LAGOS,NIGERIA (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Nigerian banking landscape is witnessing a significant shift as women assume top leadership positions in major banks across the country.
This remarkable development marks a departure from the traditional male-dominated industry, signaling a new era of gender diversity and inclusivity in corporate governance.
With female chief executives now at the helm of 10 major banks, representing a significant increase from previous years, Nigeria’s banking sector is experiencing a transformation driven by visionary leadership and strategic acumen.
This shift comes amidst regulatory efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to promote gender parity in corporate governance, recognizing its positive implications for economic growth and stability.
- Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (Fidelity Bank)
Nneka career began in banking sector as a legal officer at the now-defunct African Continental Bank in 1990. A position she held as a treasury officer at the First African Trust Bank, followed by roles at Zenith Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.
She transitioned into Enterprise Bank in 2011, as executive director overseeing operations in Lagos. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in structuring complex transactions across various sectors such as Oil and Gas, Manufacturing, Aviation, Real Estate, and Export.
After a successful career, she joined Fidelity Bank as an executive director in January 2015. Fastforward to 2021, she was appointed as managing director of the bank.
Under her leadership, Fidelity Bank experienced remarkable growth, with its Profit Before Tax (PBT) surging from N25.22 billion in FY 2021 to N122 billion in FY 2023. Onyeali-Ikpe spearheaded the bank’s expansion into international markets, including the recent approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria to acquire Fidelity Bank UK Limited (formerly Union Bank UK).
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- Yemisi Edun (FCMB Group)
Yemisi Edun assumed the position of Cheif Executive Officer of First City Monumemt Bank (FCMB) Group in July 2021, after the suspension of Adam Nuhu.
An alumni of University of Ile-Ife with a background in chemistry, Edun’s achievement as the Chief Financial Officer of the bank span a decade of extensive experience with unprecedented success at all level.
She joined the bank in the year 2000 as Divisional Head of Internal Audit and Control before assuming the role of Chief Financial Officer of the bank.
Her career began with Akintola Williams Deloitte in 1987 where are strength lies in corporate finance activities as well as audit of banks and other financial institutions.
FCMB’s impressive financial performance reflects her leadership’s focus on creating new avenues for growth and expansion.
Edun holds a master’s degree in international accounting and finance; she has overseen remarkable growth in profitability and asset size at FCMB Group.
- Miriam Olusanya (GTBank)
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Miriam Olusanya is an industry market leader and beautiful woman with a charismatic leadership skills and the ability to work magic with in a comapny of male dominace at the executive level.
Her impressive track record at GT Group reflects her exceptional qualities as a business executive and these was acknowledged by Segun Agbaje, the Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO PLC), recognising her exceptional leadership.
A graduate of pharmacy turned banker, Miriam became the first female MD of GT Bank, having led the institution to remarkable financial performances.
Miriam joined GTbank as a trainee and climbed to the position of a general manager in her 23 years plus of banking experience which covers transaction services, asset and liability management, financial markets, corporate finance and investor relations.
In 2018, she was appointed as executive director of the bank, and has also served as a non-executive Board of Guaranty Trust Bank (Gambia) Limited..
She is an alumna of the University of Ibadan and University of Liverpool, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and an MBA in Finance and Accounting respectively.
Notably, she has a number of executive management and banking-specific programmes in leading educational institutions.
Under her leadership, GTCO has achieved impressive profitability metrics with a dual listing on the Nigerian Exchange Group and the London Stock Exchange.
- Bolaji Agbede (Access Holdings)
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After the tragic death of Hebert Wigwe, wife, son and former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, in a helicopter crash in California near the Nevada border, United States of America,
Bolaji Agbede was appointed as acting group CEO of Access Holdings.
She has over 27 years of experience in banking operations, customer relationship management, and human resources management.
Agbede is a alumni of University of Lagos where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics.
She started her professional career in 1992 at then Guaranty Trust Bank and rose to the position of Manager in 2001 after serving in various commercial banking and operational functions. A business consulting firm, JKG Limited named her as the Chief Executive Officer in 2003
Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003, as an Assistant General. Between Between 2010 and 2022, she was the Bank’s Head, Group Human Resources.
Agbede extensive tenure in the industry, coupled with her leadership acumen, has contributed to Access Holdings’ continued success and growth trajectory.
- Adaora Umeoji (Zenith Bank) OON
Dr. Adaora Umeoji’s recent appointment as Zenith Bank’s first female CEO highlights her unwavering determination and exceptional abilities, after the tenure of Ebenezer Onyeagwu five years ended on May 31, 2024.
Umeoji humble beginnings has showcased her unparalleled prowess, securing significant business deals that propelled Zenith Bank’s growth.
Adara has an extensive thirty years of experience in the banking sector with an remarkable twenty-six years in Zenith Bank.
The bank acknowledge her consistency with the institution executive transition tradition, exemplary leadership, transformative power of grooming leaders irrespective of gender earned her the position of CEO
In 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honour her with the Officer of the Order of the Niger, as recognition of her contribution to nation building.
She is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, where she obtained Advanced Management Program (AMP) and, also attended Columbia Business School for a Certificate in thei Global Banking Program.
Other degrees held are B.Sc in Sociology from the University of Jos, B.Sc in Accounting and First-Class honours in Law from Baze University, Abuja.
Other notable degrees recoreded are Master Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar, Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA and many more.
- Ireti Samuel-Ogbu (Citibank Nigeria)
Distinguished business woman and financial industry leader, Ireti Samuel-Ogbu is known for her exemplary work, pursuit for excellence as the CEO of Citibank Nigeria and Citibank’s country officer for Nigeria and Ghana.
In September 2020, Ireti was appointed as the new MD/CEO for Citibank Nigeria Limited. She is the first female to hold such position in the bank’s history.
She obtained a BA Hons in Accounting and Finance from Middlesex University, UK and has an Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Bradford, UK.
With decade’s of experience across various roles within Citi’s businesses, Samuel-Ogbu is known for championing diversity and inclusion, navigating complex market dynamics, fostering a culture of innovation and growth within the financial industry.
Prior to her appointment as the CEO, Samuel-Ogbu has held top positions within the financial institution as the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Head in Europe, Payments and Receivables, Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) under Citi’s Institutional Clients Group (ICG) based in London, UK.
She has also served as non-Executive Director on the Board of Citibank Nigeria Limited, a position she brings her wealth of expertise and exceptional leadership skills to use.
Her distinguished leadership positioned her for the role, and was acknowledged by the then Citibank Chairman, Olayemi Cardoso now Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor. She’s known as a key player in the Nigeria banking sector.
- Halima Buba (Sun Trust Bank)
Halima Buba, a seasoned financial expert with over 22 years of connected experience within the financial sector where she currently serves as the CEO and Managing Director of Sun Trust Bank. A position she attained in January 2021.
Buba enjoined a diverse of experience working with top financial institutions in Nigeria and also at governmental level. Amongst are Allstates Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Inland Bank Plc, Oceanic Bank Plc and Ecobank Nigeria Limited.
With a spanned diverse functions in the banking sector, Buba’s leadership has contributed to SunTrust Bank’s growth and resilience in the face of industry challenges. Her commitment to excellence underscores the bank’s commitment to delivering value to its customers.
Buba is well known for her commitment towards championing of youth and women empowerment, and consistently makes philanthropic contributions towards the girl child Education.
She is a alumni of University of Maiduguri where she holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Business Management and an MBA from the same University.
Buba sits on the Board of several reputation institutions and also served as former non-executive director at Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and as a Director on the Board of Adamawa Homes and Savings Ltd.
- Yetunde Oni (Union Bank)
In January 2024, barely 24 hours after Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dissolved the Board of three prominent banks Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank over asset mismanagement, the apex bank announced the appointment of Yetunde Oni as the first female Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer of Union Bank plc.
Oni has years of experience in international and local banks spanned nearly three decades. She is known within the organization for her role in originating client solutions, managing teams, and talent development, and recognized as a tenacious leader with a track record of navigating complex business decisions.
Prior to her announcement as the CEO of Union Bank, Yetunde Oni seated as the first female CEO of the Standard Chartered Bank in Sierra Leone, a role she accepted in 2021.
Her successful career trajectory began with Prime Merchant Bank Treasury & Money Markets Group, followed by Ecobank Nigeria in 1994 where she was Relationship Manager in the Institutional Banking Group, and was the bank Head of local corporate.
Her extensive experience in senior positions in various banking institutions, reflects her leadership prowess and strategic vision, for Union Bank is poised for continued growth and innovation.
In 1991, Oni bagged a degree in Economics from University of Ibadan, and MBA in Business Administration from Bangor University in 2020, among others.
- Kafilat Araoye (Lotus Bank)
Kafilat Araoye, a banking veteran was appointed as MD/CEO of Lotus Bank in 2020.
She’s known to be an implementation committe member of various banking institutions.
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Notably, she began her career in 1988 at National Oil and Chemicals Marketing Company Plc (now Conoil Nigeria Plc), and later worked at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc in 1991 where she served as the pioneer Head of Human Resources. She was also part of the GTBank team that implemented its core banking application and other critical assignments executed by the bank.
Kafilat 25 years of outstanding banking experience filled with expertise in international and domestic operations, payments, general management, business development, risk management, and strategy within the institution is not undermined as she also served on various committees, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, International Chamber of Commerce, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and the Advocacy & Strategy Committee, among others.
Her expertise in all core areas of banking has been an instrumental leadership in driving non-interests Nigeria bank like Lotus Bank’s into significant growth and market presence, cementing its position as a key player in the industry.
The veteran banker is an alumna of two prestigious universities in Nigeria, Obafemi Awolowo University (former University of Ile-Ife) and University of Lagos (Unilag) where holds a degree in History and an M.Sc. in Industrial Relations & Personal Management in 1985 and 1987 respectively.
- Tomi Somefun (Unity Bank)
An accomplished Financial Service professional, Tomi Somefun was appointed MD/CEO of Unity Bank Plc in August 2015.
Nearly a decade as CEO of Unity Bank, the business mangate and banker has over 35 years of experience in the evolving banking industry.
Somefun began her professional career with Peat Marwick and Co., and later moved to Arthur Andersen (now KPMG) where she worked as a chartered accountant.
Somefun was the Managing Director of UBA Capital & Trust Ltd from 2004 to 2005, and the founding Managing Director/CEO of UBA Pension Custodian Ltd in 2005.
Prior to her appointment as MD, she served as the Executive Director overseeing the Lagos and South-West Business Directorate, as well as the Financial Institution Division and Treasury Department of Unity Bank, where her exemplifies leadership has been characterized by a focus on innovation, transformative impact of inclusive leadership, driving positive change and growth within the organization.
Aditionally, She obtained a B.Ed. in English Language Obafemi Awolowo University in 1981, and also an alumnus of Harvard Business school and University of Columbia Business School, New York.
Somefun, a CEO of nearly a decade with English background steering Unity Bank to an unprecedented growth and has cemented her mantle for other woman in the financial sector for smoother path.