Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Prof. Oluyemi Osinbajo

He is a Nigerian Senior Advocate, Professor of Law and a Senior Partner at a law firm.
He was educated at the University of Lagos, Nigeria (LLB, 1978) and the London School of Economics (LLM, 1980). He was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1979.

He has authored several books on civil procedure in Nigerian superior courts, rules of evidence and justice reform.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has more than 31 years of litigation experience including significant trial and appellate work.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo supervises the commercial litigation group at SimmonsCooper Partners (SCP), a leading commercial litigation and corporate commercial firm in Nigeria.

Work Experience: Simmons Cooper Partners (Barristers and Solicitors), Senior Partner, 2007 till date.

University of Lagos, Professor of Law, Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, 2007 to 2013.

Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Member of Cabinet, Lagos State, 1999 to May 2007.

United Nations Secretary General’s Committee of Experts on Conduct and Discipline of UN Peacekeeping Personnel around the globe, Member (2006).

United Nations Operations in Somalia, Staff Member, Justice Division, UNOSOM II.

Law Firm of Osinbajo, Kukoyi & Adokpaye, Partner; University of Lagos, Professor of Law and Head of Department of Public Law (1997-1999).

Federal Government of Nigeria, Special Adviser to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, (legal advice and litigation), 1988-1992.

University of Lagos, Senior Lecturer I (1983-86), Lecturer II (1981-1983).

Bendel Development and Planning Authority, Legal Officer (Youth Service),1979-1980

Education: London School of Economics & Political Science, Master of Laws – 1980.

Nigerian Law School – 1979, Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria Winner of Graham-Douglas Prize for Commercial Law University of Lagos, 1975-78, LLB, Second Class Upper.

Winner State Merit Award -, Igbobi College Yaba – 1969-75.

School Prize for English Oratory, 1971, 1972, Adeoba Prize for English Oratory 1972-1975, Elias Prize for Best Performance in History (WASC) – 1973.

School Prize for Literature (HSC), 1975; African Statesman Intercollegiate Best Speaker’s Prize, 1974.

Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment

Okechukwu Enelama

Okechukwu Enelama is Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. He was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari to join the Federal Cabinet in October 2015 and appointed to the Industry, Trade, and Investment portfolio in November 2015

Enelama earned a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Nigeria. He earned a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard University in 1994 where he was a Baer Scholar and Loeb Fellow. He is a member of ICAN (1992) and received his CFA charter in 1997. He earned Dean’s List honours in his MBBS graduating class at the University of Nigeria and was awarded national prizes in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) examinations.

Enelama worked as an Audit Senior and Consultant with 1988 at Arthur Anderson (now KPMG Professional Services).

He later worked in the New York and London offices of Goldman Sachs in 1993 before joining Zephyr Management as an investment manager where he rose to Principal in the Johannesburg office between 1995 and 1997.

Enelama founded African Capital Alliance (ACA), a private equity firm, in 1997 where he served as CEO until his appointment to the Industry, Trade, and Investment portfolio in November 2015 by President Muhammadu.

Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria

Godwin Emefiele

Godwin Emefiele is the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Prior to his joining the CBN, he spent over 26 years in commercial banking culminating in his tenure as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank PLC, one of Nigeria’s largest banks with over 7,000 staff, about US$3.2 billion in shareholders’ funds, and subsidiaries in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, South Africa, China, and the United Kingdom.

Under Emefiele’s leadership, Zenith Bank had strengthened its position as a leading financial institution in Africa, winning recognition and endorsement at home and abroad for giant strides in key performance areas like corporate governance, service delivery and deployment of cutting-edge ICT.

Before his banking career, he was a lecturer in Finance and Insurance in two Nigerian Universities. Mr. Emefiele holds degrees in Banking and Finance from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and is also an alumnus of Stanford University, Harvard and Wharton Graduate Schools of Business where he took courses in Negotiation, Service Excellence, Critical Thinking, Leading Change and Strategy.

Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria

Aishah Ahmad, CFA

As Deputy Governor in charge of Financial System Stability, Aishah Ahmad is responsible for leading the effort to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria; one of the principal objects of the Bank as specified within the CBN Act.

In this role, Aishah is a member of the Governing Board and Committee of Governors at the CBN and Chairman, Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) – a not for profit organization offering training, consulting and research services for the financial services sector.

Prior to her appointment at the CBN, Aishah was Executive Director, Retail Banking at Diamond Bank PLC, with over 22 years experience as a corporate executive and finance expert. Her banking and investment career spans several financial institutions including NAL Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc (a member of Standard Bank Group, SA) amongst others.

Aishah’s passion for finance fueled the attainment of several academic and professional qualifications over the years. She is a CFA Charterholder and a member of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association.

She also holds an M.Sc. in Finance and Management from the Cranfield School of Management, UK, and an MBA (Finance) from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

She obtained her B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Abuja, Nigeria.

Aishah Ahmad is a strong advocate for female and youth empowerment; she volunteers at SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria and was former Chairperson, Executive Council of Women in Management, Business & Public Service, WIMBIZ (www.wimbiz.org); a leading women-focused NGO in Sub-Saharan Africa.

She is married and blessed with two sons.

His Highness, Emir of Kano

Muhammad Sanusi II (CON), Sarkin Kano

Muhammadu Sanusi II (CON) was crowned on 8 June 2014 as the 14^th Emir of Kano.

Emir Sanusi was a banker and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. He is also a respected Islamic scholar.

Sanusi received two awards from The Banker magazine: Central Bank Governor of the Year (worldwide) and Central Bank Governor of the Year for Africa.

Time magazine listed him on its list of the 100 most influential people of 2011.

In 2013, Sanusi was honoured at the third Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA) in Dubai for his advocacy in promoting Islamic banking and finance during his tenure as governor of Nigeria’s central bank.

Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Morgan Stanley USA

Carla Harris

Carla Harris is Vice Chairman of Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley. She was Chair of the Morgan Stanley Foundation from 2005 to 2014, and sits on the boards of several community organizations.

In August 2013, Carla was appointed by President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council.

She is a gospel recording artist and a popular public speaker who gives impactful career guidance to corporate audiences based on her book, “Expect to Win.”

Carla joined Morgan Stanley in 1987 after completing an AB in economics from Harvard University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

President & CEO, CFA Institute

Paul Smith, CFA

Since his appointment as President and CEO of CFA Institute, Paul has helped to steward the voice of the organization on behalf of the investment management industry.

Known worldwide for more than 50 years for its rigorous exam, steadfast dedication to ethical principles, and members who are among the world’s leaders in finance, the organization continues an expanded advocacy mission at local, regional and global levels.

Amongst other efforts since taking on his current role, Paul championed a comprehensive strategic review resulting in a new organizational framework that created a matrix structure of functions and regions, and increased investment and support for the CFA Institute member societies around the world (independent organizations run primarily by volunteers).

He also took hold of the Future of Finance initiative, a long-term global discourse, and spearheaded a Women in Investment Management which, among other goals, seeks to create demand for diversity as an industry imperative.

Paul is passionate about the organization’s global role in building a better profession and advocates the importance of this at every opportunity.

Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria

Ibukun Awosika

Ibukun Abiodun Awosika is a Nigerian business magnate, author and motivational speaker. She currently serves as Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria.

Ibukun Abiodun Awosika was born on the 24th of December,1962 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. She was the third of seven children. She had her primary and secondary education at St. Pauls African Church Primary School, Lagos and went on to Methodist Girl’s High School, Yaba. And for university she went to the University of Ife (Now known as Obafemi Awolowo University) from whence she graduated with a degree in Chemistry. She also holds certifications from the Lagos Business School and IESE Busines School.

Ibukun first worked as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co and then went on to Alibert Nigeria Ltd to work as a showroom manager. She founded her own furniture manufacturing company- Quebees Limited in 1989. Quebees Limited eventually evolved into The Chair Centre Limited and later on changed name in 2004 to SOKOA Chair Centre Limited after merging with SOKOA S.A and Guaranty Trust Bank.

Ibukun Awosika is also enjoys membership of many internationally recognised organisations. She is a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative and Aspen Global Leadership Network, she is a member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, she is on the board of Nigerian Sovereign Wealth Fund and is the chairman Board of Trustees of Women in Management, Business and Public Service.

She co-founded the Afterschool Graduate Development Centre and on the 7th of September 2015 she became the first woman to be made the Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria.

Managing Director & CEO, Citibank Nigeria Limited

Akinsowon Dawodu, CFA

Mr. Dawodu joined Citi in June 2000 as a Foreign Exchange Dealer. He became Chief Dealer in 2003 before leaving the bank in 2005 and subsequently becoming the first Treasurer of MTN Nigeria.

He returned to Citi in July 2007 and subsequently became Fixed Income Currency and Commodities Head and Country Treasurer in October 2007. He was the Chief Operating Officer and Public Sector Head for Citi Nigeria since January 2013.

Mr. Dawodu has been the Citi Country Officer (CCO) for Citi Nigeria Limited in April 2015. He has played a decisive role in general franchise management and developing interface between Citi and the Nigerian Public Sector.

He has been a Director of ACCION Microfinance Bank Limited since August 24, 2017. He is also the immediate past president of the Financial Market Dealers’ Association.

He also holds an MBA from Manchester Business School (MBS) and earned his CFA charter in 2003.

Managing Director & CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria and West Africa

Bola Adesola

Bola Adesola was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd in March 2011.

Mrs. Adesola has over 25 years banking experience. Prior to joining SCBN, she was an Executive Director in First Bank of Nigeria Plc.

Previously, she was Managing Director of Kakawa Discount House, Nigeria. She also worked in Citibank for 9 years in senior leadership roles in Nigeria and Tanzania.

An alumnus of Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, she also holds a Law degree from the University of Buckingham, UK and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.

Bola is an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria and sits on the Board of the Financial Markets Dealers Association having served in various capacities in developing the Nigerian Money Market, the Inter-bank Settlement Systems and the Discount House sub-sector.

Bola also chairs the Central Bank of Nigeria Bankers’ Sub-Committee on Women’s Economic Empowerment. She is a member of the Nigeria National Competitiveness Council, which was inaugurated by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2013 and was recently appointed the first female Vice President of Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA).

Non Executive Director, CDC Group plc

Andrew Alli

Mr. Andrew Folorunso A. Alli serves as the Non-Executive Director at CDC Group plc since August 17, 2018. He is a financial professional with experience in both developed and developing countries. He is currently a Non-Executive Director for the Development Bank of Nigeria.

He served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation until July 2, 2018. Mr. Alli had been an Executive Director of Africa Finance Corporation. from November 01, 2008 until July 2, 2018. He served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Travant Capital since November 2008 and also served as its Partner. He was with the International Finance Corporation (“IFC”), the private sector financing arm of the World Bank Group, in Washington as an investment officer working first in the Oil, Gas and Mining Department and then in the Telecommunications Department.

In 2002 he was appointed IFC’s Country Manager for Nigeria, responsible for managing IFC’s operations in the country. In 2006, Mr. Alli was appointed Country Manager for Southern Africa, where he was responsible for South Africa and seven other countries. He serves as Non-Executive Director of Athi River Mining Ltd. He served as a Non-Executive Director of ARM Cement Limited from October 2012 until June 17, 2017. He served as Non-Executive Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc from June 2008 to June 30, 2016.

Mr. Alli holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Kings College, University of London, an MBA from INSEAD, France and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand (PricewaterhouseCoopers) in the U.K.

Managing Director/CEO, Sterling Bank Plc

Abubakar Suleiman

Mr. Abubakar Suleiman currently serves as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Bank Plc – a role he assumed on 1st April, 2018. Born on 19th August, 1973, he has two decades of relevant experience spanning tax advisory, business audit and financial services. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Abuja and an M.Sc. in Major Programmes Management from the University of Oxford. He is also an alumnus of Arthur Andersen (KPMG Nigeria), Wharton School and INSEAD Business School in addition to executive education from Harvard and Said Business School.

Mr. Abubakar Suleiman started his banking career as a Management Associate in MBC International Bank (now First Bank Plc) in 1998. In 2000, he moved to Citibank Nigeria where he worked in roles covering Treasury and Asset & Liability Management. He served as Treasurer in Sterling Bank and was the Integration Director for the merger with Equitorial Trust Bank. He attained the role of Executive Director, Finance and Strategy with responsibility for Finance & Performance Management, Strategy & Communications and Human Resource Management. In addition to these responsibilities, Mr. Suleiman briefly assumed the additional role of the Executive Director in charge of the Commercial & Institutional Banking Directorate, before his appointment as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

President, CFA Society Nigeria Conference Host

Banji Fehintola, CFA

Banji is the Senior Director, Head of Treasury and Financial Institutions at Africa Finance Corporation. He previously worked with Citibank Nigeria Limited and Arthur Andersen LLP (now KPMG Professional Services Limited).

He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Ibadan and a master’s degree of philosophy in international finance from the University of Glasgow. He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. Banji is a CFA Charterholder and President of CFA Society Nigeria.

Managing Director, EMEA and Industry and Policy Research, CFA Institute. Conference Moderator

Gary Baker, CFA

Gary Baker joined CFA Institute as managing director for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) in September 2016. Based in London, Baker leads the EMEA team to deliver measurable value to CFA Institute stakeholders and constituents throughout EMEA.

In his role, Baker aims to strengthen the voice of CFA Institute on behalf of members to member societies, institutions, universities, regulators, and institutional partners in the region. He is
responsible for supporting CFA Institute policy development in EMEA, advancing the impact of advocacy efforts, and supporting EMEA member societies in delivering value to members and candidates. He also has a key focus on increasing charterholder commitment to continuing education. Baker is responsible for research functions across CFA Institute, including the Financial Analysts Journal, the Future of Finance initiative and the Research Foundation.

Baker has been engaged in financial market investment research for the past 30 years with a highly successful track record in a wide range of sell-side strategic, analytic and management roles. He previously worked at Merrill Lynch for 20 years in a number of global roles, including as managing director, Chief European Equity Strategist, and most recently was Deputy Head of Research with Jefferies in London. During his career, Baker has been a leader in country, regional, and global roles across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States. He holds a master’s degree in geography from Cambridge University and earned his CFA charter in 1997.