By Abubkar Yunusa
First HoldCo Plc has announced new board appointments across its non-commercial banking subsidiaries.
In a statement on Monday, First HoldCo said the move is part of efforts to strengthen governance, deepen oversight and position the business for sustainable growth.
The holding company said the appointments followed regulatory approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).
The company said the new appointments are aimed at bringing seasoned professionals into its subsidiaries, aligning the group with international best practices in corporate governance.
The group said the infusion of leadership talents reflects the board’s strategic and deliberate resolve to make the entities future-ready in both products and service offerings.
First HoldCo said Ebikabo Williams was appointed chairman of the board of First Asset Management Limited, bringing extensive experience in banking, capital markets and consulting.
She will be joined on the board by Usman Dantata Jr., Binta Gbinije and Alero Adollo, appointments expected to further strengthen the firm’s position in the asset and wealth management space.
At FirstCap Limited, Yewande Amusan was appointed chairman, alongside Ahmed Indimi, Irene Akpofure, Adenike Kuti and Zeal Akaraiwe as board members.
“First Securities Brokers Limited, which recently emerged as the top performer in the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Brokers Performance Report in terms of both trading volume and transaction value, has named John Akpeki as Chairman. He is expected to leverage his vast experience in global marketing and networking,” the statement reads.
“He is joined by Omolara Adeyemi, Susan Younis and Kemi Andu-Alausa.
“Similarly, First Trustees Limited, one of the Group’s long-standing subsidiaries in trust and estate management, has strengthened its governance structure with the appointment of John Lee as its Chairman.
“He has over 40 years’ experience in global financial services, specialising in Corporate & Institutional Banking and Wealth Management across Africa.
“The other members of the board who are bringing their combined rich wealth of experience are Abiola Alabi, Sola-Adeyemi, and Ugochukwu Obi-Chukwu.
“For its insurance business, First Insurance Brokers celebrating its 25th anniversary last year has appointed Akinola Phillips as Chairman. He is joined by Ije Onejeme, Folukemi Akinmeji and Mojisola Cardozo.”
Commenting on the appointments, Femi Otedola, group chairman of First HoldCo Plc, said the company was pleased to welcome the professionals to the boards of its non-commercial banking subsidiaries.
“Their proven expertise, impeccable track records, and leadership will play a critical role in shaping the next phase of our growth, enhancing stakeholder value, and reinforcing our position as a trusted African leader delivering innovative solutions across diverse sectors,” Otedola said.
The billionaire said the appointments reaffirm the group’s commitment to building resilient businesses that contribute meaningfully to economic development in the broader ecosystem in which it operates.
