Fidelity Bank’s Kevin Ugwuoke Becomes New CRMI President

Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer at Fidelity Bank Plc

Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer at Fidelity Bank Plc, has officially taken over as the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI).

During the handover ceremony held in Lagos, Ugwuoke laid out a vision focused on policy advocacy, ethics, and digital transformation to strengthen risk governance across Nigerian sectors. Currently serving as Acting President of the Federation of African Risk Management Associations, he described his new role as a “call to action,” aiming to elevate CRMI as a thought leader in Nigeria’s development journey.

Established under Act No. 39 of 2022, CRMI is Nigeria’s official body for risk management professionals, promoting best practices in the field.

Ugwuoke emphasized that CRMI’s mission extends beyond certifications. “We aim to build national awareness around risk governance,” he said, adding that the institute plans to engage policymakers and equip organizations with tools to institutionalize risk intelligence.

He unveiled a five-point strategy focused on:

Enhancing professional certification and training.
Strengthening ties with regulators.
Driving digital innovation.
Embedding ESG and climate risk into business strategies.
Encouraging youth participation in the profession.

CRMI also intends to collaborate closely with bodies like the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the National Assembly, and local governments to ensure risk considerations are part of national development plans. Ugwuoke emphasized inclusive policies to support SMEs and improve economic stability.

Plans also include updating the CRMI curriculum, launching new certifications for emerging risks, and upgrading learning platforms. A national risk observatory is also in the pipeline to provide real-time intelligence for both public and private sectors.

“Digital innovation will be central,” Ugwuoke said. “We plan to fully automate our operations, expand virtual learning, and use tech to broaden our reach.”

Former CRMI president, Professor Ezekiel Oseni, reflected on his tenure, highlighting the institute’s charter status and growing international ties. He encouraged the new leadership to build on these accomplishments.

In a goodwill message, UBA Deputy MD Chukwuma Nweke, on behalf of CEO Oliver Alawuba, praised Oseni’s leadership and expressed confidence in Ugwuoke. He highlighted Ugwuoke’s academic and practical strengths as crucial in navigating today's complex global risks.

Alawuba further noted that Nigeria’s economic issues — such as inflation and currency instability — are risk indicators requiring forward-thinking, data-driven solutions. He stressed that risk management must evolve from a regulatory formality to a strategic growth tool.

The event also saw 11 professionals honored as Fellows of the institute, while 21 new Chartered Risk Managers were inducted. A new Governing Council was also inaugurated for the 2025–2027 term, signaling a renewed focus on institutional growth and continuity.

Punch

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