HBM Nigeria Plc has announced the appointments of Dr. Fatima Akilu and Mrs. Nella Andem-Ewa, SAN as Independent Non-Executive Directors, effective 1st July 2026. These appointments are subject to formal ratification by the members of the Company at the next Annual
General Meeting.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1The Board and Management warmly welcome Dr Fatima Akilu and Mrs Nella Andem-Ewa and look forward to the valuable expertise and strategic oversight they will bring to the Company as we continue to drive sustainable growth and excellence.
These new appointments were made following the resignations of Mrs Adenike Ogunlesi (Independent Non-Executive Director) and Ms Elenda Osima-Dokubo (Non-Executive Director) from the Board of the Company, effective 30th June 2026.
The Board and Management express their sincere gratitude to Mrs. Ogunlesi and Ms. Osima-Dokubo for their invaluable contributions and commitment to the company. As accomplished entrepreneurs and business owners, they brought their wealth of commercial insight, strategic vision, and practical business acumen to the boardroom. Their deep understanding of market dynamics and leadership
experience were instrumental in navigating challenges and advancing the company’s growth and governance. The Board appreciates their dedication during their tenure and wishes them continued success and fulfilment in all their future endeavours.
Dr. Fatima Akilu is a seasoned psychologist, peacebuilding expert, and strategic communications leader with over 30 years of experience across public policy, security, academia, and clinical practice.
She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Neem Foundation, a leading organization focused on preventing violent extremism, promoting mental health, and strengthening community resilience.
She previously served as Director of Behavioural Analysis and Strategic Communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser, where she led the development of Nigeria’s countering violent extremism programme, and has also held leadership roles at the office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDG’s and the Leadership Newspapers.
Dr. Akilu holds a PhD and MSc in Psychology from the University of Reading, UK and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the United Nations-mandated University for Peace (UPEACE), an Honorary Professor at King’s College London, and Board Member of Overseas Development Institute.
Similarly, Mrs. Nella Andem-Ewa, SAN, FCIArb, FNIPR is a distinguished legal practitioner and public policy expert with over 30 years of experience in legal practice, governance, arbitration, and public service. She is the Principal Partner of Lexglobal Partners, LP, a leading legal and consultancy firm in Nigeria.
She served as Attorney-General of Cross River State from 1999 to 2003 and was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2009. Mrs. Andem-Ewa has held several prominent leadership positions, including Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Vice Chairperson of the Nigerian Wing of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (UN CEDAW), and member of the Council of Legal Education. She has also served on the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission, and the Body of Benchers Disciplinary Committee
Mrs. Andem-Ewa is a Life Bencher, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Arbitration, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce (UK).
