The company disclosed this in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited, shareholders and the investing public.

Over the two decades with Access Holdings, Bolaji Agbede held several leadership positions and played an influential role in its growth and development.

Her most prominent assignment came in February 2024 after the death of the Group’s former Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe. She was appointed Acting Group Chief Executive Officer and led the company through a difficult period while ensuring business operations continued without disruption.

In a statement signed by the Group Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, the Board thanked Agbede for her years of service and the leadership she provided during one of the company’s most challenging moments.

“The Board expresses its profound appreciation for her dedicated service and for the exemplary leadership she provided as Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the tragic passing of the former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, in February 2024. 

“During a critical period in the Group’s history, she demonstrated remarkable professionalism, stability, and commitment, helping to ensure continuity of leadership and sustained business performance.”

The Board also acknowledged her contributions to the Group over the years and wished her success in the next phase of her career.

“The Board thanks Ms. Agbede for her invaluable contributions to the Group and wishes her continued success and fulfilment in all her future endeavours.”

Before taking on the acting Group CEO role, Agbede served as Executive Director, Business Support, and had built a career spanning human resources, banking operations and customer relationship management.

She joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager after earlier working at Guaranty Trust Bank and later leading JKG Limited, a business consulting firm. Over the years, she also oversaw the Group’s human capital function, leading people development and supporting major organisational changes.

Agbede holds a degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and an MBA from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management, UK, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

The post Access Holdings Executive Director Bolaji Agbede Retires After Two Decades of Service appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The Conference took a bold stance on gender equality and women’s empowerment, bringing together industry and government leaders to emphasize the need for breaking barriers and fostering economic inclusion for women across Africa.

Among the distinguished speakers were; Bolaji Agbede, Access Holdings’ acting managing director, Mutale Nalumango, Zambia’s vice president, and Dahlia Khalifa, IFC’s regional director.

In celebration of remarkable female leaders, the bank also introduced ‘The Power of 100,’ a prestigious recognition of trailblazing women whose resilience, passion, and dedication serve as an inspiration for future generations.

Addressing the IWD theme, ‘Accelerate Action, Inspiring Generations,’ Agbede, in her opening remarks, delivered a powerful message on dismantling gender biases and investing in women.

She highlighted the story of Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot, who defied societal expectations that sought to limit her aspirations.

“Today is about breaking barriers,” Agbede stated. “It is about ensuring that no woman or girl is ever told certain dreams are beyond her reach. We must rewrite the narrative so that future generations never doubt their place in boardrooms, laboratories, leadership, or any space they choose to occupy.”

She further emphasiSed Access Bank’s commitment to women’s empowerment, stating: “At Access, we do not just believe in empowering women; we invest in it.

“Through The W Initiative, we have facilitated access to finance, mentorship, and business support for women across Africa.” Agbede, acknowledged the achievements of ‘The Power of 100’ awardees, commending their contributions as a source of inspiration. “

Your accomplishments illuminate what is possible when talent meets opportunity,” she said. In her goodwill message, Zambia’s Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, underscored the transformative power of gender equality. “When women rise, nations rise,” she proclaimed.

“We are here because we believe that empowering women will change our nations.” She highlighted the persistent challenges facing African women, including limited access to education, workplace inequality, and underrepresentation in leadership.

“We must address these gaps to enable all women to shape our society fully,” she stated. Nalumango praised Access Bank for recognising 100 exceptional women. “The potential of women is immense when they claim their space,” she said. “Initiatives like the Power of 100 Africa under the W Initiative are crucial in inspiring the next generation of female leaders.”

Dahlia Khalifa, IFC’s regional director for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, highlighted the economic benefits of gender inclusion, emphasising IFC’s longstanding partnership with Access Bank to bridge financial gaps for women.

“Access Bank is one of IFC’s most committed partners, with a relationship spanning over two decades,” she noted. “Together, we have gone beyond financing to provide strategic advisory services tailored to women-led businesses.”

Khalifa, cited Access Bank’s W Initiative as a key driver of financial empowerment.

“Since its inception, this initiative has mobilised over N370 billion in financing, reaching approximately four million women-owned SMEs and individuals,” she revealed.

The post IWD: Access Bank, Zambian VP, IFC Promote Financial Inclusion at 2025 Confab appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In a statement released today on its social media platforms, LinkedIn and Twitter, Access Bank emphasized its focus on enhancing economic growth and prosperity across borders by boosting Nigerian-Kenyan businesses. 

The bank sees the acquisition as a stimulus for collaboration that will drive both economies forward and redefine the future of banking in Africa.

“Our strengthened presence in Kenya provides more opportunities for trans-African trade and financial inclusion, fostering economic growth and prosperity across borders. By boosting Nigerian-Kenyan businesses, we are fueling collaboration that will drive our economies forward.”

Together, both organizations seek to redefine the future of banking in Africa, empowering businesses to reach new heights.

The acquisition comes after a failed attempt to acquire Sidian Bank in 2023. NBK has a substantial presence in Kenya with over $1.1 billion in total assets. Following regulatory approvals, NBK will be merged with Access Bank Kenya to establish a larger Kenyan franchise.

This move aligns with Access Bank’s five-year plan to become Africa’s Gateway to the World. It positions Access Bank as a well-known player in the Kenyan market and a key participant in the East African economic bloc.

Both Access Bank and KCB Group are optimistic about the deal’s potential to benefit Kenyan and Nigerian businesses. The combined entity is expected to boost cross-border trade and financial inclusion across Africa.

The acquisition also follows Access Bank’s recent deal to acquire a majority stake in Uganda’s Finance Trust Bank. With regulatory approvals pending, the Ugandan acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2024.

Upon completion of the acquisition, NBK will be merged with Access Bank Kenya Plc, creating an enlarged franchise to pursue Access Bank’s strategic objectives in the Kenyan and East African markets.

Access Bank CEO Roosevelt Ogbonna sees the acquisition as a milestone in achieving the bank’s strategic plan and increasing its market share in Kenya.

Ms. Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition in the execution of the group’s five-year plan. Agbede highlighted the clear opportunity to scale up growth in the East African market and deliver significant value to shareholders, customers, and stakeholders.

KCB Group’s CEO, Paul Russo, expressed optimism about the transaction, noting its importance in providing a predictable future for NBK and its staff.

Since its acquisition by KCB in 2019, NBK has undergone significant restructuring efforts to restore profitability and meet regulatory requirements.

The post Access Bank Acquires National Bank of Kenya, Strengthening Presence in East Africa appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Her appointment follows the demise of Herbert Wigwe, who until his death in a helicopter crash in the U.S. was the CEO.

Education

Agbede holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos (1990) and subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from Cranfield University in 2002.

She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

She has attended several renowned leadership and professional development programs including the High-Performance Leadership Programme organised by the IMD and the Strategic Talent Management Programme organised by the London Business School.

Career

Ms. Agbede is a versatile professional with over 27 years’ experience in Human Resources management, customer relationship management and banking operations. She has a proven record of successful people integration during mergers and acquisitions, culture transformation and execution of corporate strategies.

She commenced her professional career in Guaranty Trust Bank and served in various capacities including Relationship Manager and Vault Custodian.

She diligently distinguished herself and swiftly rose from the grade of Executive Trainee in 1992 to Manager in 2001.

Ms. Agbede subsequently served as the Chief Executive Officer of JKG limited in 2003 a business consulting outfit.

Ms. Agbede joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General Manager and was responsible for managing the Bank’s portfolio of chemical trading companies.

Bolaji Agbede has occupied the role of Head, HR for the Access Bank Group since 2010 wherein she oversees the human capital development of the Group.

The post Bolaji Agbede | Profile: Access Holdings, GTBank, JKG limited appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Her appointment was announced on Monday following the death of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, the former Group Chief Executive Officer.

Wigwe died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and Abimboloa Ogunbanjo, a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, on Friday.

A statement made by the company’s Board of Directors and dated February 12, 2024, stated that the appointment was subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.

“The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

Agbede who joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General, has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services.

She served in different roles at the bank including, Head, Group Human Resources between 2010 and 2022 before she was appointed the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support in 2022, a role she held until her new appointment

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002.

Ms. Bolaji Agbede is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

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