Jobs/Appointments
Ayodeji Adelagun to Lead Standard Chartered Operations in Nigeria
By Adedapo Adesanya
Top financial institution, Standard Chartered, has announced the appointment of Mr Ayodeji Adelagun as the Acting chief executive of its operations in Nigeria.
According to a statement, the appointment of Mr Adelagun is is a testament to the lender’s established culture of promoting excellence and leadership continuity whilst reinforcing the confidence of its esteemed stakeholders in the Nigerian financial industry.
The seasoned banker has been with the company for over 19 years and has over 26 years experience in the financial services sector spanning financial markets, banking operations, securities trading, foreign exchange trading, asset & liability management, commercial banking, risk management and credit.
He takes over from Mr Dalu Ajene, who was recently appointed as Africa CEO and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Bank.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr Ajene said, “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Ayodeji ‘Deji’ Adelagun as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited. Deji brings a strong track record of leadership, deep market insight and a clear vision for growth. With an extensive background in banking and finance, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to lead our operations in Nigeria.”
“Standard Chartered remains committed to driving economic growth and supporting our clients in Nigeria. We are confident that under his leadership, the Bank will further deepen its impact in Nigeria and continue delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients,” Mr Ajene added.
Until his appointment, the appointee was the bank’s Executive Director for Financial Markets, and was credited with driving enhanced trading liquidity and good risk management practices for the bank. He was also actively involved in the development of both local and regional markets.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr Adelagun said, “I am deeply honoured to assume the responsibility of leading the bank’s strategic agenda in Nigeria at this pivotal time. Nigeria remains a priority market for the bank, and our recent recapitalisation, together with a refreshed strategy, clearly underscores this commitment. We will continue to support the country by facilitating foreign portfolio flows to help strengthen the economy, we intend to sustain our leading position in unlocking flows into the country.
“As a bank, the voice of our customers has always been central to how we operate, and we remain firmly focused on consistently exceeding the expectations of our diverse client base. Our distinctive strengths in cross-border transactions, alongside our Wealth and Affluent focus, remains central to our strategy.
“These areas give us a clear competitive advantage, and we will continue to grow the business by delivering differentiated solutions that meet our clients’ evolving needs.”
Mr Adelagun joined Standard Chartered in August 2007 as Head, Rates & Credit Trading and was tasked with the responsibility of setting up the Rates & Credit desk.
His experience prior to joining Standard Chartered, includes the banking operations, commercial banking and treasury departments of Access Bank Plc. He had previously worked with First Securities Discount House Limited (FSDH) now FSDH Merchant bank in 2003 where he was the pioneer bond dealer and was responsible for setting up and running the bond trading desk.
Speaking of taking the mantle from his predecessor, the new Acting CEO Nigeria added, “I have had the privilege of working closely with Dalu Ajene, who recently transitioned from the role of CEO Nigeria to lead our strategic agenda across Africa as the CEO of the Africa Cluster. This ensures a seamless continuation of our business momentum in Nigeria. Our Board is both strong and uniquely diversified, and I will continue to rely on their invaluable guidance and support to deliver on our priorities.’’
The acting CEO is a graduate of Economics from University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He holds an MBA from the prestigious Lagos Business School (LBS) and is an Alumnus of IESE Business School, Executive Management Programme. He has also attended executive management training at INSEAD. He is a honorary senior member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and ACI Financial Markets Association and has various executive management and leadership certifications, including the Executive Management Training at INSEAD.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Geregu Power Plc has sought the approval of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for the appointment of its acting chief executive, Mr Mohammed Sani Jaoji.
Mr Jaoji was selected by the board to lead the affairs of the organisation in an acting capacity with effect from Monday, August 17, 2026.
In a notice to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, Geregu Power, which was recently in the news over a bond coupon payment default, noted that the appointment of an acting CEO followed the non-renewal of the term of the interim CEO, Mr Sean Manley, which ended on August 14, 2026.
The board expressed confidence that the appointment of Mr Jaoji will strengthen the governance structure and strategic direction of the company pending the appointment of a substantive CEO.
The board thanked Mr Manley for his service and contributions to the energy firm during his tenure and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Mr Jaoji holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and is a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
He brings over three decades of experience in the power sector, spanning technical and leadership roles at the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and Geregu Power Plc, where he served as Head, Maintenance Planning and Performance between 2007 and 2019. He subsequently served as Technical Assistant to the Minister of Power between 2019 and 2023, before returning to Geregu Power.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The board of Fortis Global Insurance Plc has been strengthened with two new additions, with Mr Umar Faruk Umar appointed as an independent non-executive director and Mr Ufuoma Ibru as a non-executive director.
A statement signed by the company secretary, Ms Halima Jimada, disclosed that the appointments followed the approval of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), an agency that regulates the insurance sector in Nigeria.
The board expressed optimism that the new directors will bring their wealth of experience to bear in driving the growth and expansion of the business, and that the company will be further strengthened by their valuable contributions.
Mr Umar is an accomplished educationist, public servant and corporate director with over 40 years of professional experience, including over 30 years of board and corporate governance experience.
He holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, USA. He has also undertaken executive education and corporate governance programmes at Harvard University, Stanford University and INSEAD.
He has held senior positions in the public and private sectors and previously served on the boards of Ashaka Cement Plc, CCNN Plc and NAHCO Plc, where he chaired and served on various board committees, including Audit, Risk Management, Governance, Finance and Establishment.
He currently serves on the Boards of GTL Registrars Limited and the Nigerian Capital Market Development Fund. His extensive experience in corporate governance, risk management, finance and strategic oversight will bring significant value to the Board in his capacity as an independent non-executive director.
On his part, Mr Ibru is a legal practitioner and an experienced non-executive director with extensive professional and board experience in the hospitality, tourism and financial services sectors. He has served on the boards of Ikeja Hotel Plc, The Tourist Company of Nigeria Plc and Icon Stockbrokers Limited.
He holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Oxford, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003. He also holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Engineering from the University of London.
Mr Ibru has significant experience in corporate governance, strategic management, legal and regulatory matters, investment transactions and stakeholder engagement.
He brings to the board a strong combination of legal, commercial and corporate governance expertise, which will support the effective discharge of his responsibilities as a non-executive director.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Heirs Life Assurance, a specialist life insurance company owned by Nigerian business mogul, Mr Tony Elumelu, has appointed Pastor Jerry Eze as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective August 10, 2026.
The appointment reinforces Heirs Life Assurance’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and accelerating insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education, and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.
Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, continues to record insurance penetration of less than one per cent, ranking among the lowest globally and underscoring the need to deepen financial protection and strengthen public confidence in insurance. As Heirs Life advances its goal of making insurance more accessible to Nigerians, the appointment of the preacher is expected to bring valuable insight in community engagement, values-driven leadership and initiatives with wider social impact.
Pastor Jerry Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, a growing multinational ministry with 34 branches across West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and North America. He is also the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), one of the world’s largest digital prayer platforms, reaching millions of people daily. Through his ministry and humanitarian initiatives, he is regarded as one of Africa’s most influential voices, championing hope, compassion, and community transformation.
Beyond ministry, the clergyman is the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-led philanthropy where he provides housing support and grants to vulnerable and underserved communities.
In 2026, he announced N1 billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, further advancing enterprise development and economic opportunity.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Jerry Eze built a career in development communications, serving as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank HIV/AIDS programme and with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Abia State University and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Speaking about the appointment, Mr Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance, said, “Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities. As we continue our mission to democratise access to insurance, his insight will help strengthen consumer trust, deepen financial inclusion, and reinforce our commitment to protecting the financial future of millions of Nigerians. We are delighted to welcome him to the Board of Heirs Life Assurance and the broader family of Heirs Insurance Group.”
Commenting on his appointment, Pastor Jerry Eze said, “I am honoured to join the Board of Heirs Life Assurance at a defining moment for the insurance industry. Financial security empowers individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and resilience. I look forward to working with the Board and Management to advance the company’s mission of making insurance more accessible, relevant, and impactful for every Nigerian.”
