Bolaji Agbede is the acting group chief executive officer of Access Holdings, a leading financial services group in Africa. Bolaji is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of experience in the banking sector. She stands as a beacon of excellence in human resources management, customer relationship management, and banking operations. Her illustrious career began at Guaranty Trust Bank, where she ascended from an executive trainee to the position of manager, demonstrating exceptional dedication and proficiency.
In 2003, Agbede transitioned to Access Bank, initially joining as an assistant general manager. Her remarkable skills and leadership qualities quickly propelled her to assume critical roles within the organisation. Since 2010, she has served as the Head of HR for the Access Bank Group, overseeing pivotal initiatives and playing a pivotal role in integrating people and culture during various mergers and acquisitions. Agbede’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment is evident in her advocacy for progressive policies within Access Bank, including extended maternity leave, paternity leave, and the establishment of a Creche, setting new standards for corporate social responsibility in the banking sector.
Agbede’s contributions to the banking sector have earned her prestigious recognition. She was honoured as HR Leader of the Year by HR People Magazine for two consecutive years. Additionally, she was listed among the top 50 Most Influential Women in Nigeria by Leading Ladies Africa.
Stella Okoli is an entrepreneur, pharmacist, and philanthropist. She is the founder and managing director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. Since inception of Emzor in 1977, Stella has led it from its humble beginning as a small pharmacy retail shop to one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous pharmaceutical companies.
Driven by her passion for making quality healthcare accessible and affordable in Nigeria, Stella established Emzor Pharmaceutical, laying the foundation for an enterprise that now boasts over 50 products, serving communities nationwide. Her entrepreneurial journey was spurred by her early career experiences in London and Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry.
In 2006, Stella founded the Chike Okoli Foundation in memory of her beloved son. Through this foundation, she channels her grief into impactful initiatives aimed at eradicating poverty and promoting cardiovascular health awareness. Notably, the foundation’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Studies empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge.
Stella’s remarkable contributions have been widely recognised, with honours including the Member of the Order of Nigeria (MON) and Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and the ECOWAS International Gold Award. Furthermore, she has been celebrated for her outstanding achievements with accolades like the CePATHonors Lifetime Achievement Award, the Ernst and Young Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Institute of Directors Lifetime Achievement Award.
Yemisi Edun is the managing director and chief executive officer of First City Monument Bank (FCMB). In assuming this prestigious role, she etched her name in history as the first woman to hold such a position within the esteemed institution.
With a career spanning over three decades, Yemisi’s journey in the financial sector commenced in 1987 at Akintola Williams Deloitte, where she honed her skills in corporate finance activities.
Joining FCMB in 2000 as the divisional head of Internal Audit and Control, Yemisi’s dedication and expertise propelled her to the role of chief financial officer. In July 2021, she assumed the position of managing director, leading FCMB with a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and integrity, solidifying its position as a leading financial institution in Nigeria.
Yemisi Edun’s ascent to the apex of FCMB serves as a beacon of inspiration, particularly for women aspiring to leadership roles in the industry. Her remarkable achievements underscore the transformative power of perseverance and competence, shaping the narrative of Nigerian banking.
Audrey Joe Ezigbo, deputy managing director of Falcon Corporation Limited (FCL), embarked on her entrepreneurial journey at a young age, driven by her passion for business. Since co-founding FCL in 1994 with her husband, Prof. Joseph Chukwurah Ezigbo, she has become a leading figure in Nigeria’s business community. In addition to her role in FCL, Audrey is a respected voice in academia and advocacy. She sits on advisory boards at the Lagos Business School and the Enterprise Development Centre, demonstrating her commitment to education and entrepreneurship. As the first female president of the Nigerian Gas Association, she championed diversity and innovation in the energy sector. Her contributions to the sector have made her the recipient of prestigious awards, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year West Africa 2014 Award and the Women in Maritime and Energy, Energy Trailblazer Award 2022.
Audrey was recognized as one of the Leading Ladies Africa 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria 2019, listed on the 2021 PowerWoman 100 list in the Oil & Gas category, and recognized as one of the top 100 Outstanding Female Executives in the African Oil and Gas Industry 2021.
Catherine Uju Ifejika is a lawyer, chairperson, and CEO of Brittainia-U Nigeria Limited (BUNL), an indigenous petroleum company for upstream exploration, and production, and Brittainia-U Ghana Limited (BUGL). She is recognized as one of the top six influential women in the global oil and gas industry.
Ifejika embarked on a career that spanned several prominent companies in the oil and gas sector, including Texaco and Chevron. Starting as a junior counsel, she swiftly rose through the ranks, gaining valuable experience in both upstream and downstream operations. By 1997, she had assumed the role of company secretary and manager of Public and Government Affairs. Her contributions to the industry were further solidified as she served on the Board of Directors of the Federal Ministry of Arts and Culture of Nigeria. In 2007, Catherine made history by becoming the chairperson and CEO of Brittainia-U Nigeria Limited, where she has driven remarkable growth and fostered meaningful partnerships with local communities, emphasizing sustainable development.
Her outstanding business leadership has earned her numerous national and international accolades. Notably, she received the African Oil and Gas Amazon of the Year Award in 2011, and the Most Outstanding Businesswoman Gold Award of Excellence from the All Industrialists Businessmen Association of Turkey. She was honoured with the Global Business Ambassador title by the Nigeria-USA Chamber of Commerce. In 2015, the United States Commercial Service recognized Ifejika with an international partner award.
Nannah Sani Kazaure, a prominent entrepreneur and public speaker, rose to prominence as a key spokesperson for the Obi-Datti presidential campaign team in 2022. Her journey to the limelight began with her appointment to this role, marking a shift from her entrepreneurial pursuits. Currently, she is the Senior Special Adviser/Publicity & Press Secretary to Senator Ireti Kingibe, the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Nana Kazaure started her professional career during the fledgling days of LEADERSHIP Newspaper when it was a subscription-only newsletter, before joining the Abuja Leasing Company where she rose to the position of Head of Transport Logistics.
Kazaure is passionate about capacity building and entrepreneurship and has conducted a variety of classes, teaching young entrepreneurs, especially women.
Beyond her professional engagements, she is a recognised activist who advocates fervently for the inclusion of women in politics. Additionally, she is a staunch supporter of youth rights, embodying a commitment to the empowerment of the younger generation. In the course of her career, Kazaure has been vocal and made several appearances on various media networks and spoken at several public fora on matters pertinent to women.
Nannah Sani Kazaure stands out as a multifaceted individual contributing significantly to political discourse and societal advocacy in Nigeria.
