First Bank of Nigeria Limited has appointed Dr. Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga as an Executive Director, a strategic move to bolster the bank’s leadership in finance, governance, risk management, and strategic transformation. The appointment, effective May 13, 2026, was announced by First HoldCo Plc, the parent company of First Bank, and has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This leadership enhancement aligns with the bank’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence, financial resilience, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s dynamic banking environment.
Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga brings over 24 years of diverse experience across banking, financial services, infrastructure finance, power, oil and gas, audit, and consulting. His appointment follows a five-year tenure as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of First HoldCo Plc, where he played a key role in strategic oversight, corporate governance, and risk management. His deep institutional knowledge and proven leadership make him a valuable addition to the bank’s executive team.
Before joining First Bank’s executive management, Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Geregu Power Plc, Nigeria’s first listed power generation company. In that role, he contributed significantly to governance reforms, enterprise transformation, operational efficiency, and major financing transactions. He was also instrumental in the company’s successful listing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), showcasing his expertise in capital markets and institutional development.
His career also includes a prominent position as Group Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management at Ardova Plc (formerly Forte Oil Plc), where he led capital optimisation, balance sheet restructuring, treasury management, and enterprise risk management initiatives. His leadership helped strengthen the company’s financial foundation and enhance shareholder value through improved governance and operational efficiency. He was deeply involved in major acquisitions, divestments, and institutional restructuring programmes.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga worked with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), where he served as Asset and Liability Management Specialist and Deputy Treasurer. He was part of AFC’s pioneer team that established treasury operations, financial controls, and funding structures. His professional journey also includes roles at Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG Professional Services, and MBC International Bank, now First Bank of Nigeria Limited.
Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and the Institute of Credit Administration. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria and has completed executive education programmes at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, IE Business School, Geneva Business School, and the University of Lagos.
With his extensive background in capital markets, treasury, governance, and institutional transformation, Dr. Omodayo-Owotuga is poised to drive First Bank’s strategic objectives and long-term growth. His appointment reflects the bank’s focus on strengthening its leadership team to navigate evolving opportunities and challenges in Nigeria’s financial sector.
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