager for a foreign airline and later became the CEO of a German Airline Management company. His career continued to flourish as he served as Country Manager for two additional foreign airlines, worked as a Subject Matter Expert on Revenue Automation Projects, and played a key role in raising $200 million for Air Peace’s expansion and fleet acquisition in 2015 as a lead consultant.
Today, Onitilo serves as the Vice President of B2B Business at Wakanow Group, the largest travel agency in Nigeria and the biggest online travel agency in Africa. He oversees four business channels that contribute 35% of the Nigeria Group’s revenue.
Reflecting on his journey, Onitilo attributes his success to divine guidance and his willingness to embrace every phase of his career, no matter how lowly it seemed. He emphasizes the importance of never despising any season or job and consistently giving one’s best effort, which yields remarkable results.
Onitilo also revealed that the Front Office Manager had intended to replace him with another candidate. Had he given up, he would have fallen into the manager’s ploy. This experience taught him the value of small beginnings and the importance of remaining faithful in all circumstances.
