First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced the appointment of Julius Omodayo-Owotuga as Executive Director, a move aimed at strengthening the bank’s leadership in finance, governance, risk management and institutional transformation.
The appointment, which took effect on May 13, 2026, was disclosed in a notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited and signed by the company secretary, Abiola Baruwa, on behalf of First HoldCo Plc.
According to the statement, the appointment received regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, underscoring the bank’s continued efforts to reinforce corporate governance and long-term financial stability.
Veteran Banker with Over Two Decades of Experience
First Bank described Omodayo-Owotuga as a seasoned finance and risk management professional with more than 24 years of experience across banking, infrastructure finance, oil and gas, power, consulting and auditing.
The bank said his appointment reflects its broader strategy of driving sustainable growth through disciplined execution and strong institutional leadership.
“Dr. Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga brings twenty-four (24) years of experience spanning banking and financial services, infrastructure finance, power, oil & gas, and audit and consulting,” the statement said.
“His appointment reflects the Bank’s continued commitment to strong governance, disciplined execution, financial resilience, and sustainable long-term growth.”
Before taking on the executive role, Omodayo-Owotuga had already served within the group as a Non-Executive Director on the board of First HoldCo Plc between 2021 and 2026.
Key Roles Across Banking, Energy and Finance
Prior to joining First Bank’s executive management, Omodayo-Owotuga served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Geregu Power Plc, where he played a major role in governance reforms, operational optimisation and the company’s positioning within Nigeria’s capital market.
He was also closely involved in Geregu Power’s successful listing on the Nigerian Exchange, a milestone widely regarded as significant for Nigeria’s power sector.
Earlier in his career, he held the position of Group Executive Director for Finance and Risk Management at Ardova Plc — formerly known as Forte Oil Plc — where he led major financial restructuring and enterprise risk management initiatives.
His professional background also includes roles at Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG Professional Services and MBC International Bank.
Strong Academic and Professional Credentials
Beyond his corporate experience, Omodayo-Owotuga is widely recognised for his academic and professional qualifications.
He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder and a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and the Institute of Credit Administration.
The new Executive Director also holds a doctorate in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
In addition, he has attended executive programmes at globally respected institutions, including the University of Oxford and IE Business School.
Strategic Move for First Bank
The appointment comes at a time when Nigerian banks are facing increasing pressure to strengthen governance frameworks, improve risk management systems and adapt to evolving regulatory and market realities.
Industry analysts say Omodayo-Owotuga’s background in finance, infrastructure and corporate restructuring could position First Bank to better navigate a rapidly changing financial landscape while pursuing growth opportunities across key sectors of the economy.
His appointment also signals First Bank’s continued emphasis on combining banking expertise with broader industrial and capital market experience as competition within Nigeria’s financial sector intensifies.