Ademola Adebise has over 33 years’ experience in the banking industry including four years in management consulting serving banking and financial services clients. He has worked in various capacities in Information Technology, Financial Control & Strategic Planning, Treasury, Corporate Banking, Risk Management and Performance Management. Ademola retired as the CEO of Wema Bank Plc on March 31, 2023 after thirteen years of service to the bank. He Played a major role in the Transformation of the bank and the berthing of ALAT, the First Fully digital bank in Nigeria. Before joining Wema Bank, he was the Head of the Finance & Performance Management Practice at Accenture (Lagos Office) where he led various projects for banks in business Process Re-engineering, Information Technology and Risk Management. He is an alumnus of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) of the Harvard Business School and the Advanced Leadership Programme of Judge Business School, University of Cambridge. He obtained a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Lagos Business School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos. A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Ademola is also an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation and Computer Professionals (Registration Council of Nigeria). He is a member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria. Ademola serves on the boards of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), AIICO Insurance Limited, AIICO Capital Limited and Duchess International Hospital. He is currently the Founder and CEO of Black Crown Advisory Services, a company providing Management, Technology and Business Advisory Consulting. Ademola is the Author of the book “The Transformational Leader: The Journey of a Tech Bro turned Bank CEO”, his memoir published in 2023.
Mr. Abdul Mutallab Mukhtar is a highly accomplished financial services professional with over 22 years of extensive experience in the industry. His career is marked by a proven track record of success in leadership roles, where he has consistently driven teams to achieve enhanced efficiency and substantial revenue growth. Mr. Mukhtar holds a Master of Science degree in International Business Management, as well as an MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. His robust educational background underpins his expertise in corporate governance and strategic management, making him a well-rounded and insightful leader. Throughout his career, Mr. Mukhtar has held significant positions in reputable institutions, including Access Bank, IEI Anchor Pension Managers, and First Bank of Nigeria. In these roles, he demonstrated exceptional financial acumen, strategic vision, and operational excellence, contributing to the overall success and growth of these organizations. In addition to his roles in the financial sector, Mr. Mukhtar served as a Senior Special Assistant to the President, where he played a pivotal role in advancing national infrastructure and food security goals.
Dr. Emeka Henry Inegbu is a highly experienced banker and advisor with over 24 years of experience in various areas of banking, including development finance, client coverage, transaction origination structuring, business development & consulting, infrastructure management, and relationship & credit/risk management. He has a strong cross-geographical background and has engaged with strategic stakeholders such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, government offices, international financial institutions, and ministries. Dr. Inegbu is committed to driving sustainable economic development and employment generation through the implementation of innovative financial solutions. He has a Professional Doctorate Degree in Information and Strategic Management, from Bilingual University, Togo; an MBA from Pittsburg State University, KS, USA; and a Bachelor of Science in Pure and Applied Mathematics from Abia State University.
Abdullahi Musa brings over 35 years of extensive experience across diverse fields, including banking, advisory, and public service. His multifaceted career is marked by significant contributions to Nigeria's socio-economic growth, particularly during his tenure as a Nigerian lawmaker. Mr. Musa holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Science from Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto. His academic foundation in management science, combined with his practical experience, has equipped him with a robust understanding of organizational dynamics and strategic development. Mr. Musa participated in the International Visitor Program on Ethics in Business and Government in 2001 on the invitation of the State Department. He is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business school, where he attended the course on Chief Executive program in 2000. In the banking sector, Abdullahi Musa has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in financial management and advisory services, driving key initiatives that have enhanced operational efficiencies and financial performance. His advisory roles have seen him provide strategic guidance to various organizations, leveraging his deep industry knowledge and innovative mindset. Passionate about innovation and technology-driven initiatives, Abdullahi Musa consistently seeks to integrate modern solutions to drive organizational growth and development. His commitment to leveraging technology for transformative change underscores his forward-thinking approach to problem-solving and strategic planning. With a career characterized by a blend of financial acumen, strategic advisory, and public service, Abdullahi Musa continues to be a pivotal figure in advancing Nigeria's socio-economic landscape, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable development.
Mrs. Ijeoma Taylaur is an accomplished Business/Finance Executive (FCA) with over 27 years of extensive professional experience across Financial & Business Advisory, Corporate & Management Finance, Private Equity portfolio management, and Audit Assurance. Currently, Mrs. Taylaur serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). Prior to joining NSIA, Ijeoma was an Executive Director at Alpha African Advisory (AAA) – formerly Travant Capital Partners, an Africa-focused financial advisory firm. Before her role at Alpha African, she spent over a decade with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in their Lagos and London offices, providing assurance and advisory services. Ijeoma holds a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA). She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Directors. Passionate about socio-economic development in Africa and the advancement of female talent, she has previously served as the Chairperson of the Joint Planning Committee responsible for planning the Annual Summit of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). She also served as a member of the Executive Council of Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ).
Mr. Abdulqawil is an experienced legal practitioner specializing in public sector finance and compliance, corporate finance and compliance, credit review and management, banking, securitization, and corporate restructuring. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2009 after earning an LL.B. from the University of Abuja. He began his career as a Senior Registrar at the Customary Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, before joining Enterprise Bank (now defunct Heritage Bank) as a Legal Officer. He advanced to the role of Regional Legal Coordinator (North) before moving to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Legal Officer. Currently, Mr. Abdulqawil serves as the Corporate Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). Prior to this, he was the Special Adviser on Legal Matters to the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning and a member of the Finance Act Review Committee from 2021 to 2023. Mr. Abdulqawil is a Fellow of the Institute of Debt Recovery Practitioners of Nigeria, a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), a life member (Associate category) of the Institute of Directors, a member of the Section on Business Law of the Nigerian Bar Association, and a member of the Society for Corporate Governance, Nigeria. He holds multiple certifications in governance, risk, anti-corruption, and compliance.
Mr. Sam N. Okagbue, FCArb is a Senior Partner and founding member of the law firm of George Ikoli & Okagbue (GI&O), established in 1996. His professional journey began as the Secretary to the Senate Committee on Defence at the National Assembly, progressing through Bentley Edu & Co, and Fidelity Union Merchant Bank Limited before founding GI&O. He is a seasoned arbitrator, recognized as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, and has been a Notary Public since 1989. In addition to serving on several Boards, he also played an integral role in the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the National Committee for the review of the SEC Corporate Governance Code. He was a council member for the Nigerian Bar Association's Section on Business Law from 2009 – 2011. Mr. Okagbue has a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of London, London School of Economics, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B) from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife. He has also attended Executive education programs at Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School.
Mrs. Bilkisu Usman is a seasoned Professional Central Banker with extensive experience across several prestigious Institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where she served in various capacities, rising to the level of Director. Her career span for close to 34 years at the CBN exhibited significant contributions to the Bank Operational and Financial Management; Policy Research, Review & Development; and Human Capital Advancement. Mrs. Usman holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management and a Master of Business Administration, both from the Usman DanFodio University, Sokoto. Her strong academic background in Management and business Administration provided a solid foundation for her diverse and impactful career. At the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs. Usman demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen, overseeing critical functions and initiatives that contributed to the stability and growth of Nigeria’s Monetary and Financial Sectors. Her roles at the CBN were marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and effective policy developments, with impactful implementation and successful outcomes. In addition to her tenure at the CBN, Mrs. Usman has been an active contributor to national development through her participation as a Former committee member of the National Climate Change Adaptation Committee, Police Trust Fund as well as her past role as a Special Adviser on Human Capital Development to the Former Governor of Kebbi State. Her work in these various capacities underscored her dedication to addressing pressing environmental issues, strategic development of sustainable policies and their implementation as well as instituting best practices. With a career characterized by strategic leadership, strategic policy advocacy, and a deep commitment to sustainable development, Mrs. Bilkisu Usman continues to be a pivotal figure in driving positive change within Nigeria’s financial and socio-economic landscapes. Her extensive experience and dedication to excellence and passionate commitment to community development make her a respected and influential leader in her field. Mrs Usman is married to Alhaji Bello Usman Maitambari, and a happy Mother and Grandmother.
Elder (Dr.) Eniang Essien Nkang has over 36 years of extensive experience in management consulting and has established himself as a distinguished professional in the field. His career spans numerous reputable institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where his expertise and leadership have significantly contributed to pivotal government projects and committees. Dr. Nkang holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Nigeria (UNN), and he further advanced his academic pursuits by earning a PhD from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. His academic background, coupled with his vast professional experience, has equipped him with a deep understanding of industrial processes, strategic management, and organizational development. Throughout his career, Dr. Nkang has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives, optimizing operational efficiencies, and fostering sustainable development within various sectors. His contributions to important government projects and committees have been marked by a commitment to excellence and a profound impact on national development. As a seasoned management consultant, Dr. Nkang continues to leverage his expertise to provide insightful guidance and innovative solutions to complex challenges, ensuring organizational growth and success. His dedication to his profession and his significant contributions to the field make him a respected and influential figure in management consulting.
With over two decades of experience, Musa Ahmed has established himself as a seasoned expert in the built environment. His comprehensive expertise spans project financing, consultancy, construction, urban renewal, and large-scale infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). As the Managing Director of Trufit Limited, he leads a dynamic team in architectural engineering, construction, and consultancy. Ahmed also serves on the boards of several prominent companies, including Site and Lifestyles, First Global Commerce Solutions Limited, and Metrosource Limited. Prior to his private practice, he worked briefly in the public sector with Nigerian Reinsurance Corporation. A chartered member of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Ahmed holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.