Meet ten trailblazing women shaping Nigeria’s banking landscape

In an industry long dominated by men, Nigeria’s banking sector is witnessing a remarkable transformation led by a cohort of dynamic and visionary women. These women are not just breaking through glass ceilings; they are reshaping the financial landscape of the country with their bold leadership and innovative strategies. Here, we introduce ten trailblazing women who are making waves as bank executives and CEOs in Nigeria.

Dame Adaora Umeoji

She recently made history as Zenith Bank’s first female Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Umeoji is renowned for her advocacy of ethical banking and humanitarian service, notably founding the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria. Her efforts in promoting peace have earned her national recognition, receiving the Officer of the Order of Nigeria (OON) honour. With over 30 years of banking experience, including 26 years at Zenith Bank, Umeoji succeeds Ebenezer Onyeagwu as CEO of Zenith Bank, following his five-year tenure. She also previously served as Deputy Managing Director at the same bank. Her appointment as the new Group Managing Director is effective from June 1, 2024.

Bolaji Agbede

On Monday, February 12, 2024, Access Holdings announced the appointment of Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, succeeding the late Herbert Wigwe. With an impressive career spanning over 27 years in the banking sector, Agbede brings a wealth of expertise in human resources management, customer relationship management, and banking operations to her new role. Agbede holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and furthered her education by obtaining an MBA from Cranfield University in 2002. She is also affiliated with esteemed professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

Yemisi Edun

Yemisi is the first female Managing Director/CEO, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Group. Yemisi holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, and a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Finance from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. She is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), and holds memberships with several professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. After joining FCMB in 2000 as Divisional Head of Internal Audit and Control, she progressed to become the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank. Following approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Yemisi Edun assumed the role of Managing Director of the Bank, effective May 1, 2021.