The National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA) has conferred its Professional Fellowship on Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, Managing Director of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF).
The recognition was announced in Lagos during the investiture of Dr. (Mrs.) Markie Idowu as the Institute’s new President.
In his welcome address, Prof. Chris Onalo, Registrar/CEO of NICA, noted that the National Institute of Credit Administration distinguishes itself from other professional bodies through its unwavering commitment to advancing credit management, promoting professionalism, and empowering Nigerians with credit literacy.
“Unlike many other institutes, NICA recognizes that credit management is a lifeline of commerce, influencing every aspect of business, social, and economic life. Through this commitment, the Institute continues to shape Nigeria’s economic future towards sustainable growth,” he stated.
The Fellowship represents the Institute’s highest professional distinction and is conferred on individuals whose leadership has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s credit environment, institutional governance frameworks, and the integrity of the financial system.
This recognition also comes at a significant moment globally as the world commemorates International Women’s Day, underscoring the growing recognition of women’s leadership and contributions across industries, particularly in finance, governance, and economic development.
The ceremony brought together senior financial sector executives, policymakers, regulators, and distinguished guests to celebrate excellence in credit administration and professional practice.
The Institute described Mrs. Uche Uzoebo as a seasoned business executive and financial services leader with over two decades of professional experience spanning banking, digital payments, and financial services.
A proven change agent, she brings deep expertise across digital payments, financial inclusion, agency banking, product and business development, merchant acquiring, as well as corporate, commercial, and retail banking.
Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing secure and inclusive digital financial services, strengthening payment systems, and expanding last-mile access to financial services across underserved communities in Nigeria.
Through SANEF and related initiatives, she has supported economic empowerment and financial inclusion by expanding agent networks, promoting financial literacy, and championing innovative technology-enabled solutions.
Passionate about gender inclusion and women’s economic empowerment, Uzoebo is also a gender specialist and advocate with a strong focus on supporting women entrepreneurs and breaking structural economic barriers.
As a certified trainer, she designs and delivers high-impact capacity-building programmes for individuals, youth, women, and organizations, enabling sustainable growth and improved performance.
