Fidelity Bank appoints new Chairman, two non-executive directors

 

Fidelity Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Ernest Ebi as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman Designate of the board of directors, Fidelity Bank Plc.

According to the statement from the bank signed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo said, “following the retirement of the erstwhile Chairman of the bank, Chief (Dr.) Christopher Ezeh who after over 11 years of meritorious service to the bank has retired, having attained the retirement age for non-executive directors in line with the bank’s policy. The board also approved the appointment of Mr. Charles Chidebe Umolu and Mr. Akuma as non-executive directors of the bank. These appointments are subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Ebi, a former Deputy Governor, Policy and Corporate Services at Central Bank of Nigeria for 10 years (1999 to 2009), brings to the board a solid wealth of corporate experience to Fidelity Bank. Prior to CBN, Ebi’s sterling career saw him rising to top position of Deputy Managing Director/Chief Operating Officer of Diamond Bank Plc in 1998 having also served as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of New Nigeria Bank Plc. Also a former Executive Director, African Continental Bank, earlier Executive Management positions held by Mr. Ebi included various departments of International Merchant Bank, Nigeria between 1981 to 1993.

The bank also appointed, Mr. Kings Akuma and Mr. Charles Umolu as Non-Executive Directors.

Akuma is currently the Managing Director of Hammakopp Consortium Limited (an Affiliate of Nestoil Group Plc). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (1984) from the University of Nigeria, Nsuka and an MBA from the University of Lagos. Akuma who is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria has hands-on extensive managerial experience in the oil & gas services operations, relationships, security and community management spanning over 10 years.

Mr. Charles Umolo, presently a managing Consultant with Corimol Nigeria Limited and a Chief Executive with Corimol Consulting Limited has over 18 years cognate experience in banking. He was trained as a banker by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, USA. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (1973-1977) from University of Ife. Umolu bagged an MBA (1978-1979) from the same institutions.

While welcoming the new directors, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi okonkwo said that their appointment is expected to contribute significantly to the new phase of the bank’s growth trajectory. He also paid glowing tribute to the former Chairman and noted the passion, commitment and experience Chief (Dr.) Ezeh brought to the board and expressed his gratitude for his immense contribution to the overall growth and development of the bank.

He described him as an honourable member of the Fidelity family and praised him for working assiduously hard to fulfill the aspirations of the founding fathers of the bank. He wishes him well in all his future endeavours.