Mrs. Bashirat Odunewu

Biography

Mrs. Odunewu was appointed to the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director effective 18 May 2022. Mrs. Odunewu is a Banking and financial expert with about 30 years’ experience in the Finance and Banking Industry. Up till June 2021, she served as C-Suite executive, corporate banking (Energy, Natural Resources & Infrastructure), at First Bank Nigeria Ltd, prior to which she was the line executive for their international banking group where she supervised CEOs of the subsidiaries of First Bank in 6 African countries as well as the Bank’s Representative office in China and served as a board member for several of them. She is a business development veteran, well versed in business strategy with over 10 years hands-on experience at C-suite Executive Management level, an alumnus of Imperial College (University of London) and University of Manchester. Bashirat is a Chartered accountant (FCA) and a certified member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators-UK (MCIArb). She is also a member of various reputable professional associations including the Chartered Institute of Bankers Nigeria (CIBN) and Institute of Directors (IoD). 

Mrs. Odunewu currently serves as an INED on the board of Leadway Holdings and as an INED on the board of Barloworld Ltd (JSE Listed). She is the chair of FBN Bank Senegal and also a member of the Board of Directors for the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry where she serves as the Treasurer.

Experience

Mrs. Odunewu has experience spanning audit/accounting, corporate & commercial banking, Investment banking and treasury in various financial institutions. She has specialised in Oil and Gas financing projects and led notable successful syndications for acquisitions and development. She has been the recipient of several Merit Awards in the organisations she has worked in recognition of her stellar performance. Mrs. Odunewu is passionate about supporting younger ones towards fulfilling their aspirations and is a mentor/sponsor to many in this regard.

Date of appointment

May 18, 2022