Access Holdings Plc announced Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede as its Non-Executive Chairman on Wednesday, following the passing of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the company.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has carved a niche for himself in leadership, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. As one of Nigeria’s most prominent figures in business and finance, Aig-Imoukhuede has left a mark on various industries, inspiring countless individuals along the way. He hails from Sabongida-Ora, Edo State.
Early Life and Education: Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede was born on 24 September 1966, in Ibadan, Nigeria. He attended St. Saviours School (primary) in Lagos, Federal Government College Kaduna, then went on to study law at University of Benin, Edo State. He graduated with a LLB degree in 1986 at age 19 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987.
He began working as a lawyer with Continental Merchant Bank during his NYSC year in 1988. Aigboje joined Guaranty Trust Bank Plc in December 1991 where he resigned as executive director in March 2002. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede was the leader of the 2002 acquisition of Access Bank, then a fringe regional player. He was the group managing director and chief executive officer of the bank till December 2013.
He retired as president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2017, but he remains on the National Council as an ex-officio. He was a non-executive director of Africa Finance Corporation since 2008 until June 2, 2017. He has been the chairman of Associated Discount House Limited since December 1, 2011. He serves as a director of Petralon Energy and retired as the chairman of Wapic Insurance Plc where he has been its director since November 2011.
Aig-Imoukhuede also served as board chairman and director of FMDQ OTC PLC until August 1, 2014. He founded Coronation Capital Limited in 2015 and has led the growth and expansion of the Coronation Ecosystem. In October 2021, Aigboje collaborated with the office of the Head of Nigerian Civil Service (OHCSF), led by Folashade Yemi-Esan to digitalize work processes and public service delivery.
Banking Career: Aig-Imoukhuede rose to prominence as the former CEO of Access Bank PLC, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. Under his leadership, Access Bank underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming one of Africa’s largest banks. He is the founder and chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, an independent non-profit that promotes good governance in Africa. The Foundation partners with Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government, for scholarships that send qualified Africans to the Oxford for a Master of Public Policy degree and Fellowships for senior Public Servants. The Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) partnership will run for five years, from 2017/18 until 2021/22.
Leadership: During his tenure at Access Bank, Aig-Imoukhuede spearheaded numerous initiatives that propelled the bank to unprecedented heights. His strategic vision and innovative approach revolutionized the Nigerian banking landscape.
Aig-Imoukhuede is a co-founder of the Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), a non-profit organization focused on promoting good governance and public sector excellence in Africa. Through AIG, he is dedicated to nurturing future leaders and driving sustainable development across the continent.
Read also: Access Holdings returns Aig-Imoukhuede as board Chairman, 10 years after exit as bank CEO
Aig-Imoukhuede is deeply committed to philanthropy and social impact. He established the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, and youth empowerment initiatives. His philanthropic efforts have touched the lives of countless individuals across Nigeria.
Aig-Imoukhuede has been a vocal advocate for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship. He believes in harnessing the talents and creativity of young people to drive economic growth and development.
He envisions a prosperous and sustainable future for Africa, driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and good governance. Through his various endeavours, he continues to work tirelessly towards realizing this vision, inspiring hope and optimism across the continent.
Global Recognition: Aig-Imoukhuede’s contributions to business and philanthropy have earned him widespread recognition and accolades. He has been honoured with numerous awards, including the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede exemplifies visionary leadership, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond. As he continues to make a profound impact in various spheres, his legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede is married to Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, and together they have four children.
