First Bank appoints Julius Omodayo-Owotuga as Executive Director

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has appointed Dr Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga as an Executive Director, effective 13 May 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening the bank’s leadership across finance, governance, risk management and institutional transformation.

The appointment was disclosed to Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public by First HoldCo Plc, the parent company of the bank.

Dr Omodayo-Owotuga, widely known as Dr JB, brings 24 years of experience across banking and financial services, infrastructure finance, power, oil and gas, as well as audit and consulting. The bank said his appointment reflects its commitment to strong corporate governance, disciplined execution, financial resilience and long-term growth.

Before his appointment, he served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of First HoldCo Plc between 2021 and 2026.

He most recently held the position of Deputy Chief Executive of Geregu Power Plc, Nigeria’s first listed power generation company. During his time there, he played a key role in institutional transformation, governance strengthening, operational optimisation, capital market positioning and major financing initiatives, including the company’s landmark listing on the Nigerian Exchange.

Prior to joining Geregu Power, Dr Omodayo-Owotuga served as Group Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management at Forte Oil Plc, now Ardova Plc. In that role, he led several strategic initiatives involving restructuring, capital raising, treasury optimisation, enterprise risk management and governance improvements aimed at enhancing shareholder value.

His career has also included positions at Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG Professional Services and MBC International Bank, now First Bank of Nigeria Limited, giving him extensive experience in institutional finance, treasury management, regulatory engagement, financial controls and corporate advisory services.

Dr Omodayo-Owotuga is a CFA Charter Holder, a KPMG-trained accountant and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, and the Institute of Credit Administration. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors Nigeria and a Certified Management Accountant.

Academically, he holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He is an alumnus of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, IE Business School, Geneva Business School and the University of Lagos.