It is the dawn of a new era for Keystone Bank, a top player in the Nigerian banking sector.

As part of a broader strategy to ensure sustained growth for Keystone Bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a new chairman and board of directors for the financial institution.

The new board consists of a new board chairman, five non-executive directors, and two new directors, all carefully selected to take the bank to new heights.

The apex bank confirmed the latest development via a statement on Wednesday.

Steering the ship of leadership is Lady Ada Chukwudozie, as the new board chairman.

Lady Ada Chukwudozie, brings with her a truckload of experience.

A prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate sector, Ada has nearly three decades of experience in business strategy, management, and administration.

Her expertise cuts across multiple industries, including De-Endy Industrial Company Limited, Dozzy Group, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and Vogue Afrique Magazine.

Indeed, to whom much is given, much is expected.

With her extensive background and experience, Ada will now shoulder the responsibility of guiding the bank toward achieving its long-term goals.

The good news is that she is not alone. Joining her on the board are five non-executive directors, each bringing their unique skills to the table.

The five non-executive directors are Abdul-Rahman Esene, Mrs. Fola Akande, Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji, Obijiaku Samuel, and Senator Farouk Bello.

Together, they will play a critical role in shaping the future of the bank.

Furthermore, two new executive directors, Ladi Oluwole and Abubakar Usman Bello were also confirmed by the CBN.

Meanwhile, Keystone Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Hassan Imam, bragged about his confidence in the new team.

To him, he was certain they would drive the bank’s growth and ensure reliable service for customers.

Imam noted that their wealth of experience would play a crucial role in the bank’s continued repositioning and growth.

His words: “We are pleased to welcome the new chairman, non-executive directors, and executive directors to the board of Keystone Bank.

We are confident that their extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue to reposition the bank to seize emerging economic opportunities while maintaining strong corporate governance and providing our customers with a secure and reliable banking experience,” Imam concluded.

Recall that in January, the CBN dissolved the board and management of Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has dismissed the top management team of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM), appointing Abubakar Sule Minjibir as the acting Managing Director.

This development was disclosed in an internal memo titled “House Notice No. 2083 – Executive Management Changes,” signed by Soji Ogungbesan, General Manager of Corporate Services at NSPM.

The newly appointed interim executive management includes Abubakar Sule Minjibir as the Acting Managing Director, Mohammed Mustapha as General Manager of Finance and Strategy, and Adesoji Ogungbesan as General Manager of Corporate Services.

Minjibir succeeds Ahmed Halilu, the former MD and CEO of NSPM, who had been appointed by the former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.

Halilu’s appointment had sparked controversy due to his reported familial ties with Aisha Buhari, the former President’s wife.

The memo, dated July 10, 2024, stated: “The board has announced the immediate dissolution of the present executive management team of the NSPM and has approved the immediate constitution of an interim executive management team.”

The memo also assured staff of the new management’s commitment to their welfare and the strategic initiatives and organizational transformation developed by the board.

Staff members were encouraged to cooperate with the new management team to achieve the board’s strategic vision for the company.

Alongside Halilu, the other executives dismissed include Ado Danjuma, Executive Director of Corporate Services; Tunji Kazeem, Executive Director of Security Documents; Chris Orewa, Executive Director of the Lagos factory; and Victoria Lucky Irabor, Company Secretary and Legal Adviser.

The dismissal and appointment of new management come amid concerns raised by various groups about the previous leadership’s connections and the potential implications for the security and integrity of sensitive materials produced by the NSPM.

The Gravitas Group, an international advocacy organization, had previously condemned Halilu’s appointment, calling it a “family affair” and expressing concerns about the concentration of such sensitive responsibilities within a familial relationship to the President.

As the CBN moves forward with the new interim leadership, it aims to steer NSPM towards achieving its strategic goals and ensuring the integrity and efficiency of its operations.

Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Jude Chiemeka as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX or The Exchange), effective July 1, 2024.

This follows the approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Mr. Chiemeka has been serving as the acting CEO of NGX since January 1, 2024, succeeding Mr. Temi Popoola, who transitioned to the role of Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group.

Mr. Chiemeka brings nearly three decades of experience in African securities trading and asset management to his new role.

His distinguished career includes serving as Executive Director of Capital Markets at NGX and MD/CEO at United Capital Securities Limited.

He has also held significant positions at leading investment banking firms in Nigeria, such as Chapel Hill Denham Securities and Rencap Securities (Nigeria).

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Chiemeka is an alumnus of the University of Lagos, Lagos Business School, and the University of Oxford, UK.

Alhaji (Dr) Umaru Kwairanga, Group Chairman of NGX Group, stated, “This strategic appointment aligns perfectly with our succession plan and reinforces the synergy we continuously foster across our group operations. Mr. Chiemeka’s extensive experience and proven leadership qualities are invaluable assets that will propel NGX towards long-term success. Under his leadership, I am confident that NGX will play an even more pivotal role in contributing to the sustainable growth for both Nigeria’s and Africa’s economies.”

Mr. Ahonsi Unuigbe, Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Limited, added, “The Board of NGX is pleased to confirm Mr. Chiemeka’s appointment as CEO of The Exchange. It is our hope and expectation that he will drive growth and innovation, enhance our operational perspectives, democratize investment in the capital market, and unlock opportunities for investors.”

Mr. Temi Popoola, GMD/CEO of NGX Group, commented, “I am delighted to see Mr. Chiemeka step into the role of CEO of NGX. His extensive experience and deep understanding of our markets will be crucial in driving NGX’s growth while aligning with our broader group strategy. I look forward to working closely with him to unlock value and to create new opportunities for stakeholders across the entire NGX Group ecosystem.”

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Chiemeka remarked, “I am honored to be appointed as CEO of NGX at this critical period of The Exchange’s history and my sincere appreciation goes to the Boards of NGX Group and NGX. As we aim to build on our achievements and maximize value for all stakeholders, I look forward to forging strong collaborations with NGX’s exceptional team and the broader capital market community. We are committed to creating a more dynamic and inclusive exchange that fuels Nigeria’s economic growth and competes on the global stage.”