We live in a world of rapid technological and business development, where you can establish a company in a few clicks in Diia. What is it like to witness to the birth of private business in independent Ukraine, to work at the very origins of the company, to see it build an incredible network of enterprises across the country, becoming an example to follow? We asked our colleague, Liliia Nikitina, about this. She was honored with the “NIBULON’s Pride” award for her decades-long dedication to the company and its mission.
Liliia joined NIBULON in 1994, working part-time for a year before officially becoming a full-time employee in 1995. She does not hide the fact that in the beginning she had serious doubts. However, she says she has never regretted her decision:
“When Oleksiy Opanasovych offered me a job at NIBULON, I had already worked for 16 years at the Luhansk Regional Department of Milling Works. I had a good salary and stability in a state-owned company. Private companies were something new and unfamiliar to anyone at that time. Of course, I had doubts. But I took the plunge and never regretted it!
In 1996, we established a branch of NIBULON in Luhansk region. It was the company’s first branch. I became its first director and the first female director. That’s a triple primacy!
We started by supplying fuel to agricultural producers in exchange for sunflower seeds (barter was allowed at that time), which we processed into oil at Luhansk factories. Over time, we realized that we needed to cultivate our own land. That was the era of active privatization. We received 25% of the shares of Starobilskyi elevator. Then we purchased another 25% of the state shares and the shares of the employees through the stock exchange. In 2000, the elevator was ours, and it was the largest enterprise of NIBULON. It was a whole new level of business!
Working with Oleksiy Opanasovych was not always easy, but it was always very interesting! He had a lot of ideas in his head, which he always brought to life. And we have a wonderful team.”
In 2014, when hostilities began in the east and russia occupied part of Ukrainian territory, Liliia moved to Starobilsk, where she worked as the deputy head of the trade department until 2022. When the full-scale invasion began in 2022, she received offers from so-called “good russians” to collaborate, followed by threats. Under shelling, with only two suitcases, she moved to Kyiv. There were no thoughts about staying there and cooperating with the enemy.
“This April will mark 30 years since I officially joined the company. During this time, I was a director for 20 years. I continue working as the chief specialist in the counterparty relations sector of the Trade Department. I am one of those people who will work as long as they have the strength and as long as it benefits the company. I don’t even think about retirement.
NIBULON has developed so intensively and intelligently from the beginning, and it continues to do so. It is simply amazing! We have gone through all stages: constructing new elevators, launching them, developing new territories, navigation, and building new berths. Since 2022, when Andriy took over, a new stage of development has begun for us. Each stage of the development is a real creative process and movement forward. I am glad to witness all the important events for the company. I deeply respect NIBULON, everything that has been created over all these years, and what the company is doing today. Whatever awaits us ahead, I am sure that NIBULON will be able to overcome all the challenges with dignity and continue its worthy development!” shares Liliia.
Read about our employees who were recognized as the best in their fields at the link.
