First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced the appointment of renowned finance and governance expert Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga as an executive director, effective from May 13, 2026.
The appointment, which has received the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is expected to reinforce the bank’s leadership capacity in strategic finance, corporate governance, risk management, and institutional transformation.
In a statement issued by First HoldCo Plc and signed by the Group Company Secretary, Abiola Baruwa, the bank described Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga’s appointment as part of its commitment to strengthening governance structures, driving sustainable growth, and enhancing operational resilience.
Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga, popularly known as “Dr. JB,” brings over 24 years of professional experience spanning banking and financial services, infrastructure finance, oil and gas, power, audit, and consulting sectors.
Before his latest appointment, he served as a non-executive director on the board of First HoldCo Plc between 2021 and 2026.
He most recently held the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer at Geregu Power Plc, Nigeria’s first listed power generation company, where he played a key role in corporate transformation, governance enhancement, operational optimisation, and strategic financing initiatives, including the company’s landmark listing on the Nigerian Exchange.
Prior to joining Geregu Power, he served as Group Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management at Ardova Plc, formerly known as Forte Oil Plc. During his tenure, he led several restructuring and capital optimisation initiatives that strengthened the company’s financial position and corporate governance framework.
His extensive career profile also includes senior roles at Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG, and First Bank of Nigeria Limited, where he gained expertise in treasury management, institutional finance, audit, regulatory engagement, and corporate advisory services.
A CFA charter holder and KPMG-trained accountant, Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, and the Institute of Credit Administration.
Academically, he holds a doctorate in business administration, an MBA with distinction, and a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
He is an alumnus of prestigious institutions including Saïd Business School, IE Business School, Geneva Business School, and the University of Lagos.
Industry observers believe his appointment signals First Bank’s strategic focus on strengthening corporate governance, institutional transformation, and long-term shareholder value in an increasingly competitive financial environment.
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