Access Bank appoints Ifeyinwa Osime as Chairman following Paul Usoro’s retirement after completing his regulatory tenure

Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as Chairman of its Board, following the retirement of Paul Usoro on January 29, 2026, upon the completion of his regulatory tenure.

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The appointment was disclosed to the Nigerian Exchange Limited in a notice issued on Monday by the Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, confirming the leadership transition at the bank’s flagship subsidiary under Access Holdings Plc.

Ifeyinwa Osime, a legal practitioner and corporate governance expert, has served as an Independent Non Executive Director on the board since November 2019.

Ifeyinwa Osime previously chaired the Board’s Human Resources and Sustainability Committee, as well as the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee, playing a pivotal role in leadership development and sustainability initiatives within the bank.

Group Chairman Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede described the appointment as a strategic step for the institution’s future.

Aigboje Aig Imoukhuede said Ifeyinwa Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the bank’s strategy and values, adding that under her leadership the bank will continue to deliver sustainable value to shareholders and stakeholders.

Paul Usoro was commended for exemplary leadership and contributions during his tenure and is expected to remain a valued member of the Access family.

Beyond Access Bank, Ifeyinwa Osime has served on the boards of Coronation Insurance Plc, Coronation Life Insurance Company Ltd, and Bank PHB, now Keystone Bank Limited.

Ifeyinwa Osime also serves as a Director at Ebudo Trust Limited and as a Partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, advising on corporate and commercial legal matters.

Ifeyinwa Osime holds a law degree from the University of Benin and a Master of Laws in Commercial and Corporate Law from the London School of Economics.

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Ifeyinwa Osime has attended executive education programmes at INSEAD, IMD, Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, reflecting a strong commitment to global best practices.