The Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD Nigeria) has elected eight accomplished business leaders to its Governing Council following its 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), marking another milestone in the Institute’s evolution after attaining chartered status.
The eight members emerged from a field of 11 contestants in a process the Institute described as free, fair and transparent. T
he successful candidates will serve on the Governing Council under the leadership of the Institute’s President and Chairman of Council, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji, F.CIoD.
The new Council reflects a deliberate blend of expertise spanning banking, law, corporate governance, insurance, fintech, agribusiness and capital markets.
New Governing Council Members
Governance Advisory Expertise: Bisi Adeyemi
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DCSL Corporate Services Limited, Bisi Adeyemi is one of Nigeria’s leading corporate governance advisers. A lawyer by training and former President of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, she has built a distinguished career advising boards on governance, company secretarial practice and regulatory compliance. Her election reinforces the Institute’s emphasis on board effectiveness and governance excellence.
Banking and Boardroom Leadership: Bimbola Wright
With more than three decades in financial services, Bimbola Wright brings deep experience in corporate banking, project finance and board oversight. As Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director of Ecobank Nigeria, she has held senior executive and non-executive positions across the banking industry. Her appointment adds considerable financial sector expertise to the Governing Council.
Enterprise Risk and Insurance: Funmilayo Bola Babington-Ashaye
Dr. Funmilayo Bola Babington-Ashaye is a respected authority in enterprise risk management and insurance. As Managing Consultant of Risk Analyst Consultants (UK) Limited, she has advised organisations on governance, risk management and regulatory compliance. Her experience reflects the growing importance of risk governance in today’s increasingly complex business environment.
Financial Services Leadership: Urum Kalu Eke
Former Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings Plc, Elder Urum Kalu “UK” Eke, MFR, is among Nigeria’s most experienced corporate leaders. With more than four decades in banking and financial services, he has served in executive and board positions across leading financial institutions. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, his strategic leadership and boardroom experience are expected to strengthen the Institute’s governance agenda.
Fintech, Capital Markets and Inclusive Leadership: Fatumata Soukouna Coker
Chairman of CreditRegistry Nigeria and Afrinvest Securities Limited, Fatumata Soukouna Coker combines expertise in technology, finance and corporate governance. She has also played active leadership roles within CIoD Nigeria, including chairing major Institute committees. Her election reflects the Institute’s growing focus on innovation, digital transformation and diversity in corporate leadership.
Payments Innovation and Digital Finance: Christabel Onyejekwe
Christabel Onyejekwe has built a distinguished career across banking, payments and financial technology. As Executive Director, Business Development at the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), she has helped shape Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem while serving on the boards of several financial institutions. Her expertise will strengthen the Council’s engagement with emerging governance issues arising from technological innovation.
Agribusiness and Economic Diversification: Folusho Olaniyan
Mrs. Folusho Olaniyan, OON, is an accomplished agribusiness executive and investment strategist with more than three decades of leadership experience. As an Independent Director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, she has championed agricultural value-chain development, investment and business strategy. Her appointment broadens the Council’s expertise in sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
Legal and Regulatory Perspective: Franklin F. Peterside
Founder and Principal Partner of Global Law Firm, Franklin F. Peterside is one of Nigeria’s respected corporate lawyers, with extensive experience spanning banking, oil and gas, maritime law, arbitration and commercial litigation. His legal expertise is expected to strengthen the Council’s work on regulatory compliance, corporate accountability and governance reforms.
