First HoldCo Strengthens Leadership as Julius Omodayo-Owotuga Joins First Bank Board

First HoldCo Plc has announced the appointment of Dr. Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga as Executive Director at First Bank of Nigeria Limited, effective May 13, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening the bank’s leadership across finance, governance, risk management and institutional transformation.

The appointment, which has received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, was disclosed in a statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Abiola Baruwa.

Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga, widely known within financial and corporate circles as Dr. JB, previously served as a Non-Executive Director on the board of First HoldCo Plc between 2021 and 2026.

The banking group said his appointment reflects its commitment to deepening governance standards, improving operational execution, enhancing financial resilience and sustaining long-term growth within the institution.

Before joining First Bank as Executive Director, Omodayo-Owotuga served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Geregu Power Plc, where he played a key role in the company’s institutional transformation and capital market positioning.

He was involved in governance strengthening, operational optimisation and financing initiatives, including the company’s listing on the Nigerian Exchange.

He also previously served as Group Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management at Ardova Plc, formerly Forte Oil Plc, where he led strategic restructuring initiatives, treasury optimisation, enterprise risk management and capital raising programmes designed to strengthen shareholder value.

His career spans major institutions across banking, finance and consulting, including roles at Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG and MBC International Bank, now First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

During his time at Africa Finance Corporation, he was part of the pioneer team responsible for building the institution’s financial operations, treasury structures and control systems. He also supported major institutional funding transactions and strategic financial partnerships.

First HoldCo noted that Omodayo-Owotuga brings more than 24 years of experience covering banking and financial services, infrastructure finance, power, oil and gas, audit and consulting.

He is a CFA Charter Holder, Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration.

He is also a member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria and a Certified Management Accountant.

Academically, he holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA with distinction and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

He is an alumnus of Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, IE Business School, Geneva Business School and the University of Lagos.

Industry analysts said the appointment comes at a period when Nigerian financial institutions are strengthening governance structures and repositioning balance sheets ahead of evolving regulatory and capital requirements in the banking sector.