Access Holdings Plc has named Mr. Innocent Ike as its substantive group managing director/chief government officer, efficient August 29, 2025, following regulatory approval.
The announcement comes simply hours after Roosevelt Ogbonna stepped down from the corporate’s board in compliance with new company governance guidelines.
In an announcement on Thursday, the Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, stated Ike’s appointment marks a brand new chapter underneath the management of Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who returned to go the group after the passing of former Group CEO Herbert Wigwe in 2024.
Just a day earlier, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director of Access Bank, resigned from the HoldCo board to adjust to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2023 company governance pointers, which cap HoldCo boards at 9 members.
With Ogbonna’s exit and Ike’s affirmation as substantive CEO, Access Holdings’ management construction is now being consolidated, reflecting efforts to strengthen governance, adjust to regulation, and chart a transparent post-Wigwe path.
Ike succeeds Bolaji Agbede, who has served as appearing GMD/CEO for the previous 18 months. She will return to her function as Executive Director, Business Support, in accordance with regulatory necessities on years of expertise for the highest place.
Agbede has been broadly praised for steering the corporate via considered one of its most troublesome durations. During her tenure, Access Holdings maintained workforce stability, accomplished a N351 billion rights concern, and efficiently held two annual normal conferences — achievements that supplied stability following the sudden dying of Herbert Wigwe.
Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede counseled her efforts, describing them as “invaluable in navigating the company through challenges and opportunities.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Innocent Ike as we move forward. At the same time, we want to express our deepest gratitude to Ms. Bolaji Agbede. Her outstanding contributions over the past 18 months have been invaluable, and we appreciate her dedication in navigating the Company through challenges and opportunities. While regulatory requirements necessitate this change, we are grateful for the strong foundation that has been laid.”
Ike brings greater than three a long time of expertise in banking and {financial} providers. An accounting graduate of the University of Lagos, he’s a Fellow of each CIBN and ICAN, in addition to an authorized IFRS knowledgeable.
He spent ten years at Access Bank, rising to the place of General Manager with oversight of company, industrial, and public sector portfolios.
He later served as MD/CEO of Polaris Bank (2020–2022), the place he launched VULTe, the {bank}’s award-winning digital banking platform.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Ike stated: “I am honoured to take on the role of Group Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer and excited to work alongside the talented team at Access Holdings. I look forward to building on the strong legacy established by Herbert Wigwe and Bolaji Agbede, and driving our vision forward, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our shareholders and stakeholders.”
He added: “I am honoured to take on this role and excited to work alongside the talented team at Access Holdings. I look forward to building on the strong legacy established by Herbert Wigwe and Bolaji Agbede, and driving our vision forward to deliver exceptional value to shareholders and stakeholders.”
