Nigeria’s financial sector is undergoing a revolutionary change, and nine remarkable women are driving this change.
Olayemi Cardoso, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, named new CEOs on January 11 to manage the Union, Keystone, and Polaris Banks.
The CBN dissolved the boards and managements of these banks for purported violations of corporate governance and regulatory noncompliance, which was followed by this action.
The CBN’s interim director of corporate communication, Sidi Ali Hakama, announced in a statement that the newly appointed officials will take up their positions right away.
Nigeria is now delighted to have nine banks led by female CEOs, making it a model of gender diversity in the African financial sector.
Miriam Olusanya – GTBank
In the bank’s existence, Miriam is the first female MD. Having worked as a banker for 26 years, Miriam became the first woman to run GTBank when she assumed the position in 2021. She is renowned for her strategic vision, excellent leadership, and dedication to financial inclusion.
Yemisi Edun, FCMB
Yemisi, the first female MD/CEO of FCMB, graduated from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She also holds a master’s degree from the University of Liverpool in international accounting and finance. In addition, she is the first female CEO of FCMB, a financial organization that has grown and diversified significantly under her direction, securing FCMB’s place as a major participant in the Nigerian banking industry.
Buba Halima of SunTrust Bank
SunTrust Bank’s MD/CEO, Halima Buba. Halima’s work at SunTrust Bank demonstrates her passion for SME growth and entrepreneurship. She advocates for funding for “SME Flash,” or small enterprises since she understands how important they are to Nigeria’s economic development.
Ireti Samuel-Ogbu – Citibank Nigeria
In September 2020, Ireti Samuel-Ogbu was named MD/CEO of CitiBank, becoming the first female CEO of a bank in Nigeria. Ireti offers a worldwide viewpoint to the Nigerian industry because of her vast expertise in international banking. Under her direction, Citibank is concentrated on offering cutting-edge financial solutions and utilizing technology to improve client satisfaction.
Araoye Kafilat Lotus Bank
Kafilat has worked in banking for more than 30 years, and her work at Lotus Bank demonstrates her commitment to moral banking practices and social responsibility. She advocates investing in community development initiatives and sustainable financial methods.
Smith Bukola, FSDH Merchant Bank
Bukola received her MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and her B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Lagos.
The expansion and profitability of FSDH have been greatly attributed to Bukola’s proficiency in investment banking and financial structuring. She regularly mentors prospective female CEOs and advocates for women in finance.
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe – Fidelity Bank
On January 1, 2021, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe was appointed MD/CEO of Fidelity Bank. Since the bank’s founding in 1988, she is the first woman to hold the role. Nneka, a forward-thinking executive with a proven track record in customer care and IT has turned Fidelity Bank into a pioneer in the digital space. She is dedicated to using technology to provide every Nigerian citizen equal access to financial services.
Yetunde Oni – Union Bank
Yetunde completed executive training at Oxford University, earned an MBA in business administration from Bangor University, and graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Ibadan.
Recently, CBN named Yetunde as Union Bank’s first female MD/CEO. Given Yetunde’s vast expertise, the nomination represents a major shift in Union …
