Leadership

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Leadership

Leadership at UBA Pensions is characterized by a commitment to excellence, strategic foresight, and a client-centric approach. Our leadership team is composed of seasoned professionals with deep expertise in pension fund management, regulatory compliance, and financial services. We prioritize innovation, transparency, and sustainable growth, ensuring that UBA Pensions remains a trusted partner for its clients. By fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, the leadership at UBA Pensions drives the organization’s mission to deliver superior retirement solutions and financial security for ourstakeholders.

VICTOR OSADOLOR

CHAIRMAN

BLESSING OGWU

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DANIEL WAJUIHIAN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS & IT

ALEX ALOZIE

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kayode Fasola

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

UGOCHUKWU ALEX NWAGHODOH

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ARAFAT OLAYINKA BALOGUN

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ABBAS J. MOHAMMED

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MOHAMMED YAYANGIDA UMAR

INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BLESSING OGWU

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DANIEL WAJUIHIAN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS & IT

CHRIS OJIEABU

CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER

HELEN DUAKA

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Smith​​​​ Oligie

Chief Information Officer

Chinwe​​​ Jeff‑Owunna

Chief Risk Officer

RACHEL ONOCHIE-ABUGU

COMPANY SECRETARY/LEGAL ADVISER

HELEN EWERE IGBINOBA

HEAD, CONTRIBUTION ADMINISTRATION

KEHINDE OGUNTUYI

HEAD, SAFE KEEPING

OLADAPO AJIBOLA LAWUYI

HEAD, RESOURCES

LILIAN NKIRUKA ONWUDINJO

HEAD, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND CLIENT SERVICES

WINSTON ALILE

HEAD SETTLEMENT AND CORPORATE ACTION

About UBA Pensions

Awards

Careers

VICTOR OSADOLOR

Mr. Victor Osadolor BSc, FCA, HCIB, is an alumnus of Harvard and Wharton Business Schools, U.S.A. His career has spanned over 30 years, 20 of which have been spent leading organizations in C-Suite capacity and at Board levels. He is currently the Chairman of UBA Pensions Custodian Limited, the Chairman, Board Finance and General-Purpose Committee of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) PLC, the Chairman, Board Finance and Investment Committee, Heirs Holdings Group, and a Director, Cenpower Holdings Limited, Ghana.

Up until 2020, he was the Deputy Group CEO/ Deputy Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. In this capacity and over a period spanning 13 years, he anchored diverse roles. He superintended over the bank’s operations in 19 African Countries (excluding Nigeria), oversaw the bank’s operations in London, NY and Paris and superintended over the bank’s worldwide Treasury, Wholesale and correspondent banking businesses. Prior to this, he was at different times the Managing Director, UBA Capital; Executive Director, Risk & Finance, UBA; Group Chief Finance Officer, UBA and Executive Director, Risk & Compliance. Aside from UBA, he was a Group Director, Heirs Holdings (HH) Limited between 2014 and 2015. He was the Chief Operating Officer for Corporate and Investment Banking as well as the Chief Strategy Officer for Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) between 2012 and 2014. He was an Executive Director with Standard Trust Bank between 2001 and 2005; Chief Finance Officer, Ecobank Nigeria 1998-2000; Financial Controller, Guaranty Trust Bank; and in 1995-1998, Audit Senior, Coopers & Lybrand (now Price Water house Coopers) 1989-1991. He also served as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Africa Finance Corporation 2016-2022 and UBA UK 2016-2022. 

He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) degree with Second Class, Upper Division in Accounting from the University of Benin, an M.Sc. Degree (Merit) in Finance with specialization in Economic Policy from SOAS, University of London. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), an alumnus of Harvard Business School, Advanced Management Program (AMP172), an alumnus of Insead Business School, International Directors’ Program (IDP56), an Alumnus 2 of IMD Executive Management Program (2014), and an honorary life member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). 

He is an avid reader, loves playing chess and is married with children.

BLESSING OGWU

Blessing Victory Ogwu is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, associate member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, holder of an MBA (Business Administration & Marketing) from Bayero University, Kano and alumnus of the Senior Management Program at Lagos Business School (LBS SMP22).

Blessing commenced her banking career at Devcom Merchant Bank in November 1990 before joining Zenith Bank Plc in August 1995 where she rose to the position of Senior Manager/Branch Head. She became part of the United Bank for Africa Plc Team as a Principal Manager in September 2007.

Prior to her appointment as the Managing Director of UBA Pensions Custodian Limited, Blessing Victory Ogwu was a top management staff of the parent company, UBA Plc with direct responsibility at different times, for Business Developments in Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa States in Nigeria.

A recipient of various awards and an author, she is blessed with three lovely daughters and enjoys reading, swimming, and travelling for adventure.

DANIEL WAJUIHIAN

Daniel Wajuihian’s career has been in Law, Estate Management, Banking, Risk Management and Pensions Operation. In addition to various courses and trainings on Business Management, Business Development, Information Technology, Operational Efficiency, Corporate Governance, Personal Development and Leadership.

His educational qualification includes LL.B (Edo State University, Ekpoma), B.L (Nigerian Law School, Lagos) and LL.M (University of Lagos).

He was the Chief Risk Officer of UBA Pensions before his appointment as Executive Director, Operations & IT. Prior to his appointment, he held leadership positions in Risk Management and Business Development in various banks, including the then Standard Trust Bank, Fidelity Bank, Access Bank and United Bank for Africa.

ALEX ALOZIE

Alex Alozie has a BSc in Economics from Abia State University, Uturu. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Metropolitan School of Business, London (United Kingdom) and is a Doctorate Degree Holder from POMA University, Benin Republic.

He is a consummate professional with an in-depth understanding of Banking Principles and a deep exposure to all aspects of Banking Operations & Strategy. His experience spans across Branch Operations, International Trade Operations, Head Office Operations and Process Transformation.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management, Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Strategic Managers & Leaders and Association of Human Resources of Nigeria.

He has received numerous awards which include CBN Commendation for Contributions in the introduction of the Cashless Initiative, SEC Commendation for his role in implementing E-Dividends and the CBN/NIBSS Award as a member of the BVN Implementation Committee, amongst others.

He is also a member of the CBN Committee on Introduction of Cashless in Nigeria, CBN/NIBSS committee on Implementation of BVN, CBN/SEC Committee on E-Dividend Mandate and CBN Committee on Shared Services.

His previous positions in the banking Industry include Head of Operations in Diamond Bank and Head of Digital/Head Office Operations in Access Bank. He is currently an Executive Director and the Group Chief Operating Officer, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc.

Kayode Fashola

Dr. Kayode Fashola is a consummate professional with over 30 years’ cognate experience obtained from management and board positions covering Banking Operations, Risk Management, Credit/Financial Analysis, Insurance, Asset Management, Business Strategy/Development, Performance Management and Corporate Governance.

Dr. Fashola previously served as an Executive Director of a commercial bank in Nigeria. He holds two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in Business Administration specialising in Entrepreneurial Financing. Dr. Fashola is the Chairman of the Board’s Finance & General Purpose Committee. He also serves on the Board’s Credit and Risk Management Committees.

UGOCHUKWU ALEX NWAGHODOH

Ugo Nwaghodoh has over 28 years multifunctional experience spanning banking, advisory and assurance services. Prior to his appointment as the ED, Finance & Risk Management of UBA Plc, he was at different times, Group Financial Controller, Group Chief Compliance Officer, and Head – Performance Management at the UBA Group.

Before joining UBA in 2004, he had decades of experience with renowned firms of Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers in Nigeria and Kenya. He holds a M.Sc. degree in Risk Management from New York University and a M.Sc. degree in Finance and Management from Cranfield University, England.

He also holds a B.Sc. degree from the University of Ibadan. Ugo is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria, a Member Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments, United Kingdom and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). He is also a member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria.

Arafat Olayinka Balogun

Arafat Yinka Balogun holds a B.A. Hons. (Politics and Public Affairs), a J.D. (Law), an M.A. (Middle East & American Foreign Policy), an LL.M (Corporate Finance & Taxation) and a B.L (Law)

Her career has spanned compliance and legal practice internationally and locally, for over 39 years. It commenced in the academic sector (the Universities of Miami and Virginia in the United States), from where she moved to legal practice.

She worked in UBA Plc from 1997 to 2014, where she served in various capacities. She was at different times, the Legal Unit Head, Treasury & Corporate Banking Sector, Chief Compliance Officer/Head, Compliance Unit (Legal Services Division) and AGM – (Legal Services Division)/Head-Legal (Advisory Services)

Ms. Balogun has been a Partner in Eximia Legal Consults from 2014 till date. She is also a Non-Executive Director in Afrinvest Asset Management Limited, a Non-Executive Director in Confiance Insurance Brokers, and the Chairman of Jurrasic Abbatiors Limited.

ABBAS JEGA MOHAMMED

Mr. Mohammed is a Chartered Accountant. He holds a Bachelors’ degree in Accounting and a Masters’ degree in Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He began his career with the Sokoto State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning. Subsequently, he moved into the Banking industry, with stints at Bank of Credit and Commerce International (Nig.) Limited, Intercity Bank Plc, First Interstate Bank Plc and Unity Bank Plc.

He was at different times an Executive Director with Afribank Plc. and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria. He is presently an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Kebbi State Home Savings and Loans Limited.

Mr. Mohammed is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria.

He holds the traditional title of Ajiyan Gwandu (Treasurer, Gwandu Emirate).

MOHAMMED YAYANGIDA UMAR

Mr. Umar holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and an M.Sc. in Banking and Finance from Bayero University, Kano. He is a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (FCNA), a Fellow of the Institute of Loans and Risk Management of Nigeria (ILRM), a Fellow of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria (ICPAN), a Fellow of the Institute of Customer Service & Trade Management (ICSTM) and a Fellow of the Chartered Risk Management Institute (CRMI) of Nigeria.

He has over 30 years of accounting experience. At various times, he served as a Senior Accountant with the Bauchi State Government and was a Part-Time Non-Executive Director with the Bauchi State Television and the Bauchi Fertilizer Company Ltd. He retired from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation in 2019, as the Director, Insurance and Surveillance Department.

He is a beneficiary of a wide range of local and international courses.

Mr. Umar is married and holds the traditional title of Dan Malikin Giade. He enjoys meeting new people and engaging in physical exercises.

CHRIS OJIEABU

Chris, LL.M, BL, MBA, is a Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He has been involved in active Legal Practice with reputable Law Firms and was Head of Corporate Trust, UBA Trustees Limited before joining UBA Pensions.

He was the pioneer Company Secretary of UBA Pensions and for some time, was the Ag. Head of Operations until he was deployed in 2017 as the Chief Compliance Officer.

He has also attended several professional courses and training programmes at various levels and is an alumnus of the Senior Management Programme of the Lagos Business School.

Chris is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers Nigeria.

HELEN DUAKA

Helen is currently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of UBA Pensions. She holds a Bsc degree in Accounting from the prestigious University of Benin and is a renowned Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Helen has a wealth of expertise spanning over 2 decades in branch operations and financial control exhibiting exceptional expertise in financial reporting, financial operations, controls, data analysis, and process reviews. She also excelled as the CFO of UBA Insurance Brokers, displaying astute financial leadership.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and exceptional organizational abilities, Helen consistently delivers results of the highest quality. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to upholding financial best practices have earned her a stellar reputation in the industry

Smith Oligie

Smith Oligie is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in strategic IT management and digital transformation. As an expert in leveraging technology to drive business growth, he has a proven track record in implementing enterprise solutions and managing IT operations. His leadership skills are demonstrated through successful project management and team collaboration. Smith is dedicated to optimizing processes and enhancing organizational efficiency through innovative technology solutions. Well-versed in cybersecurity, he ensures robust protection for digital assets.

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry, a specialization certificate in software product management, and an MBA with a specialization in AI. Additionally, he is a certified IT Manager and a Certified Manager (CM) with several IT and project management professional certifications.

Chinwe​​​ Jeff‑Owunna

Chinwe, ERMCP, ARMN, ACILRMN, ACIFCN, is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of cross-functional experience spanning financial management, risk assessment and mitigation, business integration and resilience, project management and data analysis, executive management partnership and decision support, business impact analysis and sustainable practices. She leads Organizational efforts around measuring the positive impact of activities and ensuring alignment with purpose and values.

She has worked with many Organisations at managerial levels across different job roles in driving strategic interventions and growth in various business units. Through her proven business acumen and technical competencies, she has successfully championed and implemented several business process designs and improvement initiatives and a full cycle of risk management frameworks that support enterprise-wide operations, high-impact building projects, culture change programs and business re-engineering while leading high-performance and result-oriented teams.

She is a certified Professional in Risk Management (ERMCP ISO 31000) and Corporate Social Responsibility (ISO 26000 – Lead Implementer). She is an Associate member of Risk Management Society of Nigeria (RIMSON), Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management (CILCRM) and Chartered Institute of Finance and Control (CIFCN) respectively. She also holds Certificate in Insurance, MBA in Financial Management and B. Sc (Hons) in Banking & Finance.

RACHEL ONOCHIE-ABUGU

Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B) from the University of  Benin, a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree from the University of Lagos and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK (Nigeria branch). She commenced her career in 1995 with the law firm of Babajide Koku and moved to Toye Coker, Ogbekene & Co., before joining the former IMB International Bank Plc in 2000 as a Legal Officer, where she rose to the position of Acting Company Secretary/Legal Adviser.

Rachel also worked in Dangote Industries Ltd, Mainstreet Bank/Skye Bank Plc/Polaris Bank Limited where her various assignments enabled the honing of her skills in every facet of corporate legal practice, leading teams spanning company secretariat, litigation, loan documentation, debt recovery and contract advisory functions.

Rachel is an ordained Christian Minister and advocate of gender parity who enjoys reading and singing.

HELEN EWERE IGBINOBA

Helen, before joining UBA Pensions, boasts over 24 years of banking experience spanning Cash Management, Customer Service, Funds Transfer, Electronic Banking, Customer Management & Engagement with United Bank for Africa Plc. The astute banker also managed the Cash Management Centre and served as the Liaison Officer between the Bank, CBN, and other Financial Institutions in the Midwest Region for several years.

A result-oriented professional in process optimization and an excellent driver of customer service experience. Helen served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Midwest 1 Region of the Bank, overseeing 15 offices and several cash offices, before  joining UBA Pensions.

Helen joined UBA Pensions in September 2023 and currently the Head of the Contribution Administration Department. She is business-minded, engaging, and collaborates with teams in all units to grow the viability of the organization. An excellent team player, Helen leads to ensure the team achieves and excels in all job deliverables and targets.

Helen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics and a Master’s in Business Administration.

KEHINDE OGUNTUYI

Kehinde Oguntuyi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from University of  Ilorin, and an MBA from University of Ado Ekiti, Ekiti. He has attended various professional trainings including the Senior Management Program (SMP) at the Lagos Business School.

Kehinde started his career with Afribank PLC as a Teller Control before he joined Lordsfield Limited where he worked as Administrative/Account Officer. He later moved to Teams Communications Limited as Account/Administrative Officer

He is currently Head, Safekeeping Department of UBA Pensions. He had previously worked for 5 years as Head of Contribution Department.

OLADAPO AJIBOLA LAWUYI

Oladapo Ajibola Lawuyi ACIPM has more than 20 years of expertise in the financial services industry, having worked in Banking Operations, Retail Marketing, Human Resources, and Corporate Services.

He holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Human Resource Management as well as a combined honours degree in History and Sociology from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

He has received training from a number of prestigious institutions, including the Lagos Business School. He began his career at Standard Trust Bank Plc, the most innovative bank at the time, which later merged to establish the current United Bank for Africa Plc.

He presently serves as the Head of Resources for UBA Pensions Custodian Limited.

LILIAN NKIRUKA ONWUDINJO

Lilian Onwudinjo is a seasoned Client Service and Business Development Manager with over 17 years of expertise in the banking and pensions industry. With a strong focus on exceptional relationship management and process improvement, she excels as a professional of utmost integrity. A collaborative team player, Lilian possesses the ability to identify and drive initiatives across diverse teams.

Her extensive experience in managing both retail and corporate clients has provided her with a deep understanding of evolving customer expectations.

Prior to joining UBA Pensions, she held various positions at First Bank of Nigeria, contributing to the transformation of the branch. Lilian holds a bachelor’s degree in Agric Economics & Extension from Delta State University, Nigeria, and an MBA in Human Resources and Management from Daystar University, Nairobi, Kenya. She has actively participated in numerous banking and pension industry training programs

WINSTON ALILE

Winston has over 17 years work experience in capital market operations, financial portfolio management, business strategy and banking.

Winston is a SEC registered Sponsored individual in Portfolio Management. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and an alumnus of the Senior Management Programme (SMP) of Lagos Business School. Winston possesses a B.Sc. in Economic from the University of Ilorin and an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University.

He worked as a pioneer staff for Afrinvest West Africa and GTB Asset Management now Investment One Financial Services as the Deputy Head, Operations and the Head, Retail Marketing respectively.

Prior to joining UBA Pensions, Winston worked as a profit center manager, financial institution with UBA Plc