The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has appointed a full Board of Directors for Polaris Bank Limited, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s growth trajectory. This development highlights the remarkable achievements of the new management and sets the stage for Polaris Bank’s future as a leading digital financial institution in Nigeria.
The 10-member board will be chaired by Dr. Kassim Gidado, a renowned academic with over 35 years of experience in engineering, project management, and strategic development. His extensive leadership experience includes serving as Group Managing Director and Chief of Staff at MAG Group Limited, where he oversaw operations in 35 countries. As the new Board Chairman, Dr. Gidado is expected to provide visionary leadership and drive the bank’s strategic goals.
Other Non-Executive Directors include Dr. Akwa Effiong Okon, Mallam Ambursa Abubakar Umar, Mrs. Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, Mrs. Giwa-Amu Subulade Ibironke, and Dr. Onosode Christopher. These professionals bring diverse expertise in law, finance, banking, and corporate management, and are poised to strengthen the bank’s leadership.
Kayode Lawal, the Managing Director and CEO of Polaris Bank, expressed optimism about the new appointments, stating that the expertise of the board members will enhance the bank’s strategic initiatives, particularly in positioning Polaris as a top-tier digital bank. “These appointments mark a significant step in Polaris Bank’s journey towards achieving sustained growth and delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders,” Lawal remarked.
New Board Members: Profiles and Strategic Contributions
• Dr. Kassim Gidado, with his extensive experience in public-private partnerships and infrastructure development, is expected to steer the bank towards sustained growth.
• Dr. Akwa Effiong Okon, a seasoned lawyer with experience in finance and development, brings governance insights from his roles at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and FHA Mortgage Bank.
• Mallam Ambursa Abubakar Umar, an expert in enterprise transformation and finance, will enhance the bank’s risk management and regulatory capital strategies, drawing from his 30-year tenure in banking and consulting.
• Mrs. Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, with over three decades in corporate banking and strategic execution, will provide leadership in corporate management and business development.
• Mrs. Giwa-Amu Subulade Ibironke, a lawyer and business process expert, is poised to support corporate banking initiatives, leveraging her extensive background in financial services and real estate.
• Dr. Onosode Christopher, a business systems and policy analysis expert, brings his 30 years of experience with multinational companies and financial institutions to the bank’s strategic operations.
This new board signals a turning point for Polaris Bank, with each member contributing to the bank’s vision of becoming a leader in the Nigerian digital banking sector. As the bank embarks on this new chapter, stakeholders can anticipate a period of robust growth and strategic innovations under the leadership of its diverse and experienced board.
The new board is expected to help Polaris Bank navigate the evolving financial landscape, making significant strides in digital banking and positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s financial sector.
