When Nigeria’s oldest financial institution needed a new captain, it found one whose career had been an unconscious preparation for this moment. Meet Olusegun Alebiosu, the risk management expert now writing FirstBank’s next chapter with strategic precision.
From Risk Officer to CEO: A 29-Year Preparation
Alebiosu’s April 2024 appointment as Group CEO wasn’t accidental – it was destiny fulfilling its brief:
✔ Banking Bloodline: Began career at Oceanic Bank (now Ecobank) in 1991
✔ Risk Management Maestro: Stints at UBA, Coronation Merchant Bank, AfDB honed his crisis-navigation skills
✔ FirstBank Provenance: Joined as Chief Risk Officer in 2016, became ED in 2022
“We needed steady hands for our 130-year legacy,” insiders reveal about his selection over external candidates.
The Alebiosu Effect: By The Numbers
In under 12 months, the CEO has:
Elevated 1,654 staff (highest promotions in 5 years)
Hired 2,186 new talents, focusing on retail banking
Launched Mandarin classes for Asian market expansion
Broke ground on 44-storey Eko Atlantic HQ (Green Certified)
Deployed AI/Robotics to automate processes
Culture Meets Technology
Alebiosu’s dual focus:
- Human Capital: Instituted Employee Appreciation Day, achieved 86% engagement scores
- Digital Leap: Expanded agent network to 280,000, opened new Digital Experience Centres
“Our 2025 plan targets intra-African dominance and beyond,” he asserts, with FY2024 profits hitting a 12-year high.
Why This Leadership Works
Industry watchers note his unique blend:
🔷 Risk Manager’s Caution + Visionary’s Boldness
🔷 Traditional Banker’s Discipline + Tech Evangelist’s Zeal
The World Business Outlook Awards declared him “Banking CEO of the Year – Nigeria 2025” – a testament to his impactful start.
The Road Ahead
With continental expansion and a digital revolution underway, Alebiosu represents Africa’s new banking archetype: leaders who honor legacy while aggressively future-proofing institutions.
“FirstBank’s next century began the day a prepared leader met an enduring legacy,” observes financial analyst Aniekan Ezekiel.
Thought Starter: Can traditional African banks out-innovate fintechs under leadership like this? Share your views!
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Makafui Awuku: The Ghanaian Visionary Turning Plastic Waste into School Desks
In a world grappling with plastic pollution, one Ghanaian entrepreneur is turning waste into a valuable resource—crafting durable school desks from discarded pure water sachets.
A Vision for Sustainability
Makafui Awuku, the innovative mind behind this eco-friendly initiative, began his journey five years ago with a simple yet powerful idea: repurposing plastic waste into functional, long-lasting materials. His solution? Transforming used water sachets into wood-like boards that can be fashioned into sturdy school furniture.
How It Works
Awuku’s process involves collecting, cleaning, and compressing discarded sachets, which are then moulded into durable boards. These boards serve as an affordable and sustainable alternative to traditional wood, helping to reduce deforestation while tackling Ghana’s plastic waste problem.
Impact on Education and the Environment
Beyond environmental benefits, Awuku’s innovation supports education by providing schools with much-needed desks at a lower cost. Many Ghanaian classrooms face shortages of proper furniture, forcing students to sit on the floor or share desks. His recycled plastic desks offer a practical solution while promoting eco-consciousness among young learners.
A Model for Africa
With plastic pollution a growing concern across the continent, Awuku’s initiative serves as an inspiring example of how African ingenuity can drive sustainability. His work aligns with broader efforts to promote a circular economy—where waste is repurposed rather than discarded.
What’s Next?
As demand for sustainable products rises, Awuku hopes to expand his operations, creating more opportunities for green jobs and further reducing plastic waste in Ghana. His story is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing both environmental and social challenges.
Could this be the future of upcycling in Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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