Jobs/Appointments
Experts Brainstorm on Future Work Template at Stanbic IBTC Bank Forum
By Olubori Oduntan
In a rapidly changing world, more so in the digital space, finding the right models to anchor human capital development will remain a paramount determinant of corporate success. This thinking underscores the Workplace Banking Seminar’ organized by Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, a member of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, in Lagos, recently.
The seminar, with the theme, ‘The Future of Work and the Role of Human Capital’, attracted participants from both the public and private sectors, including Human Resources Managers , Financial Service Institutions, Insurers, Fintechs, Government Agencies, Regulators, Private Equity and Venture Capital firms, amongst other players from diverse fields.
In his opening comments, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Dr. Demola Sogunle, said by settling for a theme that seeks to unravel the future of work, the organization aims to prepare and equip its clientele for future success. Employee experience, just like customer experience, is imperative to drive corporate success. Therefore, workers must be sufficiently motivated, engaged and empowered, he stated.
This objective underlines the numerous stakeholder engagements organized by the Stanbic IBTC Group to provide a platform to connect with clients and avail them with information to make informed decisions. As an institution designed to meet the financial needs of customers at every phase in life, Dr. Sogunle said the group would continuously offer value propositions to move people and businesses forward.
Guest speaker, Mr Boye Ademola, noted that the whole essence of digital application is to create intrinsic value. Any technology that does not generate value is worthless. Besides, value cannot be created without commensurate talent.
Mr Ademola, who is Partner & Lead for Digital Transformation Technology at KPMG, stated that the future of work has three crucial dimensions: workforce, workspace and work culture. These three elements are critical to attract the millennials, who would constitute the bulk of the future workforce. Nigeria for instance, has over 90 million of its population under 30 years of age and as the population increases, they would naturally trigger change. Already, the average age of millennial CEOs is in the 30s. In meeting the demands of the future, there is the need for a paradigm shift from today’s work structure. Critical factors to drive this change include focus on value creation, agility, co-creation, co-option of millennials and appropriate operating models.
The session also had a panel discussion that featured Usen Udoh, Group Chief, Human Resources, Dangote Group; Alero Onosode, General Manager, Human Resources, Seplat Petroleum Plc; Abudullahi Jubril Saba, Human Resources Director, IHS Towers; Country Head, Human Capital, Stanbic IBTC, Olufunke Amobi; and Boye Ademola. They highlighted other factors pivotal to the future of work as education, mining ecosystems, life-long learning, breaking of hierarchies and silos, challenging leadership and unrelenting value creation.
Another highlight of the event was the question and answer session which was very interactive and engaging. Major talking points included creating an engaged workforce by fusing learning and talent management, using technology to leapfrog, ensuring inclusion, participation in activities and initiatives as well as using meritocracy as a yardstick for appraisal.
The ‘Workplace Banking Seminar’, now in its fourth edition, comes on the heels of the Bank’s hugely successful financial planning sessions for Enterprises. The seminar hosts HR Heads drawn from various sectors and focuses on topical HR issues with a view to equipping the audience with vital skills and knowledge aimed at impacting Employee/Business efficiency, productivity, profitability, continuity, growth and sustainability.
Head, Personal Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Nkolika Okoli, said the Bank is constantly trying to add value, which goes beyond providing banking services to its customers. By looking at the whole spectrum of financial literacy drawn from the Stanbic IBTC Group expertise, Ms. Okoli stated that Stanbic IBTC Personal Banking business aims to equip Individuals with the knowledge required to attain financial freedom before retirement.
Executive Director, Personal & Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Mr. Babatunde Macaulay, who gave the vote of thanks, said as a member of the Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets and earnings, Stanbic IBTC will continue to leverage on the 155-year experience, expertise and strong financial clout of the mother brand to deliver superior sustainable shareholder value by meeting the needs of its clientele. “Our main goal is to continue to render best-in-class service to our customers who cut right across Nigeria’s socio-economic spectrum and play a leading role in supporting individuals, businesses and the Nigerian economy,”
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group, is a full service financial services group with a clear focus on three main business pillars – Corporate and Investment Banking, Personal and Business Banking and Wealth Management. Standard Bank Group is the largest African bank by assets and market capitalization. It is rooted in Africa with strategic representation in 20 countries on the African continent. Standard Bank has been in operation for over 155 years and is focused on building first-class, on-the-ground financial services institutions in chosen countries in Africa; and connecting selected emerging markets to Africa by applying sector expertise, particularly in natural resources, power and infrastructure.
Jobs/Appointments
CNN Hires Arise News Adefemi Akinsanya
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
British-born Nigerian journalist, Ms Adefemi Akinsanya, has been hired by CNN International to host its new multiplatform feature series known as Africa Inc, sponsored by Dangote Industries Limited.
Ms Akinsanya joins CNN from Arise News, where she is an International Correspondent and Anchor based in Lagos. She has previously worked at Al Jazeera, Reuters, Sky News, and TRT World.
Africa Inc will showcase how African companies are competing and thriving on the global stage, from technology and hospitality to manufacturing and entertainment.
The series positions the continent not as an emerging player, but as a growing force shaping global commerce, innovation, and consumer trends.
The half-hour show will premiere in August, with four more episodes throughout 2026 and into 2027.
Bespoke Africa Inc segments will also run bi-monthly across CNN International, with digital and social content across CNN.com.
“I’m thrilled to be joining CNN to launch Africa Inc at such an exciting time for Africa’s international story. Across the continent, we’re seeing innovation, resilience, and ambition transforming industries and creating opportunities with global impact. I’m looking forward to bringing these stories to CNN’s audience,” Ms Akinsanya commented.
Also commenting, CNN International Group Senior Vice President and Global Head of Productions, Ellana Lee, said, “We are delighted to welcome Adefemi to CNN. As Africa continues to play an increasingly influential role in the global economy, Adefemi’s impactful storytelling will ensure that Africa Inc provides insightful coverage across CNN’s TV, digital, and social platforms.”
Ms Akinsanya is a 2023 Fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University and holds a BA in International Politics from King’s College London.
She has reported from the frontline of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, covering the refugee crisis and the role of race in the early war evacuation effort. She has also reported on the #EndSARS anti-police brutality protests in Nigeria, the 2024 US Presidential election, and from the World Economic Forum in Davos and the 2026 G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains.
Jobs/Appointments
Tinubu Appoints Abel Enitan Nigeria’s Head of Service as Walson-Jack Retires
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Mr Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 27, 2026.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday disclosed that Mr Enitan replaces Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who will retire soon from the Federal Civil Service upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.
Mr Tinubu thanked Mrs Walson-Jack for her distinguished service to the nation and for the reforms, impact and innovations witnessed in the civil service during her tenure.
He also wished her a fulfilling and successful life after service and conveyed the nation’s gratitude for her years of dedicated and impactful public service.
As for Mr Enitan, the President charged him to consolidate on the reforms and innovations already underway, deepen professionalism and efficiency across the service, and build a more effective and responsive civil service.
He further urged him to lead a civil service that is professional, merit-driven, accountable, innovative, and responsive to Nigerians’ needs and aspirations.
Mr Enitan, from Osun State, is the most senior Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service. He has served as Permanent Secretary for seven years and seven months, working at the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President. He is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education.
He brings considerable institutional experience and a deep understanding of how the Federal Civil Service works to his new responsibility.
Mr Enitan was born on December 12, 1966. He had his secondary education at Ajibode Grammar School, Ibadan and the College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife. He later attended the University of Lagos and graduated in 1988 with a BSc in Finance and Banking. In 2015, he obtained an MSc in Public Policy Analysis from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Jobs/Appointments
FTN Cocoa Picks Wale Jubril as Interim Chairman
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The board of FTN Cocoa Processors Plc has appointed Mr Wale Jubril as its interim chairman following the death of the former occupier of the position, Mr S.O. Oguntimehin, in March 2026.
The appointment of Mr Jubril was decided at the company’s board meeting held in July 2026, a statement from the organisation disclosed.
He will pilot the affairs of the organisation pending the appointment of a substantive chairman, a part of the notice submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited stated.
The interim chairman of FTN Cocoa is a seasoned banker, chartered stockbroker and corporate executive with over three decades of professional experience spanning banking, capital markets, finance and corporate governance.
The Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State-born financial expert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Lagos, obtained in 1988, and three Master’s Degrees from the same institution in Marketing (1993), International Law and Diplomacy (1998), and Economics (1999).
He qualified as an Authorised Dealing Clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1992 and became a chartered stockbroker in the same year. He subsequently built a career in banking and the capital market before joining Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria Plc in 2009 as Executive Director, Finance. In that capacity, he provided leadership in financial planning, project appraisal, pricing and negotiations, particularly in relation to major oil and gas projects and engagements involving Chevron, NLNG, Total and other industry participants.
Mr Jubril also contributed to the development of the company’s financial sustainability through strategic planning, policy development, departmental restructuring and financial management, and served on the company’s Planning and Policy-Making Committee of the Board.
In 2021, he joined Float Securities Limited, where he currently serves as the chief executive. He has also served as a non-executive director of FTN Cocoa since 2015.
In recognition of his extensive experience in the private and public sectors, he was appointed an independent non-executive director of Gateway Mortgage Bank, a mortgage bank wholly owned by the Ogun State Government, in November 2022.


