Business
ASO Savings’ Risikatu Ahmed, Eight Other female MDs Celebrated for Leading Nigeria’s Banking Sector
Women In Business, WIMBIZ, a Nigerian non-profit organisation working to inspire women to attain leadership roles in Management, Business and Public Service, last week celebrated nine outstanding professional women who took mantle of leadership in the banking sector.
One of the outstanding female top bankers recognised by WINBIZ was Risikatu Ladi Ahmed.
Risi Ahmed was recently appointed as the first female Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASO Savings & Loans Plc. With her appointment, Risikatu becomes the first female to be appointed as the CEO of a primary mortgage bank in recent times.
Other women on the WIMBIZ list of honour are: Ireti Samuel Ogbu of Citibank Nigeria; Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe of Fidelity Bank Plc; Yemisi Edun of First City Monument Bank; Bukola Smith of FSDH Merchant Bank; Miriam Olusanya of Guaranty Trust Bank; Kafilat Araoye of Lotus ank; Halima Buba of SunTrust Bank and Tomi Somefun of Unity Bank.
These distinguished female professionals are taking over the banking sector at a critical point in the nation’s economic trajectory and their appointments by the Boards of their institutions are adjudged as a vote of confidence on the abilities of female professionals to steer the ship of the financial sector at a most challenging time.
Primary Mortgage banks have been in focus in recent times. The need to provide affordable houses has become a critical deliverable by the governments at various levels and this has made the mortgage institution a very critical financial sector in the economy.
The choice of a woman as the head of a mortgage bank is a big stride in the Mortgage community because women are considered as stronger in long term plans execution and paying attention to details.
Finance industry analysts posit that ASO Savings & Loans has taken a bolder step by appointing a woman as the bank’s CEO.
Risikatu Ahmed has over two decades banking experience. Attaining the peak of her career as the first female Managing Director of ASO Savings & Loans Plc is a bold statement that, irrespective of gender, a focused professional can aspire to top positions.
Prior to her appointment as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASO Savings & Loans Plc, she was an Executive Director of the bank.
An alumna of Lagos Business School (SMP), University of Pennsylvania, Wharton Advanced Management Program, Risikatu has also gone through leadership courses in Harvard Business School.
The nine women who have taken over at the major money deposit and mortgage banks are distinguished professionals who have, through dint of hard work and resilience, climbed the corporate ladders to the peak of their careers. Risikatu is the only one of the nine that heads a Mortgage bank, while others are CEOs of money deposit banks.
Studies show that gender diversity (and all diversities) initiative in corporate governance is smart business. Women have different life experiences, and often bring different skill sets, ways of thinking, and approaches to problem solving. Researches also indicate that women top executives tend to be more prudent, transparent and unyielding in achieving corporate goals.
WINBIZ considers these female achievers as worthy of celebration as well as a source of inspiration and role models to women professionals who are aiming at reaching the pinnacles of their careers.
West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, FirstBank, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025, unveiling a landmark addition set to redefine the carnival experience — the first-ever private premium seating area at the event.
The highlight of FirstBank’s participation is the construction of a 500-seater premium bleacher, designed to provide comfort, safety, and an elevated viewing experience for carnival enthusiasts.
Speaking on the sponsorship, the Acting Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, noted that the carnival aligns with the Bank’s First@Arts initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria. He said, “We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, we have supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection and cultural exchange. Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through First@Arts.”
“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” Ijabiyi added.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, also commented on FirstBank’s sponsorship. “FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global appeal,” he said.
The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. Okhma Global Limited has partnered with the Cross River State government in delivering Carnival Calabar & Festival for over ten years, playing a key role in strengthening the carnival’s commercial growth and global visibility.
Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.
Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels — including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide — will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.
He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.
According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential. While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times. Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”
Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”
He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.
Fidelity Bank Plc has donated firefighting and preventive equipment, including hoses and gasoline-powered water pumps, to the Ikoyi Fire Service Station in Lagos, reinforcing efforts to improve emergency response and promote community safety.
The donation was executed under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) by the bank’s True Serve team. Through the initiative, Fidelity Bank employees identify critical community needs, raise funds, and receive matching financial support from the bank to implement impact-driven projects.
Speaking on the initiative, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division at Fidelity Bank, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, said the intervention reflects the bank’s commitment to public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable community development.
“Community safety is a shared responsibility. Fidelity Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that protect lives, property, and the environment,” Nwagboh said, adding that preventive measures remain more effective than emergency responses.
He noted that providing the right tools to first responders aligns with the bank’s broader goal of enabling people to live safe, meaningful, and empowered lives.
Lagos State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Controller of Fire (CF) Funke Adebayo, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely support, particularly as the festive season approaches amid dry weather conditions that heighten fire risks.
She urged residents to remain vigilant and warned parents against allowing children to handle fireworks during celebrations, stressing that careless handling of fire could lead to avoidable disasters.
Adebayo also disclosed that the Fire Service has intensified sensitisation visits to corporate organisations to promote fire safety and discourage unsafe practices.
Also speaking, Area Commander, Onikan Fire Station, Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF) Oswere Michael, expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that it would strengthen the station’s operational capacity.
He encouraged households, businesses, and community members to prioritise fire safety, describing collective responsibility as critical to preventing fire outbreaks.
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial deposit money bank serving over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received multiple local and international awards in recognition of its performance in digital transformation, MSME banking, and innovative financial services.
Photo – L-R: Lagos State Controller, Federal Fire Service, CF (Controller of Fire), Adebayo Funke; Tolulope Rojaiye, Marketing Business Partner, Fidelity Bank Plc; Assistant Superintendent of Fire, Ishola Folorunsho Olufemi; and Station Commander, Onikan Fire Station, Lagos, Okeke Ferdinand; during the donation of firefighting equipment to the Federal Fire Service at Ikoyi, Lagos, recently.
