Demola Aladekomo exits Chams Holding after 40 years

Chams Holding Company Plc has disclosed the retirement of its founder, Demola Aladekomo, from its Board of Directors, effective July 9, 2026.

This brings to a close an extraordinary forty-year journey of visionary leadership, innovation, and service in the leading technology and digital services group.

Demola founded Chams with a bold vision to develop world-class indigenous technology solutions for Nigeria and Africa. Over the course of four decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Company’s growth and the broader technology landscape.

He served as Group Managing Director for thirty years before transitioning to the Board, where he provided strategic leadership for a further decade, including serving as Chairman.

Under his stewardship, Chams evolved from a single enterprise into a diversified technology group with interests spanning identity management, payment infrastructure, card manufacturing, pension remittance services, and digital innovation.

The Company was instrumental in the implementation of the Bank Verification Number (BVN), now a critical pillar of Nigeria’s banking system and financial inclusion framework. This growth was driven through key subsidiaries, including ChamsAccess, CardCentre Nigeria Limited, ChamsSwitch, and ChamsMobile.

Following his transition from executive management, Sir Demola continued to guide the Company through a period of transformation and expansion, providing strategic oversight as Chams strengthened its position on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and advanced its long-term growth agenda.

The Board of Directors expressed its deep appreciation for Sir Demola’s pioneering vision, unwavering commitment, and enduring contributions to the Company’s success.

His retirement marks the culmination of a deliberate and seamless leadership succession process. Mr. Segun Oloketuyi will assume the role of Board Chairman, ensuring continuity in governance and strategic direction as Chams continues its growth trajectory.

Commenting on the transition. Mayowa Olaniyan, Group Managing Director/CEO of Chams Holding Company Plc, said: “Sir Demola’s vision, courage, and unwavering belief in indigenous technology laid the foundation for everything Chams has become today. For thirty years, he led the Company with distinction, and for the last decade, he continued to guide us with wisdom and foresight as a Board member and Chairman. On behalf of the entire Chams family, I express our profound gratitude for his exceptional service and enduring legacy. We are honoured to build on that legacy as we deepen our contribution to Africa’s digital transformation and infrastructure development.”