On January 11, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, appointed new executives to oversee Union, Keystone, and Polaris Banks.
This action followed the CBN’s dissolution of the boards and managements of these banks due to alleged corporate governance infractions and non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
The newly appointed executives are set to assume their roles immediately, as announced in a statement by the acting director of Corporate Communication at the CBN, Sidi Ali Hakama.
Nigeria’s banking industry keeps experiencing a groundbreaking shift, and at the forefront are nine inspiring women leading the charge. With nine banks now proudly guided by female CEOs, Nigeria stands as a beacon of gender diversity in the African financial world.
Miriam Olusanya – GT Bank
Miriam is the first female MD in the bank’s history. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan and a Master of Business Administration (MBA), majoring in finance and accounting, from the University of Liverpool.
A seasoned banker with 26 years of experience, Miriam took the helm of GTBank in 2021, becoming the first woman to lead GTBank. She is known for her strong leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to financial inclusion.
Yemisi Edun – FCMB
Yemisi is the first female MD/CEO of FCMB, She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, and a master’s degree in international accounting and finance from the University of Liverpool.
Yemisi boasts an impressive track record in risk management and corporate governance. She is also the first woman to lead the financial institution FCMB, Under her leadership, FCMB has witnessed significant growth and diversification, solidifying its position as a leading player in the Nigerian banking sector.
Halima Buba – SunTrust Bank
Halima Buba, the MD/CEO of SunTrust Bank, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Maiduguri, as well as an MBA from the same university.
Halima’s passion for entrepreneurship and SME development shines through in her work at SunTrust Bank. She champions financial support for small businesses ’SME Flash’, recognizing their crucial role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.
Ireti Samuel-Ogbu – Citibank Nigeria
Ireti Samuel-Ogbu was appointed MD/CEO of CitiBank in September 2020, the first female CEO of the bank in Nigeria. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance from Middlesex University, UK, and an MBA from the University of Bradford, UK.
With extensive experience in international banking, Ireti brings a global perspective to the Nigerian market. Under her leadership, Citibank is focusing on providing innovative financial solutions and leveraging technology to enhance customer experience.