Boss Of The Week

Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe: Undisputed Amazon of Banking

Published

1 year ago

February 24, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The reward for hardwork has always been hardwork, and so it was when the Fidelity Bank group rewarded its indefatigable Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, with an extension of her employment contract. No doubt, Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe, reputed as a solid amazon in the finance sector, and a go-getter, has seen and conquered the banking arena, and is honoured among veterans as a solid foundation in Nigeria’s money business.

Born on July 28, 1964, and on the verge of hitting the diamond age, Nneka, as beloved and close family members, friends and colleagues fondly call her, is a force to reckon with, and has in a space of 32 years and counting, of career banking, brought to bear all the stops that make for great banking and financial experience, climbing to the topmost echelon of investment banking and related areas.

It was not surprising therefore that Fidelity Bank Plc has announced its decision after a thorough Board of Directors’ meeting to extend the employment contract of the ebullient achiever from 2024 to 2026.

The announcement, which was taken on February 12, 2024, and contained in the company’s notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), and signed by Ezinwa Unuigboje, the Company Secretary noted that the extension is in furtherance of the Bank’s strategic objectives and premised on Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe’s sterling performance since the assumption of office on January 1, 2021.

The statement reads:

“Fidelity Bank Plc (the Bank) is pleased to announce its Board of Directors’ decision to extend the employment contract of its GMD/CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, from 2024 to 2026.

“The decision was taken at the Board meeting on February 12, 2024. The extension is in furtherance of the Bank’s strategic objectives and premised on Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe’s sterling performance since assumption of office on January 1, 2021,”

The Board noted, and without equivocation, that it is confident that the Bank’s performance will continue its upward trajectory under Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe’s leadership, and looks forward to working closely with her and the Executive Management Team on execution of various strategic initiatives including international expansion.

The banking guru, who was born in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria, also lived in Owerri, Imo State, where she studied at the Federal Government Girls’ College. After her successful stint at FGC, she was admitted into the premier school, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she obtained a degree in Law before attending the prestigious King’s College, London, for a Masters Degree also in Law.

Before attaining the enviable GMD with Fidelity Bank, Onyeali-Ikpe had out of dint of hardwork, paid her dues from lesser positions.

She began her career in 1990, when she was employed as a legal officer for the now-defunct African Continental Bank. She later worked as a treasury officer for the First African Trust Bank, and thereafter joined Zenith Bank, and subsequently the Standard Chartered Bank. Her experience in the course of her sojourn are combined to make her a toast of the banking industry today.

Having cut her teeth, and garnered a lot of experience and good, she was in 2011, absorbed by Enterprise Bank as an Executive director of the bank’s operations in Lagos and other locations in the South-Western region in Nigeria. She wasted no time in turning around the fortunes of the bank.

In January, 2015, Onyeali-Ikpe joined Fidelity Bank as an Executive Director, and rose through the ranks until she was announced the Managing Director in December, 2020. Following her appointment, Nneka became the first female MD/CEO in the history of the bank.

Presently, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) is the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, a foremost financial institution with a client base of about nine million customers.

Apart from her Law degrees, from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Kings College, Onyeali-Ikpe has also attended executive training programs at Harvard Business School, The Wharton School University of Pennsylvania, INSEAD School of Business, Chicago Booth School of Business, London Business School and IMD amongst others.

It is worthy of note that she recently completed a Diploma programme in Organizational Leadership at Said Business School, Oxford University, UK and received an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). She is also the recipient of the national award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) which was awarded to her by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2023.

With close to 34 years of rewarding banking experience through Enterprise Bank, Citizens International Bank, Zenith Bank and Standard Chartered Bank among others, the woman is surely a force to reckon with.

A woman of many parts, Onyeali-Ikpe has also been involved in the structuring of complex transactions in Oil and Gas, Manufacturing, Aviation, Real Estate and Export among many others.

She is, without an iota of doubt, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading female CEOs with a reputation for authentic leadership and proven people skills in identifying talents, opportunities and executing complex business deals. She has extensive business development experience with proficiency in retail, corporate and commercial banking and treasury management among others.

LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN FIDELITY BANK

Under Nneka’s watch, the Bank grew its PBT from N25.22bn in FY 2021 to N122bn in FY 2023. Nneka has now set her horizon on leveraging the opportunities in select high growth international markets where the Bank has a competitive advantage. She most recently guided the bank to obtain the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria to expand its operations to the United Kingdom with the acquisition of the former Union Bank UK, now Fidelity Bank UK Limited.

Passionate about innovation and embracing technology, Nneka has pioneered several innovative and pacesetting products such as the PayGate Plus, an online platform that enables businesses make and receive payments.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe has also radically repositioned the bank as the go-to financial institution for Small and Medium Enterprises. Understanding the crucial role of small businesses in the sustenance of economic growth and development, she led the bank to create the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FITCC) which is aimed at providing a global platform for exporters, regulators, subject matter experts and foreign markets to connect.

The FITCC 2022 edition was attended by representatives of both the UK & the Nigerian Governments, Nigerian exporters, investors, regulators from the United Kingdom and Nigeria, the business community and other practitioners. The pipeline deals from the event was in excess of $200m. Over 2,000 people registered to attend the event and daily foot-fall was about 1,000.

The second edition of FITCC, which was hosted in Houston, Texas, United States of America in October 2023, was even bigger with projected pipeline deals of over $250m and more than 160 businesses in participation. Tagged, FITCC Houston, the success of the event is signposted by the designation of 25 October 2023 as the “Fidelity International Trade and Creative Connect Day” by Mr. Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston.

HER CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY EFFORTS

In her bid to give back to the communities the Bank serves and as part of her efforts to combat the twin issues of poverty and hunger, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe recently launched a National Corporate Social Responsibility initiative tagged The Fidelity Food Bank which provides free food bags to people across Nigeria monthly.

In recognition of her leadership and outstanding performance, she received commendation from AMCON as a member of the Management Team that restructured and turned around the fortunes of the erstwhile Enterprise Bank. She also received several board commendations from the Managing Directors of Standard Chartered Bank and Citizens International Bank for outstanding performance at various times.

FIDELITY AWARDS UNDER ONYEALI-IKPE’S WATCH

With Onyeali-Ikpe as the Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank has been the recipient of several awards within and outside Nigeria some of which are:

1. Best Commercial Banking Brand in Nigeria by the Global Brands Magazine Awards

2. Best Private Bank in Nigeria by The Financial Times in association with The Banker Magazine

3. Trade Ambassador Award by the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC)

4. Global Finance’s World’s Best Private Banks 2023 awards for Best Private Bank in Nigeria

5. The Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 in the 2023 Global Banking & Finance Awards

6. Export Finance Bank of the Year at the BusinessDay and Other Financial Institutions’ (BAFI) Awards 2023.

7. The “Fastest Growing Bank” and “MSME & Entrepreneurship Financing Bank of the Year” at the 2021 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

PERSONAL RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS

On her own part, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe has been recognized by numerous local and international bodies for her sterling achievements. These include:

1. The national award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2023.

2. The Banker of the Year 2022 at the 14th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards and

3. The Best Banking CEO Nigeria 2023 in the 2023 Global Banking & Finance Awards.

4. 2023 Top 25 CEOs in Nigeria at the BusinessDay Awards

5. The Banker of the Year 2022 at the Champion Newspapers’ Awards of the Year 2022.

Considering her versatility, industry knowledge and vast network, she also serves on the following Committees and organizations:

1. Chairperson, Financial Literacy and Public Enlightenment Sub-Committee of the CBN Bankers Committee.
2. Chairperson, Funds and Grants Committee of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria
3. Member, Audit Committee of FMDQ Group PLC
4. Member of the Board, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF)
5. Member of the Board, Unified Payment Services Limited

PERSONAL LIFE

Onyeali-Ikpe is married to Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, PhD, a visionary leader with strong business acumen and respected for his demonstrated knowledge in Marketing, Branding and Consumer Consulting and Business acceleration.

She is a celebrated wife and mother, who has combined home duties with professional endeavours with allowing any to suffer.

For being so dedicated to the economic development of the country, we honour ma as our Boss of the Week. Congratulations!

Boss Of The Week

Accolades Trail Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal at 70

Published

4 weeks ago

February 16, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Since January 2008 when he was announced the Timi of Ede, and March of the same year, when his coronation ceremony was held till the present, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, has maintained a solid profile, which has demonstrated his capabilities and capacity to reign over his people.

As a result, as the monarch turns 70, drums have been rolled out to appreciate his benevolence, candour and humanitarian disposition in the affairs of the kingdom.

Ceasing the moment, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, sent a heartwarming message to celebrate the landmark age as well as the monarch’s achievements in 15 years of rulership.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, and titled ADELEKE CELEBRATES TIMI OF EDE ON HIS BIRTHDAY, the governor hailed the monarch as a distinguished leader with remarkable flair for development, acknowledging his visionary and purposeful style to rulership, which has greatly impacted on the lives of subjects over the years.

He also lauded him for entrenching sense of togetherness and patriotism, which has guided the physical development and economic progress the ancient town has seen in recent time while affirming the immeasurable benefit of the counsels of the monarch in enabling peace and tranquility in the state and beyond, commending his historical role in promoting Yoruba culture and traditions.

He said: “As Oba Munirudeen turns a new age, I join family, friends and well-wishers across the globe to felicitate with him. Oba Munirudeen is a leader who prioritise the interest of his subject, exploring every opportunity to impact the lives of his people and cause admirable progress for his domain,” Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying in a congratulatory message.

“By divine guidance and Kabiyesi’s leadership prowess, Ede land has enjoyed incredible progress over the years. On a personal note, Kabiyesi is a positive influence for me, as I am always inspired by his passion to make a difference in the lives of our people.”

Also celebrating the monarch on his great day, popular hip hop sensation, Davido, gifted him a brand new GAC GS8 SUV luxurious car with total demonstration of respect and admiration for the chief custodian of Ede tradition. It is important to note that Davido is a native of Ede.

As a follow-up to the celebrations, subjects, friends, well wishers and the general public organized a well deserved party for the monarch with notable personalities including Governor Adeleke, prominent Osun government officials, natives of Ede from all walks of life and members of the Nigerian entertainment circle.

On the band stand on the day was the highly sought-after music maker, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey among others.

The monarch, regally attired with all the paraphernalia of royalty was all smiles as he interacted with guests, impressed at the barefaced show of love.

THE MAN, OBA MUNIRUDEEN ADESOLA LAWAL

As derived from Wikipedia, Oba Lawal, Laminisa II, the Timi of Ede’s life trajectory is captured as follows:

Munirudeen Adesola Lawal was born on 10 February 1956 to the family of Prince Kareem Abefe Lawal of the Laminisa ruling house and Abibat Akanke Lawal from Ile Imole compound in Ede in present-day Osun State, Nigeria. He commenced his primary school education at LA Primary School, Obada Ede from where he proceeded to Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School, Ede and in 1968, he subsequently gained admission to Baptist High School, Ede, where he eventually completed his secondary school education in 1973 and subsequently obtained his Higher School Certificate(HSC) in 1975.In 1978, he enrolled into the Adeyemi College of Education to study mathematics and chemistry dducation. He later gained admission to Bayero University where he obtained a degree in library studies and mathematics in 1984. In 1988, he enrolled for and obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

In 1973 upon the completion of his secondary school, Munirudeen Adesola Lawal got an appointment into Universal Insurance Company, where he was trained as a policy seller. In October 1975,upon the completion of his HSC,he later got a job with the Osun Central Schools’ Board and was posted to Timi Agbale Grammar School as a mathematics and further mathematics teacher. He subsequently worked in Oba laoye Grammar School, Ede between 1991 and 1992; and later secured a job at the Polytechnic Iree in December, 1992, as lecturer 2, teaching mathematics and other courses and was there until January 2008 when he was named the Timi of Ede.

Munirudeen Adesola Lawal is a Muslim and he is married with children.

From all of us at The Boss, we wish the monarch many more years of fruitful leadership, and healthy endeavours.

Boss Of The Week

Nkem ‘Osuofia’ Owoh: When a Legend Turns 70

Published

1 month ago

February 10, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Who could have imagined that standing in for someone to play the role of a drunkard in one of the major Nigeria sitcoms in the 1980s, The New Masquerade, would be the pedestal one of Nigeria’s funniest men, Nkem ‘Osuofia’ Owo, needed to launch big time into the world of acting, theater and entertainment. Ever since, the prolific actor has not looked back, but has broken barriers, smashed records, and has continued to be relevant even as he joined the septugerians’ club. Yes, drums are rolled out to celebrate Osuofia at 70.

Born in Enugu State, on February 7, 1955, Nkem Owoh, better known by his screen alias, Osuofia, has come of age in every facet of existence including merchandise, family and entertainment.

A graduate of Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Osuofia had both his primary and secondary education in Nsukka, also in Enugu State. Reports have it that his acting became noticeable at early age, and during his primary and secondary days, before getting better polished and manifested during his university days, from where he graduated to acting in various television and film productions, including writing scripts.

Although he studied Engineering, his heart belonged to creative expression through acting, writing, and singing. After completing his National Youth Service Cirps scheme, he joined WACO Engineering but left after just one year, finding leverage in opportunities to explore radio and television productions.

The Wikipedia presents more of his trajectory as follows:

In 1979, he embarked on his journey in the entertainment industry, starting as a writer at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He further established his writing credentials by penning scripts for notable productions, such as: The New Masquerade and Basi and Company (a sitcom created by Ken Saro-Wiwa). He also once filled in for an absent actor, playing the role of a drunkard in the groundbreaking sitcom The New Masquerade. This unexpected opportunity launched his successful career.

However, Owoh ventured into the movie scene when he was contracted to handle the subtitling for the Igbo language movie Living in Bondage upon its completion. Following the success of Living in Bondage, acting opportunities began to flood in. A year later, he landed his next significant role as a customs officer in the Igbo language movie Circle of Doom. His good performance announced his arrival on the scene, captivating producers, who not only sought him for his acting talent but also valued his scriptwriting skills.

Following Circle of Doom, he landed his third film role in Taboo which he co-scripted.

In 1995, Owoh wrote and produced the iconic film Ikuku, where he portrayed the unforgettable character, Osuofia (a drunk). His portrayal of Osuofia in the movie earned him widespread recognition, transforming him into a beloved household name. In 1997, he produced Ikuku 2 a sequel to the first movie, where he reprised his role as a drunkard. He also produced Pampam the same year, teaming up with Okey Bakassi.

The character Osuofia was once again brought to life by Nkem Owoh in Osuofia in London (2003) and its sequel Osuofia in London 2 (2004), produced by Kingsley Ogoro. His appearance in this movie earned him international recognition and also his nickname. This breakthrough paved the way for a lasting career, with continuous screen appearances from then on.

Owoh is also known for performing the song “I Go Chop Your Dollar” about advance fee fraud. The song was featured in the film The Master in which Owoh plays the role of a scammer.

Hw had had his own ups and downs in the business as well as in life. It is noted that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission banned the song, citing it was promoting fraud. Also in 2007, he was arrested in Amsterdam, Netherlands while performing at a musical show, but was later released.

In November 2009, he was kidnapped, and a ransom N15 million naira was demanded. He was said to have been released after his family members allegedly paid a ransom fee of 1.4 million naira.

In 1998, he married his wife, Ngozi Nkem Owoh, from Amagu Village, Udi Town, who she still lives with. They were blessed with two daughters, before the cold hands of death snatched one in June 2023.

For his great efforts in the industry, Osuofia is not new to awards. In 2008, he received the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for “Best Actor in a Leading Role” for his outstanding performance in the film Stronger than Pain.

In 2017, at the 13th edition, he was honored with the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) Lifetime Achievement Award.

In2012, he partnered with MTN for a multimillion-naira endorsement deal that has been repeatedly renewed.

Osuofia remains a known face to many generations of movie watchers, as well as a formidable force in the Nigeria film industry. He is a legend, having contributed more than enough to spreading in homes.

Happy 70th birthday sir…!

Boss Of The Week

Siminalayi Fubara: Celebrating a Detailed Governor at 50

Published

1 month ago

February 2, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

What looks like the entire Rivers State was out last week, precisely on January 28, 2025, to celebrate their Governor, Sir Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara, as he hit the golden age.

Leading the charge of celebrations and encomiums, was his amiable wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, who organized a surprised party for the governor, with the who’s who in Rivers State government and Peoples Democratic Party present, including former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Uche Secondus; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo; and a former governor, Sir Celestine Omehia.

Superbly attired, and defeating the surprised undertone, a very elated Fubara walked side by side with his water as the entered the open venue event, with aides, we’ll wishers and staff tagging joyously along.

Speaking straight from the heart, Governor Fubara, who fought and is still fighting many battles of his political life just 20 months after becoming governor, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This morning I feel so humbled. I have been swept off my feet. Sincerely, all my life I have never subscribed to celebrating birthdays, particularly in this way. What has been done this morning, in conjunction with my wife, shows so much love and appreciation that honestly, I do not know how to pay back.”

In one moment of intense joy, the celebrant, assisted by his dear wife, performed the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, much to the delight of their guests. The laughter and the camaraderie that followed was a joy to behold.

The scene appeared to wipe clean all the political turmoil that has trailed the governor and Rivers State in 20 short months.

An ethnic Ibani-Ijaw, born in Opobo Town in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State on January, 28 1975, Fubara was sworn in as the governor of Rivers State, on May 29, 2023, after winning his electoral victory on March 18 of the same year.

He previously served as Accountant general of Rivers State, under Barr Nyesom Wike as governor.

Fubara had his primary education at Opobo Primary School and on completion, attended Comprehensive Secondary School, Opobo, before proceeding to study Accountancy at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. He followed it up with an MBA and MSc degrees in 2013 and 2016 respectively from the University of Port Harcourt.

Fubara started his career in 2003 as a Principal Accountant with the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board. He rose to the position of director of finance and accounts at the State’s government house in 2015 and rose to the position of Permanent Secretary in March 2020. He was appointed the Accountant General of Rivers State on December 23, 2020, up till May 2022, when he won the People’s Democratic Party governorship primaries for the 2023 general elections. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, Fellow of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria.

Less than two years after becoming governor, Fubara has amid turbulence situations, launched out to deliver good governance to Rivers people. He is known to have signed N195.3bn contract with Julius Berger for the construction of Port Harcourt Ring Road project. The project when completed would traverse six local government areas of the state, thereby decongesting Port Harcourt. Fubara further stated the State would pay over N150 billion advance for the project. This is among many other notable projects.

Fubara is the second of five children and the first son of Late Joseph Fubara, a former soldier who had an overseas training tour of duty, and Late Love Fubara, a civil servant. He is also a knight of St. Christopher (KSC) Order of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion. He holds the traditional title of Amaopu-Senibo of Opobo Kingdom.

He is married to Valerie Fubara and they have three children.

President Tinubu Celebrates Governor Siminalayi Fubura at 50

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on his 50th birthday.

The President lauded Fubara’s contributions to governance in Rivers State and his efforts to foster growth in the region.

President Tinubu further urged Governor Fubara to redouble his efforts in promoting peace and unity, emphasising the importance of harmony as a foundation for sustainable development.

“As you celebrate this milestone, I commend your dedication to the service of your people. Governance thrives where peace reigns. I encourage you to continue working tirelessly to bring people together, resolve differences, and create an environment where progress can flourish for the benefit of all Rivers people,” the President said.

President Tinubu wished Governor Fubara continued wisdom, strength, and success in his leadership journey and prayed for more remarkable achievements in the years ahead.

Governor Oborevwori Felicitates with Fubara at 50

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, commended Governor Fubara as a courageous leader who deserves recognition for his significant contributions to the governance of Rivers State.

He characterized Governor Fubara as a wise and capable individual, divinely appointed to lead the people at this pivotal moment in the political landscape of Rivers State.

Oborevwori stated, “Since becoming Governor, you have consistently prioritized good governance, focusing on improving the standard of living for the people by fostering development, peace, and security within the state.”

He further expressed confidence that Fubara’s development agenda would continue to positively influence the growth and progress of Rivers State.

“On behalf of the government and citizens of Delta State, I congratulate an outstanding professional, seasoned accountant, and my brother, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on his 50th birthday,” he added.

“As you celebrate this milestone, I pray that God grants you greater wisdom and good health to continue your exceptional service to Him and to humanity.”

Other prominent individuals, who celebrated the governor included Party faithful, aides, loyalists, industrialists and a whole lot more.

From us at The Boss, we wish Governor Fubara more fruitful years!