The landscape of Nigerian banking is changing dramatically, with more women at the leadership of big institutions. This move not only demonstrates the breakdown of conventional gender barriers, but it also indicates the increased recognition of women in leadership roles in banks....CONTINUE READING
According to Agusto Consulting, the percentage of women on bank boards will reach an all-time high of 25% in 2022, up from 18% in 2018. This is a clear indication that the banking industry values diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the significant contributions that women bring to the table.
The recent appointment of Adaora Umeoji as Zenith Bank’s new Group Managing Director/CEO, effective June 1, 2024, is significant in banking. Her promotion to this top position demonstrates that an increasing number of women are becoming industry leaders. She is now one of eleven women controlling major banks in Nigeria. Let’s meet the vibrant women who are driving some of Nigeria’s most notable banks to new heights of success and innovation.
1. Adaora Umeoji, Zenith Bank
Adaora Umeoji‘s educational history is equally amazing as her professional ascent. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and a First-Class Honours in Law from Baze University in Abuja.
Her academic achievements include a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, UK, an MBA from the University of Calabar, and a PhD in business administration from Apollos University, USA. Umeoji’s extensive educational background is enhanced by her involvement in numerous management programs around the world, including the MIT Sloan School of Management and the Wharton Business School.
2. Miriam Olusanya, Guaranty Trust Bank Limited
Miriam Olusanya‘s banking career is distinguished by her solid intellectual base and strategic leadership abilities. She has a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Ibadan and an MBA from the University of Liverpool, UK. Olusanya’s role as GTBank’s MD is reinforced by her past experience as group treasurer and head of the wholesale banking business, which demonstrates her expertise in managing the bank’s financial operations.
3. Yetunde Oni, Union Bank of Nigeria
Yetunde Oni, Union Bank of Nigeria’s managing director and CEO, has over 25 years of banking expertise. Oni’s professional successes compliment her academic background, which includes a degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan and an MBA from Bangor University. Her financial career has included key responsibilities at Ecobank Nigeria and Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, where she displayed leadership and skill in commercial banking.
4. Tomi Somefun, Unity Bank
Tomi Somefun, the managing director/CEO of Unity Bank, exemplifies the value of knowledge and drive. She earned a Second Class Upper degree in English Language from Obafemi Awolowo University and was awarded a Doctor of Business Administration degree by Redeemer’s University. Somefun’s significant banking expertise is matched by her professional affiliations, which include fellowships with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
5. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Fidelity Bank
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Fidelity Bank’s managing director/CEO, offers extensive expertise and a strong legal background to the post. She has Bachelor and Master of Laws degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and King’s College, London. Her dedication to excellence is demonstrated by her involvement in executive training programs at some of the world’s leading business institutions, including Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, and IMD.
6. Yemisi Edun, FCMB
Yemisi Edun’s leadership as managing director of FCMB is bolstered by her impressive academic credentials and professional experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Ife and a master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Liverpool, UK. Edun’s career at FCMB began in 2000, and she has subsequently held several critical positions, including chief financial officer, before taking on her present role as managing director.
7. Bolaji Agbede, Access Holdings
Agbede‘s ascension to the post of acting group CEO at Access Holdings reflects her broad expertise and leadership abilities. She has a good educational foundation, having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and an MBA from Cranfield University in the UK. Agbede’s advancement from executive trainee to senior executive in the banking sector demonstrates her commitment and ability to manage the complexity of the financial world.
8. Bukola Smith, FSDH Merchant Bank
Bukola Smith’s banking career is distinguished by her broad experience and academic accomplishments. Smith has a good educational background, having earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and an MBA from Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, UK. Her banking experience includes roles at FSB International Bank, Fidelity Bank, and First City Monument Bank Limited, where she held different critical positions before joining FSDH Merchant Bank.
9. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu, Citi Bank
Ireti Samuel-Ogbu’s strong educational and professional background supports her work as Citi Bank’s CEO and Country Officer for Nigeria and Ghana. She graduated with a BA Hons in Accounting and Finance from Middlesex University in the United Kingdom, as well as an MBA from the University of Bradford. Samuel-Ogbu’s career at Citi has seen her advance from managing director of EMEA payments and receivables to her present leadership position, proving her experience in treasury and trade solutions.
10. Halima Buba, Suntrust Bank
Suntrust Bank’s managing director and CEO, Halima Buba, has more than 22 years of banking expertise. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Maiduguri and an MBA from the same institution. Buba has held a variety of positions at notable banks, including Allstates Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, and Ecobank Nigeria Limited. Her considerable experience and commitment to banking excellence serve as the foundation for her leadership at Sun Trust Bank.
11. Kafilat Araoye, Lotus Bank
Kafilat Araoye’s academic and professional achievements serve as the foundation for her employment as Lotus Bank’s CEO. She has a first degree in history from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and an M.Sc. in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Lagos.
Araoye began her career with National Oil and Chemicals Marketing Company Plc before moving on to Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, where she played an important role in human resources. Her leadership at Lotus Bank reflects her expertise in Islamic finance and dedication to ethical banking practices.
