Masterminds of Success
Our management team is composed of highly accomplished and experienced professionals with a strong track record of delivery and the capacity to execute.
Board of Directors
Phillips Oduoza
Chairman
Chinwe Iloghalu
Acting MD/CEO
Chief Malachy Nwaiwu
Independent Director
Chinedu Uzoho
Non-Executive Director
Funmi Oyetunji
Independent
Non-Executive Director
Gbemisola Laditan
Independent
Non-Executive Director
Dr. David Isiavwe
Executive Director
Operations and Technology
Phllips Oduoza
Phillips Oduoza with about 30 years banking experience in major financial institutions, is the founder and Chairman of the board of NOVA Bank. Mr. Oduoza is an internationally recognized and accomplished banker with diverse knowledge and experience in commercial and corporate banking.
Prior to promoting NOVA, he recently retired as the global CEO of UBA Group where he firmly established the Bank as a leading African Financial Institution with global brand recognition. Mr. Oduoza was part of a small team that pioneered and established Diamond Bank Plc as one of the most successful and innovative banks in the early 90’s. He supervised/led many breakthrough financial products and initiatives of Diamond Bank. As a result, he rose rapidly to the position of Executive Director in 1999. Phillips Oduoza started his banking career in 1989 with Citibank as the first set of Executive Trainees where he trained in every aspect of banking after a brief stint with International Merchant Bank (IMB).
Mr. Oduoza has thorough knowledge of the Nigerian (indeed African/global) banking environment and what it takes to pioneer and run a very successful/sustainable financial institution. He has initiated and led many key successful financial transactions in infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, telecommunication, energy, technology projects, financial advisory, oil & gas, corporate finance, capital market activities and debt restructuring in Nigeria and across Africa. He has been involved in some of the key banking industry transformational initiatives, having led the Bankers Committee sub-committee on Payment Systems and Infrastructure that drove the BVN implementation and Electronic Payment System of Nigeria (Card, ATM, POS, Online transfers, etc).
Phillips Oduoza has served on the board of some key names such as Diamond Bank Plc, Interswitch Plc, Valuecard Plc (Unified Payment Services Plc) where he served as chairman, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Nigeria Payment System, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Financial Markets and Dealers Quotations (FMDQ), UBA Capital, UBA Plc. He currently serves on the boards of Veritas University Abuja, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Development Bank of Nigeria amongst others.
Mr. Oduoza is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB). He has a BSc. Hons with First Class in Civil Engineering, an MBA (Finance), and is an alumnus (AMP) of Harvard Business School. He has been honoured with numerous awards of achievement both locally and internationally such as Africa CEO of the year New York (2013 and 2014). He meets and interacts with numerous people and business leaders in the corporate sector, diplomatic corps, entrepreneurship and professional services sectors, amongst many other sectors.
Chief Malachy Nwaiwu
Chief Malachy Nwaiwu recently retired in the Executive Cadre of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) where he worked for 35 years and is an Independent Director at Nova Bank Limited.
During his time at CBN, he pioneered many initiatives and worked in a wide range of areas covering currency & branch operations, development finance, human resources and information technology. He was a member and the Secretary of the Committee that handled the design, printing and launching of the N1000 banknote denomination for the Bank. Chief Nwaiwu served on several committees in CBN that developed various initiatives in the transformation of the Bank and was in charge of Service Delivery Improvement Initiatives for the branches of the Bank prior to retirement.
Chief Nwaiwu possesses a Master of Business Administration (Management and Finance) from the University of Lagos, a B.Sc. Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Abuja. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Association of Management and Administration (AMA) USA. He is currently an Attorney in the Law firm of Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume SAN (Firm of Lawyers & Arbitrators)
Chinedu Uzoho
Chinedu is a top-level finance, banking and capital market professional with several years experience in the banking industry and capital markets.
He worked with UBA, Fidelity Bank and Diamond Bank rising to a General Manager position before assuming the role of MD/CEO of Diamond Mortgages Ltd.
An astute ex banker with decades of cognate experience in commercial and mortgage banking. He is an entrepreneur with solid Capital Markets experience, having served on the Boards of CSCS, Diamond Securities Ltd and To mil Trust Ltd at various times and a one-time authorized dealing clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Chinedu has attended several courses locally and internationally.
Funmi Oyetunji
Funmi Oyetunji is an accomplished professional with about 40years of corporate experience gathered across several roles of diverse disciplines and industries. She has held senior roles in a leading audit and accounting firm in Nigeria in the 1980s before going to work in consulting at KPMG’s London office for 5 years where she acquired experience in business advisory and banking supervision as a Manager.
She spent 10 years in banking, culminating in her role as the Group Treasurer of First Bank Plc where she was responsible for several pioneering feats in the Bank’s Treasury and International Banking Operations. Mrs. Oyetunji has since 2002 operated in the real estate development and investment space. She has grown Abitos Financial Services Ltd, a family investment company from scratch to a multi-million-dollar company.
She has served on the Board of various companies such as Ecobank Nigeria Ltd (Chairman, Risk Committee), American Tower Corporation, Nigeria (Chairman, Audit Committee) and Prestige Insurance Plc. (Chairman, Audit Committee). She has participated in several board development courses at Harvard, INSEAD and IMT among others
She founded the LASAL Foundation that promotes social mobility through scholarships grants to indigent students in leading Nigerian universities. She has taught business leadership, finance and accounting at the Lagos Business School and authored a book; “A Conscious Life: Navigating Critical Stages and Aspects of Life Successfully”.
Gbemisola Laditan
Gbemisola Laditan is a prize-winning chartered accountant with over thirty years experience in banking, financial control, consultancy, management accounting, taxation, operations, corporate finance, private equity, SME capacity building, marketing, credit and audit.
Mrs. Laditan is currently the CEO of Flux Logistix Limited and also serves as an Executive Director in the Superflux Group of Companies which include Superflux International Limited, CourierPlus Services Limited and Papyrus Investments Limited.
She had previously worked in United Bank for Africa Plc for 14 years where she rose through the ranks to occupy various positions such as Head Subsidiaries Coordination, Head Portfolio Management, Acting Managing Director UBA Private Equity Ltd, Head Investments, Tax and Insurance Management.
She has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), member of the Financial Reporting Council and a holder of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Diploma of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Funke Okoya
Funke Okoya is the Executive Director of Investment Banking and Subsidiaries of NOVA Bank. With over 25 years of diverse experience, her expertise spans Corporate and Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, Credit and Risk Management, Operations, Customer Services, Technology, Project Management, Branding, Strategy, and Communications.
Prior to joining NOVA, Funke held key positions such as the Director of Client Origination and Coverage at Emerging Africa Capital Group and Group Head of Corporate Banking at Coronation Merchant Bank. She also served as a Regional Bank Head in the Commercial Banking Group at Access Bank Plc and played a pivotal role as a pioneer business manager at United Bank for Africa Plc. Her career began in Risk Management and the Commercial Banking Group at Ecobank Nigeria Plc.
Funke Okoya’s notable achievements include being appointed as the chairperson of the Women’s Empowerment Commission of Women in Finance Nigeria in 2022. In this role, she actively promotes women’s causes, advances financial literacy, and advocates for gender parity, contributing significantly to the professional development of women in Nigeria.
In October 2022, Funke was appointed as a member of the International Advisory Board (IAB) of Business Schools Netherlands (BSN), recognizing her as a leader at the forefront of gender diversity, sustainability, and female inclusion.
Funke holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and an MBA from Business School Netherlands. She is also an alumnus of INSEAD Business School, having completed its Advanced Corporate Finance Program.
Additionally, Funke is a certified Fellow and council member of the Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers. Her multifaceted background and dedication to gender diversity make her a distinguished professional in the financial industry.
Chinwe Iloghalu
Chinwe Iloghalu is the Acting MD/CEO of NOVA Bank. Prior to her appointment, Chinwe had served as the Executive Director of Institutional & Commercial Banking at NOVA Bank. She also served as the Executive Director, Lagos & Corporate Bank at Polaris Bank.
She is a consummate professional of over 27 years’ experience with several awards in recognition for her contribution to the growth of the organizations where she has worked including Equatorial Trust Bank, Ecobank Nigeria Plc., Zenith Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, and Polaris Bank.
Chinwe has core-banking experience in diverse areas of banking including Operations, Marketing, Credit, Retail, Consumer, Corporate, and Commercial Banking, and has been involved in the structuring of transactions in various sectors including Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Telecommunication, Power, Infrastructure, Aviation, Real estate, Agric & Exports, Fintech, Public Sector, amongst others.
She has attended executive management programs at Said Business School, University of Oxford, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Emeritus Institute of Management, Lagos Business School, Columbia Business School, London Business School, London School of Business and Finance, and Harvard Business School, amongst others.
Chinwe holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Benin, an MBA from Esut Business School, and a Master of Sciences (M.Sc.) degree in Marketing Communications from the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University.
She is a Fellow of The Institute of Credit Administration, Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Member of notable professional bodies including the Nigerian Institute of Management, and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, amongst others.
Chinwe brings a fresh perspective to banking relationships by building strong networks, leveraging business connections, and creating value, which brings to bear the delivery of maximum results.
David Isiavwe
Dr. David Isiavwe is the Executive Director of Operations and Technology at NOVA Bank, where he is responsible for driving the bank's strategic initiatives in operations and technology.
Before joining NOVA Bank, David was the General Manager and Head of Operations & Technology at Ecobank Nigeria. He currently serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Information Security Society of Africa, Nigeria (ISSAN), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing Africa's cyberspace. His previous roles include General Manager at Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Chief Operating Officer at UBA Africa, and Deputy Managing Director and COO of Banque Internationale du Burkina (BIB) in Burkina Faso.
With nearly 30 years of experience in banking and academia, David began his career as a lecturer in the Department of Accounting at the University of Benin in 1989 before transitioning to Citibank in 1992, where he rose to the position of Vice President, based in Cape Town, South Africa.
David holds a Ph.D. in Accounting and specializes in areas such as Digital Transformation, Corporate Governance, Business Transformation, and Information Systems Security. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (HCIB), and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) by (ISC)², USA. He is also certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT) by ISACA, USA.
David has pursued professional certifications and attended numerous international courses from prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Boston University, the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), among others.
Management Team
Chinwe Iloghalu
Acting MD/CEO
Dr. David Isiavwe
Executive Director
Operations and Technology
Uche Ugboh
Group Treasurer
Kehinde Olugbemi
Chief Risk Officer
Esther Adino
Group Head
Retail and Digital Banking
Mabel Irona-Nduka
Chief Information Officer
Chijioke Uzoukwu
Head Operations
and Corporate Services
Daniel Ajoma
Chief Financial Officer
Nnadozie Ohaji
Company Secretary /
General Counsel
Aramide Awosanya
Aramide Awosanya is the Group Head of Commercial Banking, at NOVA Bank. She was formally the Group Head of the Corporate Banking group of the Bank. She has over 24 years of experience in corporate and commercial banking, sales, marketing, and client relationship management. She is tasked with leading the commercial banking team in the creation, implementation, and execution of growth strategies.
Prior to joining the team at NOVA Bank, Aramide was the Regional Manager, Mainland at Wema Bank where she oversaw 17 Branches and later became a Regional Manager at Access Bank Plc.
She began her banking career in 1998 at Habib Nig Bank in Kaduna, where she received an award for the best customer service staff as a reward for her dedication to improving customer satisfaction.
Furthermore, she has held a variety of high-level positions within United Bank for Africa Plc, including the position of Regional Bank Head, Regional Manager, Branch Manager, and Deputy Regional Executive, and at Guarantee Trust Bank, she oversaw everything from back-office operations to sales and marketing.
She is an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), and the Chartered Credit Administration Institute.
Aramide has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Bayero University in Kano and a Master of Business Administration from Ladoke Akintola University in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
Uche Ugboh
Uche Ugboh, is the Treasurer of NOVA Bank. He is a seasoned banker with a rich history of over 18 years in the financial industry. His extensive experience encompasses various facets, including trading, sales, portfolio management, derivative structuring, balance sheet management, financial institution and correspondent banking, relationship management, and branch operations.
Uche embarked on his banking journey with UBA Plc, where he initially worked in the internal control department and later transitioned to FBN Limited, where his responsibilities spanned across branch operations and marketing. In 2008, he made a strategic move to join the Treasury Team at FBN Limited, marking the beginning of his specialization in treasury functions.
His career trajectory led him to Diamond Bank in 2017, where he assumed the role of Head of Assets and Liability Management before eventually becoming the Acting Treasurer. In December 2018, Uche played a pivotal role in managing the merger and integration of the Diamond and Access Bank Treasury Teams, showcasing his expertise in navigating complex financial transitions.
In 2019, Uche became a foundational member of Titan Trust Bank Limited, where he served as the Treasurer. His significant contributions were evident as he played a key role in the acquisition of Union Bank Plc by Titan Trust Bank, showcasing his strategic thinking and deal-making prowess.
Uche holds a BSc in Economics and has furthered his education with an MBA, enhancing his analytical and managerial skills. He is an active member of the Financial Market Dealers Association (FMDA) and the Association of Financial Professionals, where he continues to contribute to the financial industry’s growth and development.
Furthermore, Uche serves as a resource person for the FMDA, sharing his knowledge and insights with peers. Additionally, he holds the position of a resident examiner for the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), further solidifying his commitment to the professional development of individuals within the banking sector. His comprehensive background, leadership acumen, and strategic expertise position him as an asset in the financial landscape.
Kehinde Olugbemi
Kehinde Olugbemi serves as the Chief Risk Officer at NOVA Bank Limited with the responsibility of formulating and executing enterprise-level risk management strategies, ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards, managing regulatory relationships, and providing guidance to stakeholders and Board members across subsidiaries.
He is a seasoned professional in the financial services sector with a rich background in banking, business development, relationship management across retail, commercial, and corporate segments, risk management, corporate finance, and strategic planning. His dedication to mentorship is evident through his role as a mentor and knowledge resource at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Lagos.
Before joining NOVA, Kehinde served as the Acting Chief Risk Officer at Heritage Bank, where he played a vital role in liaising with stakeholders and regulators like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and contributed significantly to regulatory compliance and financial reporting integrity.
Kehinde holds a Chartered Banker MBA (CBMBA) from Bangor, UK, a master’s degree from the University of Ilorin, and a BSc in Food Science & Technology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State. He is a distinguished Fellow, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB), a Member, Chartered Banker Institute, Scotland & Wales (MCB), and a Senior Associate Member, CRMI (Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria)
Mabel Irona-Nduka
Mabel Irona-Nduka is the Group Chief Information Officer at NOVA Bank, where she leads the strategic vision and operational aspects of the group’s information technology initiatives.
She is an astute professional with over two decades of experience in the banking industry with hands-on- experience in various roles in Information Technology, Digital Banking, Service Management, Customer Engagement, and Banking Operations with noteworthy achievements that include successfully deploying Core Banking Treasury and Channels Solutions at NOVA within a year, a rare feat in Nigeria’s banking industry.
Mabel’s remarkable career spans from United Bank for Africa (UBA) to Union Bank, showcasing her ability to navigate seamlessly between Operation, Technology, and Business languages. She played a pivotal role in UBA’s Information Communication Technology Core Team during a major merger with Standard Trust Bank (STB) Plc in 2005.
She is not only a seasoned professional but also a passionate advocate for gender equality in the tech industry. Actively involved in organizations like WIMBIZ and 100 Women in Finance, she mentors and empowers women, promoting their growth within the sector.
Mabel holds certifications in ITIL4, COBIT, ISO 20000 Implementer, Migration to Chip with Mastercard, and Postcard Security Management. She also holds a Master’s degree from Lagos State University, a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Nigeria,
Mabel Irona-Nduka’s dedication, innovation, and leadership continue to leave an indelible mark on the financial and technological landscape.
Chijioke Uzoukwu
Chijioke Uzoukwu serves as the Head of Operations at NOVA Bank Limited, overseeing Corporate Services, Treasury Operations, International Operations, Customer Services, Domestic Operations & Subsidiaries, Reconciliation, and Correspondent Banking Liaison. With a career spanning over three decades, he brings a wealth of experience in International Trade, Treasury Operations, Domestic Operations, and Customer Service.
Chijioke commenced his banking journey at Diamond Bank (now Access Bank), where he held various positions in Trade Services and Treasury Operations. He then transitioned to First Atlantic Bank as the Head of International Trade Services, followed by roles at Fin Bank (now FCMB) and Ecobank, where he served as Acting Business Head for Trade Finance and subsequently as Head of Trade Products and Sales.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Agriculture Makurdi, an MBA from the University of Manchester, and several professional certifications from esteemed institutions worldwide. Chijioke is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS), the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).
Daniel Ajoma
Daniel Ajoma is the Chief Financial Officer of NOVA Bank. He is a dynamic, driven, and experienced Finance Professional with more than 17 years of experience in the Banking and Finance industry. His extensive skill set includes Performance Management, Financial Reporting, Management Accounting, Strategic Planning, and budgeting, Data Analytics and Mining, Cost Management, Financial Modelling, Financial Control, Business Partnering, Business Intelligence, and Project evaluation.
Prior to his current position, Daniel served as the Team Lead for Performance Management, Sales Reporting, and Budgeting at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group. Before joining UBA, he held various roles within the Finance group at Ecobank, including Finance Business Manager and Regional Financial Controller, where he accumulated over 11 years of experience. Daniel began his finance career at Access Bank before transitioning to Ecobank.
Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and finance from the University of Calabar and has also earned a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Finance from the same institution. He is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) in the United Kingdom.
Additionally, Daniel is a certified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a registered member of the Institute of Management (Chartered).
Nnadozie Ohaji
Nnadozie Ohaji is the Company Secretary/General Counsel at NOVA Bank Limited. An exceptional legal practitioner with an extensive background in governance and corporate secretarial practices. He is entrusted with the responsibility of organizing and hosting statutory meetings for the Bank’s board and committees, as well as ensuring rigorous compliance with corporate governance codes mandated by regulatory bodies.
Nnadozie has established himself as a leading authority in his field with over 17 years of experience, with a specific focus on legal advisory, compliance, and corporate governance within the financial services sector. Prior to joining NOVA, he held several distinguished senior positions, including Senior Legal Consultant, Head of Legal Operations, and Chief Compliance Officer in some renowned banks in Nigeria where he made groundbreaking strides.
Nnadozie’s academic achievements include a Certificate in Management Development Program from Access Campus in Berlin, Germany. He holds an LL. B from Imo State University, Uturu, and an LL.M from the prestigious University of Lagos as well as specialized courses and seminars, focusing on International Trade, Corporate Governance, and Finance.
Esther Adino
Esther Adino is the Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking at NOVA Bank, where she has played a pivotal pioneer role in shaping the Bank’s retail and digital banking strategy as a National Commercial Bank. With a strong background in client coverage, wealth management, corporate, commercial and digital banking, Esther has successfully led several high-impact projects, such as the Digitization of Loan Monitoring and the development of the Balance Sheet Management Simulation Dashboard, leveraging financial modelling and automation to maximize profitability. Her leadership in the Retail Banking Segmentation and Change Management Program has been instrumental in aligning NOVA’s offerings with evolving customer needs.
Throughout her career, Esther has demonstrated a commitment to lading high-performing teams, driving capacity building and conducting nationwide leadership training sessions in various regions of Nigeria. She has also led initiatives to enhance loan book optimization and balance sheet management, thereby contributing significantly to growth in profitability and assets across the organization. As the head of the Retail Directorate Committee since 2021, she has overseen strategic planning, risk management, and the implementation of key digital products such as SPECTA, which has been widely adopted in the bank.
Esther’s career spans significant roles in major financial institutions, including Sterling Bank, UBA, and Zenith Bank, where she was recognized for exceptional achievements such as the Best New Branch at Sterling Bank and the Best New Branch award at UBA. She led business development teams in the Lagos Island Region at Sterling Bank, overseeing 28 branches, and played a key role in the formation of the Retail Digital Bank Division. Her leadership has consistently driven outstanding growth, including a 500% increase in profitability and 300% asset growth at Sterling Bank in 2021.
With a focus on risk management, business development, and customer-centric strategies, Esther has proven to be a transformative leader. Her deep expertise in digital banking, change management, risk management and strategic business development continues to drive NOVA Bank's growth and market competitiveness.
Our People & Governance
At NOVA, we prioritize adherence to high Corporate Governance standards to enhance long-term shareholder value.
At NOVA, we prioritize adherence to high Corporate Governance standards to enhance long-term shareholder value.
This commitment involves implementing best practices and empowering our Board to oversee operations efficiently.
The Board's responsibilities encompass strategic direction, policy formulation, business management oversight, and pivotal decision-making. Specialized committees like Finance, Nominations, Governance & General-Purpose; Risk & Audit; and Board Credit & Investment, support these functions, ensuring comprehensive oversight.
All activities are conducted in line with our Board Charter and comply with Nigerian banking and corporate governance regulations.
At NOVA, our people drive customer success. With a dedicated team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals, we tailor solutions to maximize business opportunities for our customers. Reflecting Nigeria's diversity, our multicultural workforce enhances the interactive experience we offer. Branded "The Champions," our passionate team embodies our commitment to excellence and unwavering customer satisfaction. Led by dedicated relationship managers, we prioritize personal connections, ensuring needs are understood and met effectively.
At NOVA, we exceed expectations, contributing to our customers' long-term success with tailored support every step of the way.
Who We Are
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