Economy
Ugwuoke—Fidelity Bank ED emerges Risk Managers Association boss
The Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc., Mr. Kevin Ugwuoke, has formally assumed office as President of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI).
Mr. Ugwuoke’s leadership promises a reform-focused era anchored on policy advocacy and ethical standards.
It will also foster digital innovation to deepen risk governance across sectors in the country.
Speaking during the presidential handover ceremony in Lagos over the weekend, Ugwuoke, who also doubles as acting President of the Federation of African Risk Management Associations (FARMA), described his election as “a call to action.”
He pledged to reposition CRMI as a thought leader and institutional partner in shaping the future of risk management in Nigeria’s national development.
“Our mission is more than just certification; it’s about strengthening the culture of risk governance across sectors.
“We will collaborate with regulators, raise awareness, and provide practical tools to help organizations embed risk discipline at all levels.”
Ugwuoke outlines his game plan
Ugwuoke outlined a 5-pronged strategy to guide his administration:
- strengthening professional education and certification;
- deepening policy and regulatory engagement;
- accelerating digital transformation;
- integrating ESG and climate risk into corporate strategies; and,
- mentoring the next generation of risk practitioners.
He explained that CRMI will align its initiatives with key policy institutions, including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the National Assembly, and sub-national governments.
These, he said, will help embed robust risk frameworks into economic development plans.
He said: “We must integrate risk thinking into how we plan, govern, and invest.
“We will advocate for more inclusive regulations to empower small and medium enterprises, improve macroeconomic stability, and foster institutional resilience.”
Ugwuoke also announced plans to revise the Institute’s curriculum.
He also pledged to introduce specialized certifications to reflect emerging risks.
He further planned to implement a new National Risk Observatory to provide real-time risk data to both the public and private sectors.
“Digital innovation will be central to how CRMI operates going forward.
“We are automating our backend, delivering more virtual training, and employing technology to scale our impact across the country and beyond,” he assured.
In his remarks, the outgoing President of CRMI, Ezekiel Oseni, challenged the new leadership to consolidate on the achievements made under his tenure.
This, he said, will cover securing chartered status and strengthening partnerships.
He assured CRMI will gain greater international recognition and will take the institute to the next level.
At the occasion, Chukwuma Nweke, the deputy managing director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) made some glowing remarks.
Speaking, he delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba.
“A worthy successor”
Nweke described Ugwuoke as a worthy successor.
“As Professor Oseni hands over the baton to Kevin Ugwuoke — a well-respected leader in the risk management ecosystem — we are assured CRMI is poised for greater achievements under his watch,” he said.
Nweke pointed out growing economic uncertainties: from inflation and exchange rate volatility to growing debt.
He stressed that they underscore the need for a more strategic view of risk.
He added: “Risk must be recognized not as a compliance obligation or a cost center but as a key enabler of resiliency and growth.
“Institutions that embed risk into their strategies will absorb shocks more effectively, unlock value, and inspire investor confidence.”
As part of the day’s ceremonies, the institute conferred 11 distinguished practitioners with the Fellow of Chartered Risk Manager (FCRMI) award.
It also formally inducted 21 new members as Chartered Risk Managers (CRM).
Furthermore, a new Governing Council was inaugurated.
The Council will oversee the affairs of the Institute for the 2025–2027 term.
The development, according to pundits, marks a decisive step forward in institutional renewal and policy direction.
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