The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently announced the appointment of Lady Ada Chukwudozie as the new Chair of the Board at Keystone Bank. She joins five other non-executive directors: Abdul-Rahman Esene, Mrs. Fola Akande, Akintola Ayodeji Olusoji, Obijiaku Samuel, and Sen. Farouk Bello.
Hailing from Anambra State, Lady Ada Chukwudozie is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s business and industrial landscape. She has made history as the first Igbo woman to chair a commercial bank in Nigeria, becoming only the second female bank chairman in the country, following Ibukun Awosika of First Bank.
In a statement released by the financial institution, the CBN indicated that the new board of directors for Keystone Bank Limited has been constituted to bolster the bank’s operations and support sustained business growth.
The CBN has also appointed two new executive directors: Ladi Oluwole and Abubakar Usman Bello.
Lady Ada Chukwudozie brings nearly 30 years of experience in business strategy, management, and administration to her new role. Her extensive background spans various industries and institutions, including De-Endy Industrial Company Limited, Dozzy Group, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Vogue Afrique Magazine.
Mr. Hassan Imam, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Keystone Bank, expressed confidence in the new appointees, emphasizing that their diverse experiences will be invaluable assets for the bank’s future.
“We are pleased to welcome the new Chairman, non-executive directors, and executive directors to the Board of Keystone Bank. Their extensive experience will greatly contribute as we continue to reposition the bank to capitalize on emerging economic opportunities, grounded in strong corporate governance, to ensure our customers receive a secure and reliable banking experience,” Mr. Imam stated.
Lady Ada Chukwudozie, born on June 7, 1972, into the respected family of Nze Humphrey and Mrs. Keziah Okonkwo in Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, was raised with a strong emphasis on cultural values and excellence. She holds a Higher National Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, and further academic qualifications, including a postgraduate diploma and a master’s degree in business administration from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as well as a diploma in law from Lagos State University. Notably, she has also studied Mandarin at the Chinese Cultural University and Taipei Language Institute in Taiwan.
Throughout her career, Lady Ada has achieved numerous milestones. As Executive Director of Dozzy Oil and Gas Ltd, she has played a pivotal role in the strategic growth of one of Nigeria’s prominent conglomerates. Her contributions to Dozzy Group, chaired by her husband, Daniel Chukwudozie, have reinforced her reputation as a dynamic leader in sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and publishing.
A notable milestone in her career was her election as Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for the Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi regions. As the first woman to hold this position, she has been a staunch advocate for manufacturers’ interests and has driven innovation within the industry.
Lady Ada’s impact has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) awarded by the Nigerian government in 2021, and being named “Industrialist of the Year 2022” by The Sun newspaper, as well as “Vanguard Personality of the Year” in 2024 by Vanguard.
Her influence extends globally as a United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace, highlighting her commitment to promoting peace initiatives and empowering youth.
Outside her professional pursuits, Lady Ada Chukwudozie is a devoted wife and mother of six. Her daughter, Sandra Chukwudozie, is already making waves as a clean energy activist, perpetuating their family’s legacy of leadership and innovation.
Speaking on her appointment, Lady Chukwudozie pledged to move the bank to enviable position in partnership with her colleagues.
Olusola Akintonde
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