First Bank Appoints Julius Omodayo-Owotuga As Executive Director

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has appointed Dr. Julius Omodayo-Owotuga as an Executive Director, with effect from May 13, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening its leadership structure across key strategic areas.

The appointment was disclosed in a notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and made available to investors on Thursday. The notice was signed by the company secretary, Abiola Baruwa, on behalf of First HoldCo Plc.

According to the statement, Omodayo-Owotuga will play a key role in enhancing the bank’s operations in strategic finance, governance, risk management, and institutional transformation as part of its long-term growth strategy.

The appointment has also received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), confirming regulatory compliance for the leadership change.

“Dr. Julius B. Omodayo-Owotuga brings twenty-four (24) years of experience spanning banking and financial services, infrastructure finance, power, oil & gas, and audit and consulting,” the statement read.

It added that his appointment reflects First Bank’s continued commitment to strong corporate governance, disciplined execution, financial resilience, and sustainable growth in a competitive banking environment.

Before joining the executive board, Omodayo-Owotuga served as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of First HoldCo Plc between 2021 and 2026, where he contributed to oversight and strategic decision-making.

He previously held the position of Deputy Chief Executive at Geregu Power Plc, where he was involved in governance restructuring, capital market positioning, and operational optimisation, including the company’s successful listing on the Nigerian Exchange.

His career also includes senior roles at Forte Oil Plc (now Ardova Plc), where he served as Group Executive Director for Finance and Risk Management, leading major financial restructuring, capital raising, and enterprise risk management initiatives.

Omodayo-Owotuga has also worked with Africa Finance Corporation, Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG Professional Services, and MBC International Bank, building extensive experience across Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

He is a CFA charter holder 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 holds a doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA, and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He is also an alumnus of the University of Oxford and IE Business School, among other global institutions.