Foundation Appoints Adam Nuru As Chairman Advisory Board

Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation, a non-profit organisation empowering entrepreneurs across Africa, has announced Mr. Adam Nuru as the Chairman of its Advisory Board.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Director of Media & Communications of the foundation, Audrey Odogu, recently.

According to her, the appointment is alongside other appointments to the foundation’s advisory board which is made up of distinguished individuals and technocrats.

According to the statement, Nuru, an astute businessman and finance expert, has over three decades of professional experience in financial services covering Corporate Finance, Consumer Banking, Institutional Banking Treasury, Commercial/SME Banking and Human Capital Management will chair the new board.

The statement also stated that he has served on the board of several Financial Institutions which include First City Monument Bank Limited, where he retired as the Managing Director in 2021, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) as non-Executive Director, and Chairman of Arab Gambia Islamic Bank.

“Other members of the advisory board are ‘Biodun Adegoke – the Founder; Mrs Oriyomi Adebare-Anthony, President; Mrs Uduak Jonah-Sowemimo; Ms Adebola Adedeji, and Mr Adetola ‘Tunde’ Animashaun, who together will provide value-driven insights for the Foundation’s next growth phase.

“Similarly, Lords and Temple, a renowned legal service provider with clients in a wide range of industries, has been appointed by the Foundation as its company secretary and legal adviser. Lords and Temple is represented by Mr Tobiloba Oyewole,” the statement added.

Speaking on the appointments, the President of Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation, Oriyomi Adebare-Anthony, said that, “The Advisory Board is an important part of our growth strategy, and as we continue our work of empowering African entrepreneurs, I am confident that they will bring their combined expertise to bear in ensuring we achieve our objectives.”

“We are pleased to have Mr. Adam Nuru and other members join us to build the Africa of our dreams and to be part of this impactful journey,” said ‘Biodun Adegoke, Founder of Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation.

“Their exceptional insights, advice and guidance will further help the Foundation navigate complex challenges, seize new opportunities, and chart a course toward greater success as a team. Their involvement will also foster an environment of innovation and strategic thinking, propelling us forward as we continue to evolve and adapt in a rapidly changing landscape in Nigeria. Africa is blessed with great potential and this gives us the opportunity to empower entrepreneurs that will create jobs, provide food security and green energy options, reduce wealth and income inequality among others,” he added.

According to the statement, “Mr ‘Biodun Adegoke – Founder, Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation – is a High-Growth Entrepreneur, Venture Capitalist, Tech-Expert and Philanthropist. Graduate of Banking & Finance from Olabisi Onabanjo University and holds an MBA from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. ‘Biodun’s experience covers Corporate Banking, Transaction Banking, Financial Technology & Innovation, Strategy and Business Advisory. Biodun is on the Advisory Board of FinTech Companies in Nigeria and several others. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, FINTECH Association of Nigeria, Nigeria Economic Summit Group and an Alumnus of Lagos Business School.

“Mrs Oriyomi Adebare-Anthony is an editor, writer, operations/admin/HR and development professional with over six years’ experience working in multiple industries. She is an astute administrator, experienced in implementing and coordinating programmes from start to finish.

“Ms Adebola Adedeji is the Managing Director of Ecobank Nominees Limited (A Member of the Ecobank Group) and Heads the Global Custody business at Ecobank Nigeria with regional oversight across some West African markets. She has over 14 years’ experience within the financial services industry. Her areas of expertise include business development, strategy, institutional custody & securities services, and treasury management.

“Mrs Uduak Jonah-Sowemimo (FCAA) is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) with about 15 years professional experience in financial services covering Treasury Operations, Transaction Banking & International Trade. She currently works as a Trade Products Manager with First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“Mr Adetola ‘Tunde Animashaun (FCA, ACTI Managing Partner, Animashaun Adetola & Co. (Chartered Accountants)), is a Chartered Accountant, Tax Professional and a Data & Agile Business Analyst collaborating in a cross-functional team with nerve for financial probity, good attention to financial details, good precision, meeting time-boxed deliverables, delivering value-adding insights – with focus on dissemination of required Financial or Management Information and Justification for business decisions, fully armed with an effective policy and/or framework for business/project success.”