5 Powerful Women Leading Some Of Nigeria’s Largest Banks
In this article, our focus is on highlighting the impactful presence of five influential women at the forefront of some of Nigeria's largest banks, traditionally dominated by men. A subtle revolution is underway in the Nigerian banking realm, witnessing a transformative shift as women assert substantial influence in what has historically been a male-dominated environment.
From Aishah Ahmad at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Miriam Olusanya at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), we shine a spotlight on these exceptional individuals. These remarkable women have not only risen to prominent positions but have also unseated male counterparts, reshaping the trajectory of leadership in the Nigerian banking sector.
5 Powerful Women Leading Some of Nigeria’s Largest Banks
- Aishah Ahmad, CFA
- Yemisi Edun
- Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe
- Ireti Samuel-Ogbu
- Miriam Olusanya
1. Aishah Ahmad
Aishah Ahmad, CFA, ascended to the role of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2018, marking a significant milestone in her distinguished career. Her academic prowess includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Abuja, an MBA (Finance) from the University of Lagos, and an M.Sc. in Finance and Management from the Cranfield School of Management (UK).
Prior to her pivotal role at the CBN, Ahmad served as the Executive Director of Retail Banking at Diamond Bank. Her journey with Diamond Bank commenced in June 2014 when she joined as a Deputy General Manager and assumed the position of Head of the Retail Financial Services Division. With a rich professional background, she has also contributed her expertise to Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Zenith Capital Limited, Bank of New York Mellon (UK), Synesix Financial Limited (UK), Zenith Bank Plc as Head of the Retail Banking Unit, and NAL Bank Plc as Head of Private Banking. This extensive experience underscores Ahmad's versatile leadership in various sectors of the banking industry.
2. Yemisi Edun
Yemisi Edun, a trailblazing figure in the financial sector, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, and furthered her academic pursuits with a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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Her momentous leadership journey reached its zenith on July 13, 2021, when she assumed the role of Managing Director at First City Monument Bank Limited (FCMB). Edun's ascent to this significant position followed the conclusion of Adam Nuru’s tenure amid a paternity scandal, marking a turning point for the bank. Prior to her historic appointment, she served as the Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer of FCMB, demonstrating her financial acumen and strategic leadership. Edun's remarkable career also saw her take on the role of acting Managing Director at the bank.
Yemisi Edun stands as a trailblazer, etching her name in history as the first woman to ever hold the prestigious position of Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer at First City Monument Bank, contributing to the ongoing evolution of leadership within the banking industry.
3. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, a distinguished professional, holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and has furthered her academic pursuits with a Master of Law (LLM) degree from Kings’ College, London.
Breaking barriers and making history, Onyeali-Ikpe assumed the role of Managing Director of Fidelity Bank in July 2020, marking a significant milestone as the first female to hold this esteemed position. Her tenure officially commenced in January 2021, propelling her into a leadership role she had been preparing for since joining the bank’s board in 2015 as an Executive Director.
With a robust and diverse career spanning 30 years, Onyeali-Ikpe has left an indelible mark on various banking institutions. Her journey includes impactful roles at Standard Chartered Bank, Zenith Bank, and Citizens International Bank/Enterprise Bank. In these positions, she demonstrated expertise across multiple domains, including legal, treasury, investment banking, retail/commercial banking, and corporate banking. Onyeali-Ikpe's wealth of experience reflects her unwavering commitment to the banking industry and positions her as a trailblazer in her historic role at Fidelity Bank.
4. Ireti Samuel-Ogbu
Over the course of the past 32 years, Ireti Samuel-Ogbu has established herself as a seasoned professional within Citigroup, navigating diverse roles across the organization's businesses in the UK, Nigeria, and South Africa, with the unique distinction of working in each of these countries twice. Her extensive and varied career within Citigroup encompasses pivotal roles such as Relationship Management with the Global Subsidiaries Group, contributions to the Public Sector Banking Team, engagement in TTS Sales, and Corporate Finance. Notably, she led Citi’s TTS business in two of the largest markets in Africa, showcasing her strategic prowess.
Joining the Board of Citibank Nigeria Limited in 2015 as a non-Executive Director, Samuel-Ogbu brought her wealth of experience to contribute to the bank's governance. In a groundbreaking announcement in August 2020, Citigroup revealed her appointment as its first female Country Officer for Nigeria, assuming the role of MD/CEO of Citibank Nigeria. Prior to taking on this pivotal position, she served as the managing director of payments and receivables, treasury, and trade solutions for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at the group’s office in London. Samuel-Ogbu's journey exemplifies a trajectory of leadership and innovation within the global banking landscape.
5. Miriam Olusanya
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Mariam Olusanya, a trailblazer in the financial sector, currently serves as the Managing Director of The Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, making history as the first woman to attain this prestigious position. Armed with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Ibadan in 1995, Olusanya furthered her academic achievements by earning a Master of Business Administration (Finance and Accounting) from the University of Liverpool in 2011.
Her enduring journey with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTbank) commenced in 1998, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the bank's financial landscape. Olusanya has been instrumental in managing the Bank’s Naira and Foreign Currency Balance Sheet, Asset and Liability Position, as well as overseeing Money Market, Foreign Currency, and Bonds Trading. Her remarkable ascent within the organization underscores her dedication and strategic vision. Beginning as an executive trainee, she progressed through the ranks, ultimately reaching the esteemed position of general manager. Miriam Olusanya's leadership not only represents a milestone for women in finance but also signifies her invaluable contributions to the success and growth of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc.
In conclusion, the journeys of these five formidable women reflect a paradigm shift in Nigeria's banking sector. Breaking through gender barriers, they have not only ascended to key leadership roles but have also demonstrated expertise across diverse facets of the financial profession. Their stories not only inspire but underscore the imperative for inclusivity and diversity in shaping the future of the banking industry. As these women continue to make indelible marks, their leadership stands as a confirmation to the potential for positive change and progress within the traditionally male-dominated sphere of Nigerian banking.
