The Board of Directors comprises highly qualified and experienced professionals across various sectors of the economy, especially within the microfinance banking and financial services ecosystem. The Board provides strategic oversight and guidance to the Management team of OMFB to ensure that the Bank adheres to best practices in governance, ethics, and compliance with regulations. It ensures that Management drives initiatives that promote financial inclusion and sustainable development within the Bank’s domain of operation.
Mr. John Ikhanoba comes with over 35 years of experience of executive suite leadership in the oil and gas, consulting, and banking and finance sectors, with a strong focus on microfinance and community development. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering, and he is a Fellow Chartered Accountant(FCA) Institute Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He is a member of several prestigious bodies, including ICAN and Ikoyi Club.
As the chairman, OMFB, John aims to enhance financial inclusion by providing accessible financial services to underserved populations. He has an abiding commitment to empowering small businesses and fostering economic growth within communities in the Edo North Senatorial District. Outside of his professional concerns, Mr. Ikhanoba is passionate about golf, advocating for the vulnerable members of the community, and enjoys spending time with his family. He is happily married to Mrs Funmi Ikhanoba and they are blessed with children.
Dr. Aliyu Umaruis a renowned maritime consultant and United Nations Peace Ambassador with a distinguished academic background that includes a Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Strategic Leadership, and degrees in Law, Management, and International Diplomacy. His Excellency,Dr Aliyu, leverages on the Board of OMFB, his over 30 years cumulative experience serving on the boards of public sector institutions, banking, maritime industries and Rotary International District 9112, where he is an Assistant District Governor.
Dr Umar has an abiding passion for mentoring young entrepreneurs. He is an active participant in community service initiatives, focusing on financial literacy and empowerment programs.An honoree of several chieftaincy titles, SHC Umar is happily married to Hajia (Chief) Ausat Umar with children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Ugbome is a seasoned international business mogul with cognate experience in boardroom management in profit-oriented and non-profit environments. Betty has a passion for strengthening the capacity and enhancing financial literacy for youth and women entrepreneurs. Mrs. Ugbome is a powerful advocate of social entrepreneurship as a catalyst for local economic growth and poverty reduction in the rural areas.
She graduated from Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma with a bachelor's degree in history and international studies. Betty also possesses a diploma in secretarial studies from Lagos State Polytechnic. She is happily married to High Chief Paschal Ugbomewith children and grandchildren.
Chris Osiomha Itsede. Co-Founder and Director. Chris has over 40 years of serial experience in the banking and financial services industry, including over 27 years in the Executive Suite and Boards of Directors of commercial banks, other financial institutions, and think tanks. He is proficient in stakeholder engagement, community outreach,regulatory compliance, financial analysis, risk management and financial modeling. Dr Itsede has led initiatives to empower underprivileged communities through sustainable financial practices and developed strategies to optimize funding and investment for community-driven projects.
He has a PhD; he is aFellow of the Institute of Management Consulting (FIMC); Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM);and Life Member, Nigerian Economic Society.Chrisis author ofseveralliterary articles and books for both domestic and international publications. Dr. Itsede holds honorary chieftaincy titles in four states of the federation in recognition of his community development efforts. Chris is happily married to Chief (Mrs) Dorothy Nwakego Itsede with children and grandchildren.
A 1970 Business Administration graduate of the University of Lagos, Mr. Akpeokhai is a seasoned boardroom leader in the environments of microfinance banking, for profit organizations, and NGOs, including charities. A pioneer member of the Board of Directors of OMFB, Joe is passionate about leveraging finance as a tool for social change and poverty reduction.
Joe is a charitable donor to community programs. He strongly believes in empowering communities through access to financial resources that foster growth and reduce poverty. Managing Director of Stonehill Nigeria Ltd, and Delta Marine Oil Services, Mr. Akpeokhai has a strong devotion to mentoring budding entrepreneurs in the community, notably in underserved spaces, to support the growth and viabilityof Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs).
Solomon Itsede is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He packs a wealth of expertise and robust practical experience in commercial law, regulatoryand compliance frameworks and corporate practices in banking and non-banking environments.
Barrister Itsede’s robust professional and practical background squares positively with his role as Secretary to the Board of Directors of Osomhe Microfinance Bank. Solomon is an acclaimed and involved community leader with a strong motivation for financial literacy, youth empowerment and community development.He is the Vice President General of the Fugar Progressive Union (FPU).