Okey Ikpe: Leaving Microsoft to Set up Office Machines was a Leap of Faith

It is not always easy and consistent to be active in the information technology business for more than 17 years. From Data Processing and Management Services, DPMS, where he started service in global information technology, Okey Ikpe  received technical, sales and services certification and also passed through Compaq, International Business Machines, IBM, and Microsoft Corporation West Africa where he was in charge of Nigeria, Ghana and Sierra Leone.  As Public Sector Director, he was instrumental to the elevation of the company as a trusted information technology adviser for Nigeria. In this chat, Okey, as fondly called, tells Stanley Nkwazema how he founded Office Machines Nigeria Limited, OMNL, and why Nigerian graduates could be retrained towards meeting global IT demands and assisting the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, deploy teleconferences solution that was used for election and the training of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Committee, RMAFC

Working for Government, Frustrating Yet Exciting                    
I had over 17 fascinating years of professional experience working for global IT companies namely IBM, Compaq and Microsoft and of course the premier IBM partner, Data Processing Maintenance and Services Limited, before stepping out as an entrepreneur to establish Office Machines Nigeria Limited, OMNL in 2009. During those periods, I had the opportunity to interact with some of the global best minds in IT, in a cross cultural, multi ethic and diverse environment. While DPMS accounted for most of the formative period in my career which transformed into a rich, resilient and spirited personality, it is worthy of note that the unique experience of the global companies gave me the opportunity to learn about the processes, systems, strategies, structures, best of breed technologies, services and most importantly people that made these companies outstanding, remarkable and competitive.
I picked up the fundamentals and advanced knowledge about computers, software, networking and communication as well as how technology helps to transform and enhance productivity of various sectors such as banking and finance, telecommunications, government, healthcare and education. This was possible because I managed across industries which helped me to learn how to move away from prescriptive to consultative engagement framework with government. The earlier resigned to telling the customer how technology can solve its problem while the later uncovered the technology requirements and needs of the client in collaborative manner. A major step in this process is to qualify the opportunity by understanding the customer strategic goals, its priorities, operational requirements, data needs, security considerations, level of internal IT skills set, personal inertia to adopt or adapt technology while incorporating potential future data growth plan and information needs.
Providing service to government, whether it is vertical structure such as federal, state and local or horizontal level such as ministries, departments and agencies; or even breaking either of these two structures into sectors such as transport, education, healthcare, energy, public safety and privacy, defense and intelligence, environment, food and agriculture, population and quality of lives, judiciary and justice system require a very deep understanding of the technological drivers. For example, it will be interesting to find out what the fundamental problems a government commission would like to solve by issuing citizens with identity. Why should such identity be unique to an individual and not anyone else? How to ensure that records captured are reliable, current, authentic and secured? Then is the question of what are the current installed bases of the customer? How is it used? What is the strategic objective and how can IT help to deliver it? The process of gathering this useful information is what I describe as consultative interaction and engagement framework modeled by OMNL. Typically, it may seem challenging because governments inadvertently hold up useful information needs which could serve as inputs in designing innovative solutions or uncovering the fundamental problems they are faced with. It is only when such information has been adequately elicited from people involved that a prescriptive robust solution can be offered. Clearly, it is not the absence of methodology, technologies and tools that create complexities in interacting with government but largely the human element. If the change mantra can instill and create a phalanx for professionalism and excellence in execution of government assignments aimed at delivering public good, I can guarantee you that in no distant time, the entity called Nigeria will begin to unleash its potentials.



Deriving Joy In His Vocation
I am extremely passionate and excited about the works that I do as an entrepreneur, technology social change agent and a devout parent. No one believed that I could jettison the comfort of life under the umbrella of multinational company to explore and express my skills, talent and ingenuity in a start-up that was richly funded by ideas and zero capital. The personal decision to resign from Microsoft after a significant five-year stint as public sector lead and business development manager in Ghana was borne out of innate desire and conviction that customers fundamentally make their purchase decision based on ‘people’ not ‘brand’. I built strong personal equity with clients that I interacted with. I consistently ensured honesty, transparency, infectious commitment and fanatically executed tasks with excellence. It is these values that define my work till today; the joy I derive by making positive and lasting impact in the lives of people and communities. My greatest joy is the young top talents that Office Machines have attracted, groomed and nurtured over this six years period. Not only that, we contribute in honing their skills and competencies but also we have increasingly helped in reducing unemployment, wealth creation and social transformation. The indirect impact is many lives that these young men and women touch which accounts for the technology social change agent our organisation is known for. It may interest you to note that I developed and designed the curriculum and program for reintegration of ex-militants and unemployed youths from Niger Delta under the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. I was never paid for my ideas, efforts and knowledge, which is typical of Nigeria government. However, my overwhelming joy is that I contributed in a big way to national development. My advice therefore to government is to learn to use individuals and organisations that create some of these unique social programs in the implementation to ensure that expected results are achieved.
The most important work of my life is being a devout parent by caring and providing for my wife and children. My responsibility which I take seriously is to guide them in God’s ways, ensure peace and love for one another. People, including friends, have done terrible things to me, but over the years I have developed a big heart and shoulder which is why it may be difficult, yet easy for me to forgive even when it hurts