UnionX Innovation Challenge – FAQs

Mr Bayo Adeleke is a highly accomplished executive with over three decades of extensive experience in the banking and financial services industry. His career has been characterised by high-impact leadership roles in multinational corporate environments, primarily focusing on the Nigerian market. Bayo’s expertise encompasses corporate, commercial, and investment banking, fund management, and business development, as well as guiding startup and turnaround ventures. He is currently the Managing Director and CEO of Opticom Finance Limited, where he directs the company’s strategic vision and oversees its operational leadership.

Before his current role, Bayo was the Executive Vice President of Institutional Banking at First Bank of Nigeria Plc. In this capacity, he managed prominent corporate relationships across
multiple sectors, supervised the bank’s international representative offices and led significant institutional investments. Under his leadership, his division handled loans and advances worth ₦450 billion and liabilities totalling ₦210 billion. Bayo’s strategic foresight was pivotal in the establishment and growth of the investment banking subsidiary of FirstBank Group, FBN Capital Limited, where he oversaw major equity and debt offerings, mutual funds, and private equity funds.

Bayo is also recognised for his success in executing turnaround strategies, notably at FBN Merchant Bankers Limited. There, he transformed the bank from a loss-making institution to a profitable one and led its merger with FirstBank. He is widely respected for his integrity, broad industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to driving revenue, market share, and overall business growth.

Bayo holds an MBA in International Business Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona, USA, and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Political Science from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He also completed Advanced Management Programmes (AMP) at both Harvard Business School and INSEAD in France. In addition to his executive roles, he serves on several boards, including as Chairman of EPIC Payment Technologies Limited and as a director for companies such as The La Casera Company Limited, Engee PET Manufacturing Company Limited and Casspro Agro Industries Limited.

Yetunde B. Oni is a highly accomplished financial services leader with a successful career spanning over 30 years. She has several years of cross-border business development, risk management, executive leadership, and board experience, having held senior positions in international and local banks, focusing on emerging markets. In January 2024, Yetunde was appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria as the Managing Director/CEO of Union Bank of  Nigeria.

Before this, Yetunde worked at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited for 18 years. In September 2014, she was the pioneer head of commercial clients before becoming the Managing Director and Country Head of Commercial Banking in West Africa in 2017. During her tenure, she developed and executed comprehensive business growth strategies,
managed key relationships, and ensured compliance with group credit policy and local underwriting standards.

Before joining Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd, Yetunde started her career at Prime Merchant Bank in the Treasury & Money Markets Group. This was followed by an 11-year stint at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated as a Relationship Manager, where she demonstrated exceptional proficiency in client solutions: relationship management, business development, team leadership, and talent development.

Yetunde made history in January 2021 as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank in Sierra Leone, a role in which she provided excellent leadership, strategic direction, and performance management. Her tenure was marked by a remarkable 50% year-on-year growth in income and a substantial 116% year-on-year growth in profit before tax in 2022. This achievement was followed by an additional 49% year-on-year growth and 43% year-on-year growth in income and profit before tax, respectively, in 2023.

Yetunde is a University of Ibadan graduate with a Bachelor’s degree (Honours) in Economics. She has demonstrated her commitment to continuous learning and professional development by attaining several international and local professional and leadership certifications, including an MBA from Bangor University. Yetunde is an alumnus of Oxford University, INSEAD Business School, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Loans & Risk Management, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB), a life
member of Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), and an invested member of esteemed industry affiliations within and outside the Bank.

Mrs Oluyinka Abimbola Morgan is a versatile and accomplished professional with 39 years of experience in audit, banking, real estate, consulting, and entrepreneurship. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria, Oluyinka has demonstrated her expertise in
private banking, real estate investment, and wealth management. She served as the 2023 Chair of WIMBOARD, an initiative under WIMBIZ that empowers women in management, business, and public service by promoting diversity within boardrooms and providing training and resources to aspiring female board members.

Oluyinka is also a non-executive director at Lagos Preparatory and Secondary School, where she contributes to the strategic development of the institution to achieve its objectives of providing excellent international educational services. Throughout her career, Oluyinka has successfully founded and managed several businesses, including Laterna Ventures, a leading lifestyle store for book lovers in Nigeria, and Oakmont Homes Limited, a real estate company specialising in property advisory, sales, leasing, and project management. She was also instrumental in driving the growth of Fidelity Bank’s private banking services, transforming the unit into a division and overseeing its expansion to international standards. Her strategic leadership resulted in significant growth in deposits and assets under management, as well as enhanced client engagement and service delivery.

Oluyinka’s achievements extend beyond banking and real estate. She is the founder of Dominate Farms and Peace Global Farms, where she has pioneered innovative and sustainable farming practices. As the Executive Director of Oakwood Travels & Tours, she has led the company in providing exceptional travel experiences and curated retreats for corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals.

Oluyinka is also the lead consultant at Vine Consulting, where she has delivered training programs and consulting services to prominent clients, including FCMB, Stanbic IBTC, Ikeja Electric and First Bank. Her educational background includes a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Lagos, and she has completed various professional and executive training programs, solidifying her position as a respected leader and mentor in the business world.

Mr. Ibrahim Musa Oruma – Non Executive Director

Mr Ibrahim Musa Oruma is a highly experienced professional with over 30 years in banking, financial services, and investment management. His career has been defined by a series of senior leadership roles, including Managing Director of Atlas Investment Limited, where he has demonstrated his entrepreneurial skills and strategic management capabilities. Ibrahim has also served as the Managing Director and CEO of Eagle Bank Limited, where he led the bank through its formative years, ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations and driving business growth.

Ibrahim’s vast experience spans teaching, banking, and financial services, with a focus on developing, implementing, and managing business strategies. He has a deep understanding of financial markets and has effectively managed diverse teams, maintaining productive relationships across different cultural, religious, and professional backgrounds. His leadership roles have included positions such as Area Coordinator and Head of Financial Institutions at Citizens Bank Limited and Group Head of Treasury Division at Commercial Trust Bank Limited. Ibrahim’s ability to lead successful turnaround strategies and manage large-scale financial operations is evidenced by his role at Nigerian International Bank (Citibank Nigeria), where he rose to the position of Manager.

Ibrahim holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria, and a B.Sc. in Management Studies from the University of Jos. He is an alumnus of the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has attended executive education programs at Harvard Business School.

In addition to his professional achievements, Ibrahim has been recognised for his contributions to community welfare. In 2009, he was conferred the chieftaincy title of Omachi Attah of Igala kingdom. He is also a registered professional member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. He serves on the boards of several companies, including Dignity Finance and Investment Company Limited and Marathon Asset and Fund Management Limited.

Mr. Mohammed Balarabe is a highly experienced banker with over 30 years of expertise in managing regional and national banking operations across Nigeria. Throughout his career, he has held several high-profile executive roles, including Deputy Managing Director at Fidelity Bank Plc, where he played a crucial role in overseeing the bank’s business operations in the Federal Capital Territory and the Northern regions.

Following his appointment in 2017, his responsibilities extended to ensuring the bank’s compliance with regulatory requirements as the Executive Compliance Officer.

Mohammed’s expertise lies in public sector banking, commercial banking, and corporate finance. At Ecobank Nigeria Limited, he served as the Executive Director of Public Sector, where he was responsible for developing and deploying a framework for conducting public sector business nationwide.

Earlier in his career, Mohammed was instrumental in stabilising Oceanic Bank International Plc and preparing the institution for merger or acquisition as part of the executive management team appointed by the Central Bank of Nigeria. His extensive experience also includes roles at United Bank for Africa Plc, where he managed various banking sectors across multiple regions in Nigeria.

Mohammed holds an MSc. in Finance from the University of Lagos and a BA in Accounting and Finance from Nottingham Trent University in the UK. He is also a Dealing Member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, highlighting his deep expertise and influence in the financial sector.

Mrs Eileen C. Shaiyen is an esteemed executive leader with over 35 years of extensive experience in strategy activation, finance, and risk management across various sectors, including power, financial services, government, oil and gas, and telecommunications. She is currently the Executive Vice Chairman of H. Pierson Associates Ltd, a leading management consulting firm, where she plays a pivotal role in guiding governance, strategy, people, and risk projects for Tier 1 companies and government entities.

Eileen’s career is characterised by her visionary leadership and her unwavering commitment to excellence. She is known for her ability to drive business transformation and implement high-performance strategies that align with institutional goals. As the founder and former CEO of H. Pierson Associates, Eileen successfully built the firm from the ground up, leading teams of local and international consultants in executing numerous high-impact projects across different industries. Her strategic insight and deep understanding of corporate transformation
and human resource management have made her a sought-after advisor and leader.

Eileen has a rich educational background, holding an MBA in Finance and Investments from George Washington University in Washington, DC, and a B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in Nigeria. She is also a certified Fellow
of the Association of Investment Advisers & Portfolio Managers and a Certified Risk Manager. Her professional training includes programs at Harvard Business School, IFC/IOD on Corporate Governance, Mellon Bank, and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Eileen currently serves as Chairman of the Board for DataHarbor Africa, a financial technology company, and as a board member and chairperson for the Board Programmes & Strategy Committee at the Nigeria-US Chamber of Commerce. She is also deeply involved in several speaking engagements on topics such as leadership, strategy, risk management, and sustainability.

Chiamaka Ezenwa is an accomplished investment banker with over 18 years of experience across global and emerging markets, having held senior roles at institutions such as Morgan Stanley, FBN Merchant Bank, and Exotix Capital. She has raised over $20 billion in capital for corporates in Europe and Africa and executed numerous high-impact equity and M&A transactions, such as one of the largest privatisation Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in Africa for Safaricom, Kenya and one of the largest banking sectors mergers in Africa as a financial advisor to Diamond Bank, Nigeria.

Currently a venture capital investor and builder through E116 Ventures, Chiamaka invests in African-founded, operated, or distributed start-ups across the technology and consumer sectors. She also leads Altreel Media, a media production company, and serves as a Board Advisor to Kunda Kids, a UK-founded African edutainment company. Previously, Chiamaka was a Senior Advisor and Chair at Delphos Impact, a sustainable infrastructure and climate transition investment company.

Chiamaka holds a BSc in Economics and Management from the University of Bristol and a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Strategy from the University of Oxford. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is an advocate for women’s empowerment, a mentor, and an Executive Producer of the multi-award-winning film Tainted Canvas.

Mannir U. Ringim is an accomplished business leader with over 30 years of experience improving business profitability and productivity. He is skilled in crafting and executing growth strategies, communicating objectives to his teams, and fostering interdepartmental engagement. Mannir joined the Bank in January 2024 as an Executive Director appointed by CBN after spending almost two decades at Fidelity Bank Pic, where he served as a Regional Head and exceeded regional performance targets.

Throughout his career, Mannir has held various roles at Access Bank Pic, Standard Trust Bank, Afribank Nigeria Pic, Jigawa State College of Education, and Jigawa State Ministry of Finance. He is versatile in spearheading new business development, cultivating partnerships,
and fostering healthy stakeholder relationships, focusing on delivering business growth and achieving revenue milestones.

Mannir’s educational qualifications include a PhD in Economics (Financial Inclusion) from Bayero University, Kano and a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Economics from the same institution. He has also been an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute Bankers of Nigeria (HCIB) since 2015. Mannir’s commitment to professional development is evident through his participation in noteworthy training programs such as Leading Successful Change at INSEAD Business School in Singapore, The Soul of Leadership at Kellogg School of Management in Chicago, and Leadership & Management at Euromoney in London, reflecting his dedication to continuous growth and excellence.

Mannir is an accomplished business leader with proven expertise in improving business profitability, enhancing productivity, and fostering interdepartmental engagement. His vast experience spearheading new business development, cultivating partnerships, and promoting
healthy stakeholder relationships makes him an invaluable asset to any organisation seeking business growth and revenue milestones.

Taiwo Shote is a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of leadership and technical expertise in leading international financial institutions, where he has led senior leadership management positions. Taiwo’s career has been marked by a strong focus on developing effective teams to drive organisational growth and profitability through strategic planning and execution. Taiwo is proficient in building and leading diverse business functions, including corporate banking, investment banking, institutional banking, transaction banking, trade and working capital financing. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, he was
the Head of Corporate Client Group and Treasury and Trade Solutions at Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited, where he managed the balance sheet and profit and loss growth of Treasury and Trade Solutions, including Trade and Working Capital, Structured Trade Solutions, and Transactional Banking Services and was responsible for client origination and client coverage.

Under Taiwo’s leadership, the Treasury and Trade Solutions division achieved over 300% year-over-year growth in revenue, expanding the trade and working capital asset book from ₦40 billion to over ₦100 billion and securing key mandates with strategic clients. He originated over US$250 million in offshore facilities for strategic clients, demonstrating his expertise in originating and structuring complex deals and providing tailored financial solutions. Taiwo has also served as Co-Head of the Banking Division, where he led the continuous growth and development of transactional banking, debt, investment banking, debt and equity capital markets and trade solutions within corporate and investment banking in Nigeria. He also played a pivotal role in enhancing the bank’s trade and online platforms by developing the platforms in conjunction with the service provider and technology teams.

He was the pioneer head of Corporate Banking at Rand Merchant Bank, where he formulated, developed, executed and managed multiple teams within the corporate division to drive the business to profitability within the first year. Taiwo’s efforts resulted in substantial growth in assets, liabilities, and trade finance books, significantly expanding the bank’s market share.

Taiwo also has experience in loan syndications. He served as a Principal at Standard Chartered Capital and Advisory Nigeria Limited, where he facilitated over US$500 million in bridge-to-bond and syndicated facilities for corporates, financial institutions, and multinationals.

Taiwo’s early career included roles as a Senior Relationship Manager at Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, where he drove the origination and coverage of critical relationships, resulting in significant revenue growth and improved client satisfaction. He also served as Corporate Services Manager at Standard Chartered Bank, managing an extensive asset portfolio and structuring offshore financial solutions for major clients.

Taiwo holds a BSc. in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and has completed advanced training programs, including the Wharton Development Management Programme at Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Oxford Fintech Programme at the University of Oxford. His career reflects a commitment to strategic growth, client engagement, and innovative financial solutions.

Kelechi Nwaoba is a seasoned executive with extensive international experience across various disciplines, including operations, technology, accounting, controls, compliance, shared services, trade, and international operations. He excels in delivering innovative solutions that drive operational excellence, enhance service delivery, and create optimal value for stakeholders through strategic leadership.

Before joining Union Bank of Nigeria as Executive Director, Kelechi served as Group Chief Compliance Officer at Sterling Financial Holding Company in Lagos, Nigeria. In this role, he led the Group Compliance function, supported the Group Executive Board in managing compliance and conduct risks, and developed the Group’s compliance policy.

At Sterling Bank, Kelechi held various leadership roles, including General Manager of Transaction Banking and Corporate Solutions, Deputy General Manager of Wholesale Operations & Transaction Banking, and Deputy General Manager of Operations. He drove functional strategy, ensured control frameworks, managed risk and compliance, and implemented innovative solutions that significantly improved innovation and service delivery.

Prior to Sterling Bank, Kelechi held leadership roles at Ecobank Group in Accra, Ghana, where he drove operational risk control and managed fraud risk strategies. His early career includes roles at Keystone Bank Plc and Citibank in Lagos, Nigeria, where he established trade services departments, developed policies and procedures, and received awards for quality services.

Kelechi holds an MBA from Pan African University (Lagos Business School) and a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Abia State University. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation
of Nigeria (ACIT). Additionally, Kelechi has completed professional development programs at renowned institutions, including:
– Stanford Graduate School of Business, California, USA
– The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA
– McCombs School of Business, the University of Texas, USA
– IMD Lausanne, Switzerland
– IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain.