CBN appoints new chairman, board of directors for Keystone Bank

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a new chairman and board of directors for Keystone Bank as part of its strategy to ensure the institution’s sustained growth.

Keystone Bank confirmed the appointments in a statement on Wednesday, highlighting the CBN’s decision to name a new board chairman, five non-executive directors, and two executive directors.

This development follows the CBN’s dissolution of the boards and management of Keystone Bank, Union Bank, and Polaris Bank earlier this year. In January, the CBN stated that the boards were dissolved due to non-compliance with the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020.

According to the latest statement, Lady Ada Chukwudozie has been appointed as the new board chairman. The five non-executive directors are Abdul-Rahman Esene, Mrs. Fola Akande, Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji, Obijiaku Samuel, and Senator Farouk Bello.

Additionally, the CBN appointed two executive directors: Ladi Oluwole and Abubakar Usman Bello.

Lady Ada Chukwudozie is a renowned corporate leader with nearly three decades of experience in business strategy, management, and administration, with roles in companies such as De-Endy Industrial Company Limited, Dozzy Group, and Vogue Afrique Magazine.

Abdul-Rahman Esene, with 43 years of experience in banking and finance, has served in leadership roles at Fidelity Bank, Afrinvest, and Global Arbitrage International Inc. Mrs. Fola Akande, with over 25 years of experience, has expertise in legal, compliance, and risk management, having worked with global brands like Cadbury, Stanbic Chartered Bank, and Shell.

Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji brings a distinguished 30-year career in accounting and finance, having held roles at Sterling Bank, Access Bank, and Intercontinental Bank. Obijiaku Samuel, with over 35 years of experience in banking and treasury, has worked with Zenith Bank and Fidelity Bank.

Senator Farouk Bello, a seasoned banker, has led initiatives in both the public and private sectors, including the National Assembly and Guaranty Trust Bank.

Ladi Oluwole, appointed as Executive Director of Risk Management, has over two decades of experience in credit and enterprise risk management, including roles at Bank of America. Abubakar Usman Bello, Executive Director for the Northern Directorate, has extensive experience managing corporate, retail, and public sector clients.

Keystone Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Hassan Imam, welcomed the new board members, expressing confidence in their ability to drive the bank’s growth. He noted, “We are confident that their extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue to reposition the bank to seize emerging economic opportunities while maintaining strong corporate governance and providing our customers with a secure and reliable banking experience.”