CRMI Elects Fidelity Bank’s Ugwuoke as President
Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, has officially taken on the role of President of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI). His leadership signals a new era focused on policy advocacy, ethical standards, and leveraging digital innovation to enhance risk governance across Nigeria’s sectors.
During the handover ceremony in Lagos over the weekend, Ugwuoke—who also serves as acting President of the Federation of African Risk Management Associations (FARMA)—described his election as “a call to action.” He committed to repositioning CRMI as a thought leader and strategic partner in shaping Nigeria’s future risk landscape and contributing to national development.
“Our mission extends beyond certification; it’s about cultivating a strong culture of risk governance in every sector. We will work with regulators, raise awareness, and equip organizations with practical tools to embed risk discipline at all levels,” Ugwuoke stated.
He outlined a comprehensive five-point strategy for his tenure: enhancing professional education and certification; increasing policy and regulatory engagement; accelerating digital transformation; integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and climate risks into corporate strategies; and mentoring emerging risk practitioners.
Ugwuoke emphasized that CRMI would align its initiatives with key national institutions, including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the National Assembly, and regional governments, to embed resilient risk frameworks into Nigeria’s economic development plans.
“We must embed risk thinking into our planning, governance, and investment decisions. Advocacy for inclusive regulations will empower small and medium enterprises, promote macroeconomic stability, and bolster institutional resilience,” he added.
The new President also revealed plans to revise the Institute’s curriculum, introduce specialized certifications for emerging risks, and establish a National Risk Observatory to provide real-time risk data to both public and private sectors.
“Digital innovation will be at the core of our operations. We’re automating processes, expanding virtual training offerings, and using technology to magnify our impact across Nigeria and beyond,” Ugwuoke explained.
Outgoing CRMI President Ezekiel Oseni urged the new leadership to build upon existing achievements—including attaining chartered status, strengthening partnerships, and gaining international recognition—and push the Institute further.
In his remarks, Chukwuma Nweke, Deputy Managing Director of UBA, representing Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba, praised Ugwuoke as a distinguished leader in risk management. “As Professor Oseni passes the baton to Kevin Ugwuoke, we are confident CRMI will reach new heights under his stewardship,” Nweke stated.
The ceremony also saw the conferment of the Fellow of Chartered Risk Manager (FCRMI) award to 11 distinguished practitioners and the induction of 21 new Chartered Risk Managers (CRM). A new Governing Council was inaugurated for the 2025–2027 term, marking a strategic move toward institutional renewal and future-focused policy direction.