In the bustling metropolis of Lagos, Victor navigates the demanding world of agro-tech as a personal assistant to a high-profile director.
For 18 months, he has dedicated his life to supporting his boss, often without the recognition or financial reward his efforts deserve.
At 26 years old, Victor is a graduate of Nasarawa State University in Keffi, where he completed his degree in Agricultural Economics.
His journey into the agro-tech industry began when he applied for the position of a personal assistant through a family member.
After securing the role, he jumped headfirst into the challenging world of corporate responsibilities, where the demands of his job quickly became apparent.
Prior to this role Victor had worked in a real estate company as a marketer, selling properties.
When he saw the position open he saw it as an opportunity to finally work in the Agro tech Space.
Victor’s day begins early, when he arrives at his boss’s house to ensure everything is prepared before they head to the office.
His responsibilities are varied and demanding: taking charge of his boss’s schedule, coordinating meetings, handling proposals, and managing tasks delegated to him.
Victor always accompanies his boss to important work matters, carefully ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
However, the financial compensation for his extensive duties hardly reflects the effort he puts into his work.
“I start my day at 6 a.m. at my boss’s house,” Victor shares.
“I make sure everything is in place before we even leave for the office.” With a salary of 100,000 Naira, Victor faces the harsh reality of Lagos’s high cost of living.
“By the time I cover transportation and other billing, for the rest of the month it’s just vibes, honestly,” he explains.
The financial strain is overwhelming, especially in this “agbado” economy.
Despite his critical role, Victor finds that personal assistants are often undervalued.
Victor’s work goes beyond assisting. He engages in other professional tasks that are not part of his job description.
“We do a lot more than just assist. We manage schedules, coordinate meetings, and handle sensitive information,” he says, highlighting the depth of his responsibilities.
Yet, the compensation remains significantly low compared to the workload.
Victor’s experience in the agro-tech industry has given him a unique perspective.
He attends high-profile meetings, gains firsthand experience in client interactions, and acquires a wealth of knowledge along the way.
Reflecting on his growth, Victor acknowledges the benefits of the role. “I’ve learned so much in these 18 months,” he notes.
“It’s a great opportunity, but the stress can be overwhelming.”
Although Victor hopes to transition into an executive role in the future, he remains uncertain about how he will get there.
The knowledge and skills he has gained have inspired him to consider starting his own company someday.
“I wish the money matched up to the stress,” he says. “It would have been a really good job role.
Anyways, I hope to take this knowledge to start my own company one day.”
Victor’s story is a reflection of the sacrifices made by many Nigerians in similar positions. Despite being overworked and underpaid, they persist, motivated by the hope for a brighter future.
As Victor emphasizes, “Kindness towards us isn’t just beneficial for morale; it’s essential for the business.”
In a city as vibrant and challenging as Lagos, Victor’s dedication and resilience shine through.
His commitment to his job and his dreams for the future are a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the enduring hope for a better tomorrow.
