Senior Legal Manager, Corporate Governance, Secretariat & Regulatory Compliance, Seplat Energy Plc

Amaka is a seasoned legal and governance professional with over 19 years’ experience spanning the legal, energy, and telecommunications sectors. She is a qualified lawyer (LLB, LLM, BL), an Associate of the Chartered Governance Institute UK (ACG), a Member of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (MCIoD), and a Member of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria.

As a Corporate Transactions and Governance Expert, her expertise covers high-impact corporate transactions, board and corporate governance advisory, listing and regulatory compliance across UK and Nigerian markets, and strategic contracting & procurement.

Amaka is currently a Senior Legal Manager at Seplat Energy Plc, where she oversees the Governance and Corporate Secretariat unit. In this role, she drives governance excellence, enables effective board and committee operations, ensures robust regulatory compliance, and supports strategic initiatives that strengthen corporate integrity and investor confidence.

She also champions culture, diversity, and leadership development as one of the Coordinators of the Seplat Women’s Awesome Network and contributes to social impact as an Advisory Board Member at Lluvia Health Organisation.

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF AFRO-OPTIMISM UNLEASHED
CHAMPION OF AFRICAN EXCELLENCE FOR SMES & BEYOND

Adeolu Adewumi-Zer is a global Nigerian, lifelong Afro-optimist, and international best-selling author dedicated to shaping a brighter future for Africa. With dual honors degrees from The Pennsylvania State University in the USA, her stellar academic foundation fueled a transformative 20+ year career across four continents within two multinationals. Adeolu culminated this experience as the CEO of Allianz Nigeria and, prior to that, as Regional Head of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Transformation Africa, where she spearheaded strategic growth initiatives that increased Allianz’s African portfolio to nearly half a billion Euros within four years.

Now, as the founder of ZER Consulting Africa (ZER), Adeolu leverages her global expertise in leadership development and strategic planning to empower SMEs, including startups, scale-ups, and social ventures across the continent. ZER partners with development agencies, investment funds, and social ventures to provide strategic guidance critical for growth via their SCALE framework. Adeolu’s strategic insights and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her numerous accolades.

Adeolu’s strategic insights and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her numerous accolades, including East Africa Deal of the Year in 2020 and Top 100 Women Impacting Africa in 2023. Her recent book, Afro-Optimism Unleashed, reached international best seller status on Amazon.

Beyond ZER:
Adeolu’s passion for Africa extends beyond her consulting work. She is the author of Afro-Optimism Unleashed: Scaling African Excellence to the Global Stage, a groundbreaking book that offers a roadmap for African leaders and businesses to achieve sustainable growth and global impact. Drawing from her decades of experience, Adeolu shares strategic insights and practical tools to unlock Africa’s potential on the world stage.

Adeolu’s commitment to Africa’s progress is reflected in her advocacy for financial inclusion, gender equality, and quality education, as well as her influential board positions and advisory roles focused on social impact across the continent.

Beyond her professional achievements, Adeolu is a mother of two global Africans and an avid runner, reader, and cultural explorer. Her Afro-optimism is not just a philosophy but a way of life, driving her to inspire and empower others to build a new Africa.

Connect with Adeolu on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and insights on scaling African excellence.

Chief Compliance Officer / Company Secretary, Oando Plc

Mrs. Folasade Ibidapo-Obe is a dual-qualified lawyer and governance professional with about 20 years of extensive experience across corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and company secretarial practice. She holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Lagos, and a Master’s in Law (awarded with distinction) specialized in International Corporate Governance and Financial Regulations from the University of Warwick.

She has been admitted to the Bars of Nigeria and Ontario, Canada to practice law. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada and holds additional certifications as a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Ethics Officer. She has held progressive leadership roles at Strachan Partners, Ocean and Oil Holdings, Oando Energy Resources in Toronto and Enghouse Systems.

Prior to her appointment as Chief Compliance Officer and Company Secretary at Oando in 2025, she served as the Assistant Corporate Secretary at Magna International Inc. in Aurora, Canada, one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers. She is recognized for her commitment to ethical business conduct and effective stakeholder engagement.

Executive Chairman and Founder, Phillips Consulting Limited

Mr. Foluso Olajide Phillips (FOP) is a distinguished Industrial Economist and a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). With over 45 years of global experience, his career spans financial and business operations management, enterprise development, and macroeconomic policy formulation.

As the Executive Chairman and Founder of The Phillips Group – Phillips Consulting Limited (pcl.), he has built Nigeria’s largest indigenous management consulting firm, now in its 32nd year, with offices in Lagos, Abuja, and representation in South Africa and the United Kingdom. pcl. is a recognized leader in people, technology, and organizational transformation services. He also chairs its affiliates, Phillips Outsourcing Limited (POL) and Phillips HMO (pHMO), extending his leadership into outsourcing and healthcare management.

Mr. Phillips serves in several pivotal roles, including:

• Past Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), championing private
  sector-driven policy and reform.
• Chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, guiding the strategic direction of
  the global bank’s operations in Nigeria.
• Chairman, Primera Africa Group, overseeing operations of a leading investment and finance company.
• Advisory Board Chair, United Capital Infrastructure Fund, shaping infrastructure investment across Africa.
• Director, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), provides governance and strategic oversight to a leading public health institution focused on combating infectious and chronic diseases, strengthening healthcare systems, and advancing medical research in Nigeria and Africa.
• Board Member, Flour Mills of Nigeria Holdings, contributing to the growth of one of Nigeria’s foremost consumer goods companies.
• Past Advisory Board Chair, Yellow Brick Road, supporting innovation in marketing and brand building.
• Board Chair, Chronicles Software Development Company, advancing technology-driven educational solutions.

His philanthropic and non-governmental engagements include:

• Chairman, Sickle Cell Advocacy and Management Initiative (SAM Initiative).
• Director, Special Olympics Nigeria.
• Board Chair, Igbobi College Board of Governors, stewarding one of West Africa’s leading secondary schools.
• Board Member, Africa.com, a Pan-African digital news and communication platform.

A respected thought leader and accomplished public speaker, Mr. Phillips has delivered keynote addresses at major business seminars, leadership conferences, and trade summits across Africa, the USA, Europe, and Asia. He is also deeply committed to mentorship, guiding business leaders and advising numerous small enterprises.

Through his leadership vision and strategic insight, Mr. Phillips has become an iconic figure in driving innovation, enterprise growth, and transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.

Dean, Lagos Business School

Olayinka David-West is a Professor of Information Systems with almost three decades experience in the IT and financial services industry and is a passionate advocate for digital transformation and inclusive finance. Her research and practice engagements involve policy and strategic management interventions towards digitally transformed businesses and society.

Professor David-West is Associate Dean at the Lagos Business School (LBS), the premier business school in Nigeria and sits on the school’s Management Board. She leads the Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Financial Services (SIDFS) initiative, a research and advocacy initiative dedicated to enhancing financial inclusion in Nigeria.

Olayinka has expert certifications in financial inclusion policy and digital money, is a governing council member of the Fintech Association of Nigeria and a member of the African Women in Finance and Payments. She is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT), and the academic advocate to the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). She is also a qualified practitioner of the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA).

President/Founder, Woodhall Capital Limited

Mrs. Moji Hunponu-Wusu is a distinguished businesswoman, philanthropist, and investment banking expert with a career spanning over 25 years. As the President of Woodhall Capital Limited and its philanthropic arm, the Woodhall Capital Foundation, President Hunponu- Wusu has made remarkable strides in both the business and charitable sectors. She is deeply committed to catalyzing systemic change, focusing on poverty eradication and the education of marginalized communities.

Starting her career in investment banking in London, Mrs. Hunponu-Wusu worked with prestigious institutions like Credit Lyonnais, Goldman Sachs, and Deutsche Bank. Her expertise in risk management and international funding, especially with multilaterals and NGOs, played a pivotal role in her future entrepreneurial endeavors.

She later moved to Nigeria, where she founded Woodhall Capital Limited, a renowned financial advisory firm specializing in raising international funding for government agencies, large corporates, financial institutions, and sovereigns. Under her visionary leadership, Woodhall Capital has raised over $6 billion and has expanded its global footprint to key international hubs, including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Nigeria.

The firm’s continued success is a testament to President Hunponu-Wusu’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and integrity, which have earned the company a 100% client retention rate. In line with her commitment to excellence, Woodhall Capital recently opened its fourth office in Abuja, further solidifying its standing in the global financial landscape.

In addition to her business endeavors, President Hunponu-Wusu is a passionate philanthropist. Her dedication to social causes is reflected in the Woodhall Capital Foundation, which she founded with the vision of creating practical, hands-on solutions to poverty and inequality. The foundation, through the collaboration of coordinators, partners, and volunteers, has positively impacted over 3,000 individuals worldwide, empowering them to live healthier, more productive lives.

President Hunponu-Wusu finds immense fulfillment in the tangible impact her foundation has had in transforming communities. Her combined work in finance and philanthropy underscores her unwavering commitment to driving positive change and improving lives across the globe.

Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University.

Dr. Nneka Okekearu is a distinguished business development specialist with over 25 years of experience designing and delivering transformative programs that enhance the leadership and management competencies of business leaders, with a strong focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. She holds a doctorate in Entrepreneurship, specializing in gender dynamics, and serves as the Director at the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University. She is also a member of the University’s Management Council.

An IFC-certified master trainer and assessor, Dr. Okekearu leads the EDC’s mission to certify business development specialists across Nigeria. Additionally, she is a certified leadership instructor and an online facilitator accredited by the Learning Performance Institute, UK. Her strategic direction spans programs like Mastercard’s Transforming Nigerian Youth Initiative and women-focused initiatives such as the Cherie Blair Foundation’s Road to Growth Program, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program, the World Bank’s WomenX Program, and the Vital Voices GROW Program.

A passionate advocate for gender mainstreaming and mentorship, Dr. Okekearu has mentored over 300 business leaders on both national and international platforms. Her efforts have led to the small and growing business community she mentors more than quadrupling their revenues, profit margins, and market share. She actively serves on several boards, including the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) West Africa Steering Committee, VFD Group PLC, and the Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria. She is also a Council member of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, JNCI Limited, and other organizations championing sustainability and social impact.

Dr. Okekearu’s research interests include business ethics, women’s entrepreneurship, sustainability, and leadership. She chairs Learning and Development Africa, an organization reshaping professional development across the continent. A sought-after facilitator for global strategy and management retreats, her expertise helps business leaders clarify their vision, enhance profitability, and optimize operations.

In addition to her doctorate in Entrepreneurship, Dr. Okekearu holds degrees in Banking and Finance and Management. She is a member of the Institute of Directors, the Society for Corporate Governance, the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria’s Mentoring Committee.

Cherie Blair Foundation’s Road to Growth Program, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women Program, the World Bank’s WomenX Program, and the Vital Voices GROW Program.

Founder, Intermarc Consulting.

Dr. Adeyinka Alfred Adeyemiis a distinguished strategist and board advisor with extensive expertise in digital governance, digital finance, inclusion, and payment systemsacross Africa. He currently serves as the Director General of the Africa eGovernance Conference Initiative and sits on several boards including Intermarc Consulting, SecureID Limited, SID Digital Limited, PayGO Limited, and Flux Logistics Limited. With over three decades of experience spanning banking, consulting, and policy development, Dr. Adeyemi has been instrumental in shaping digital transformation frameworks that foster innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable development across the continent.

As the Founder and former Managing Director of Intermarc Consulting, he has led numerous high-impact initiatives in partnership with international development organizations such as USADF, UNDP, and the Lagos State Government, driving eGovernance adoption and digital inclusion in Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia. He played a leading role in landmark projects including the Cashless Lagos Initiative, the Lagos State Citizens Gate Project, and digital payment strategy development for Nigeria’s power sector.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Adeyemi held senior roles in the banking sector, including Assistant General Manager and Head of e-Bankingat Société Générale Bank, where he pioneered Nigeria’s first credit card product and helped establish foundational digital banking infrastructure. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Lagos Business School, he also holds an MBA from the University of Navarra, Spain, and advanced degrees in Public and Political Administration from the University of Ibadan. Dr. Adeyemi is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, the Institute of Management Consultants, and the London Graduate School, and a member of the Institute of Directors and the Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria.

Managing Director/CEO, Financial Institutions Training Center

Chizor Malize is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FITC. She has distinguished herself with over two decades of professional experience that cuts across marketing, business process re-engineering, market growth strategy, reputation management and business consulting.

Prior to joining FITC, she has led various strategic and transformational projects in the financial services sector, local and international, in strategy, product marketing, electronic banking, retail, wholesale, private banking and brand repositioning. She was a Founding Partner and CEO at Brandzone Consulting LLC. She led the firm’s Consulting practice serving major international and indigenous organizations of repute while creating thought leadership to advance businesses. She has been a mentor to numerous new ventures, and she excels as a C-suite executive coach, providing valuable insights to top- level executives.

Chizor is driven by her passion for helping organizations unlock their full potential and achieve their business goals. Her impressive track record includes successful business transformation, project management, and project rollouts across more than eight African countries.

As the Chief Executive Officer of FITC, she is currently leading the company’s digital transformation into a world class, innovation-led, technology-driven knowledge solution provider.

Chizor is an Executive Education Alumna of the London Business School, UK, and the Columbia University, New York, United States. She is a member of several professional associations, including the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), London, Chartered Institute of Marketing, Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN), Institute of Directors (IoD).

Chizor has served on the Executive Council Board of Women in Management, Business and Public service (WIMBIZ), a non-profit organization, that has impacted over 100,000 women, many of whom she continues to mentor. She is currently the Vice Chairman, IoD (Institute of Directors) Women Directors Development Committee (WDDC), where she mentors female Board Directors and aspiring Directors.

She is a recipient of several prestigious awards and accolades, including the 2024 ‘African Woman of the Year Leadership Award’, 2023 Top 50 WIMA Awards, the 2023 10 Most Influential Women in Business and Leadership, CIO Awards, the 2022 Stevie Awards for Thought Leaders and was nominated by CNBC Media for the ‘’African Rising Woman’’ 2020 Edition. She was awarded the 2020 “Inspirational Leader Award” in recognition of the innovative, and game changing work at FITC in 2020 at the height of the global Pandemic resulting in the organization-wide transformation at FITC and positive impact on the Nigerian financial sector by International Business Excellence (IBX). She was
nominated in 2019 by REBRANDTM USA, as a Jury Board member on the REBRAND 100® Global Awards Board, the only member from Africa. She also won the African Leadership Excellence Award 2017 and the Marketing Personality of the Year Award in 2016.

Chizor is a prolific and respected international speaker. She is very passionate about Impact, Leadership, and Family.