Unity Bank recently announced the appointment of Ebenezer Kolawole as its acting managing director/chief executive officer (MD/CEO) following the retirement of Tomi Somefun, who has completed her tenure as MD/CEO and proceeded on terminal leave.
Kolawole’s present position did not come by happenstance but through years of constant expertise and commitment to excellent work.
A distinguished figure in Nigeria’s banking sector, Kolawole’s qualifications attest to his being a round peg in a round hole.
Academic excellence and professional qualifications
His academic journey is marked by outstanding achievements. He graduated with First-Class Honours in Accounting from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. His commitment to continuous learning led him to prestigious institutions such as Columbia Business School in New York and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed executive education programmes. His professional affiliations are extensive, viz: Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA); Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA); Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (HCIB); Associate Member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (AMNIM), and Member of the Institute of Directors (IoD).
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Illustrious banking career
Kolawole is a seasoned and consummate banker with over three decades of industry experience. His career reflects a trajectory of leadership and innovation. This includes: Caribbean Finance Limited (1992): He began his career here, laying a solid foundation in financial services.
Ecobank: His tenure saw him rise to Deputy Financial Controller, contributing significantly to both Operations and Finance.
Standard Trust Bank (STB): Instrumental in the STB/UBA merger, he showcased strategic acumen in regulatory risk management and finance. United Bank for Africa (UBA): As Chief Financial Officer post-merger, he played a pivotal role in integrating and steering financial strategies. Mainstreet Bank: Serving as Group Chief Finance Officer, he led transformative initiatives that revitalised the bank’s operations.
Globacom: His brief tenure in corporate business development highlighted his versatility beyond traditional banking.
He joined Unity Bank Plc in 2015 as Chief Financial Officer, and his strategic insight led to his appointment as Executive Director in 2018, overseeing Finance, Operations, and Information Technology. His leadership has been instrumental to the bank’s transformation and cost optimisation efforts.
Mentorship and leadership in Africa
Beyond his corporate achievements, Kolawole is deeply committed to youth development and leadership in Africa:
African Young Brains: As a mentor, he dedicates time to nurturing young talents, emphasising innovation and ethical practices in finance and beyond.
Leaders for Leaders in Africa: Serving as a Board of Trustees member, he collaborates with other leaders to foster sustainable development and visionary leadership across the continent.
A visionary leader
Kolawole’s journey is a testament to excellence, dedication, and a profound commitment to societal advancement. His multifaceted contributions continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations in Nigeria and across Africa.
