- 8:30 am
- Arrival of Guests and Registration
- 10:00 am
- National Anthem
- 10:15 am
- Welcome Address
Dr. Olasupo Olusi
Dr. Olasupo Olusi is the Managing Director/CEO of the Bank of Industry.
He is a distinguished economist and seasoned development finance expert, with a remarkable over two-decade career dedicated to shaping economic policies, fostering fiscal sustainability, and driving private and financial sector development on a global scale.
A distinguished economist and seasoned development finance expert with a remarkable over two-decade career dedicated to shaping economic policies, fostering fiscal sustainability, and driving private and financial sector development on a global scale.
As the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olusi brings a wealth of expertise honed through his extensive tenure with prestigious institutions such as the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
His illustrious journey commenced at the World Bank, where he significantly contributed to capital markets reform and conducted ground-breaking research on finance and private sector development in the Middle East and North Africa. Over the years, Dr. Olusi has assumed pivotal roles, including as a World Bank Country Economist for many countries, Economic Adviser at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Nigeria, and Senior Private Sector Specialist at the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
In fiscal policies and debt management, Dr. Olusi applies his expertise to ensure financial stability and transparency, a testament to his commitment to responsible economic practices. With a proven track record in project management, financing, and implementation, he has successfully led diverse projects, showcasing proficiency in lending and non-lending spheres. His strategic vision includes creating an enabling environment for businesses through thoughtful policy reforms. Dr. Olusi’s adept knowledge and management skills contribute to impactful initiatives, including newsletters and inspirational lecture series.
Dr. Olasupo Olusi’s comprehensive approach nurtures entrepreneurship and fosters overall business development. His multifaceted expertise makes him a valuable leader in shaping economic landscapes and driving transformative change. Noteworthy accomplishments include leading multi-million-dollar development projects, steering private sector diagnostics, and managing investment lending initiatives. In 2020, Dr. Olusi delivered the World Bank Group’s inaugural comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s private sector.
At the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olusi is steering the organization toward transformative and competitive economic endeavors.
He leverages his profound understanding of macroeconomic dynamics to drive sustainable development, implement strategic plans, and precisely localize corporate priorities. Devoted to the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), he actively works towards economic diversification and drives impactful reforms in public sector entities, emphasizing improved governance and efficiency. Actively engaged in collaboration with multi-stakeholders, co-leading knowledge management initiatives, and spearheading impactful projects, Dr. Olusi continues to significantly contribute to the success and resilience of Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Under his leadership at BOI, the six thematic focus areas are SMEs, Digital Transformation, Youth and Skills, Gender, Infrastructure, and Climate. Special focus and strategic initiatives will also be game changers for Nigeria’s private sector.
Dr. Olusi holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Hull University, UK; an M.Sc. in International Money, Finance, and Investment from the University of Durham, UK; and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Durham. He is a proud member of the Royal Economic Society (United Kingdom) and the American Finance Association (USA).
Dr. Olasupo Olusi is the Managing Director/CEO of the Bank of Industry.
He is a distinguished economist and seasoned development finance expert, with a remarkable over two-decade career dedicated to shaping economic policies, fostering fiscal sustainability, and driving private and financial sector development on a global scale.
A distinguished economist and seasoned development finance expert with a remarkable over two-decade career dedicated to shaping economic policies, fostering fiscal sustainability, and driving private and financial sector development on a global scale.
As the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Dr. Olusi brings a wealth of expertise honed through his extensive tenure with prestigious institutions such as the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
His illustrious journey commenced at the World Bank, where he significantly contributed to capital markets reform and conducted ground-breaking research on finance and private sector development in the Middle East and North Africa. Over the years, Dr. Olusi has assumed pivotal roles, including as a World Bank Country Economist for many countries, Economic Adviser at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Nigeria, and Senior Private Sector Specialist at the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
In fiscal policies and debt management, Dr. Olusi applies his expertise to ensure financial stability and transparency, a testament to his commitment to responsible economic practices. With a proven track record in project management, financing, and implementation, he has successfully led diverse projects, showcasing proficiency in lending and non-lending spheres. His strategic vision includes creating an enabling environment for businesses through thoughtful policy reforms. Dr. Olusi’s adept knowledge and management skills contribute to impactful initiatives, including newsletters and inspirational lecture series.
Dr. Olasupo Olusi’s comprehensive approach nurtures entrepreneurship and fosters overall business development. His multifaceted expertise makes him a valuable leader in shaping economic landscapes and driving transformative change. Noteworthy accomplishments include leading multi-million-dollar development projects, steering private sector diagnostics, and managing investment lending initiatives. In 2020, Dr. Olusi delivered the World Bank Group’s inaugural comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s private sector.
At the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olusi is steering the organization toward transformative and competitive economic endeavors.
He leverages his profound understanding of macroeconomic dynamics to drive sustainable development, implement strategic plans, and precisely localize corporate priorities. Devoted to the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), he actively works towards economic diversification and drives impactful reforms in public sector entities, emphasizing improved governance and efficiency. Actively engaged in collaboration with multi-stakeholders, co-leading knowledge management initiatives, and spearheading impactful projects, Dr. Olusi continues to significantly contribute to the success and resilience of Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Under his leadership at BOI, the six thematic focus areas are SMEs, Digital Transformation, Youth and Skills, Gender, Infrastructure, and Climate. Special focus and strategic initiatives will also be game changers for Nigeria’s private sector.
Dr. Olusi holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Hull University, UK; an M.Sc. in International Money, Finance, and Investment from the University of Durham, UK; and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Durham. He is a proud member of the Royal Economic Society (United Kingdom) and the American Finance Association (USA).
- 10:25 am
- Goodwill Message
Jonny Baxter
Jonny Baxter is an experienced senior British diplomat who has worked in different parts of the world.
Prior to becoming the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Lagos, he served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan from January 2021-July 2023 and Deputy Director, Finance and Performance Department at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office – FCDO (then DFID) from 2018-2020.
He has held various senior positions in the Department of International Development (DFID). These included running the Human Development Department from 2017-2018, Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State from 2014-2016, and head of the Higher Education Taskforce Secretariat from 2013-2014 all at the DFID Headquarters, London.
Prior to these roles Jonny did postings in Sudan, Iraq, Guyana and Tanzania.
Jonny Baxter is an experienced senior British diplomat who has worked in different parts of the world.
Prior to becoming the British Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) in Lagos, he served as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan from January 2021-July 2023 and Deputy Director, Finance and Performance Department at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office – FCDO (then DFID) from 2018-2020.
He has held various senior positions in the Department of International Development (DFID). These included running the Human Development Department from 2017-2018, Principal Private Secretary to the Secretary of State from 2014-2016, and head of the Higher Education Taskforce Secretariat from 2013-2014 all at the DFID Headquarters, London.
Prior to these roles Jonny did postings in Sudan, Iraq, Guyana and Tanzania.
- 10:40 pm
- Keynote Address
- 10:50 pm
- ESG in Practice – A documentary on BOI customers that have embedded ESG practices in their operations
- 12:00 pm
- Panel Session: Thriving in a Changing World: ESG pathways for Nigerian SMEs
Bernadette Ejiofor
Bernadette Ejiofor is a a Climate Change Finance Expert and a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Negotiator on climate finance.
She is a graduate of Microbiology from the University of Benin and holds a Master’s degree on Environmental Resource Management (ERM) from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. She is a Fellow and Certified Expert on Financing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) from the Frankfurt Business school 2021.
Prior to her entry into the public sector, she spent over a decade in commercial banking where she rose to managerial positions in marketing and banking operations at two leading financial institutions in Nigeria. lc).
Later, she worked at Empire Energy Limited, a major player in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Downstream sector for a few years, where she was part of the company core business development executive team.
After her conversion to the public sector, she was initially employed in the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, where she stayed for almost 10 years. There she worked with the Climate Finance Unit, and was a pioneer team member of the Sovereign Green Bonds of the Ministry.
Since 2023, she has been the Green Climate Fund Desk Officer at the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) operationalized in 2023.
She is also a member of the Technical Working Group for the development of the Sahel Fund and the ECOWAS Group developing a project for the region to be funded by the Green Climate Fund.
She is married and blessed with 5 beautiful angels.
Bernadette Ejiofor is a a Climate Change Finance Expert and a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Negotiator on climate finance.
She is a graduate of Microbiology from the University of Benin and holds a Master’s degree on Environmental Resource Management (ERM) from the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. She is a Fellow and Certified Expert on Financing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) from the Frankfurt Business school 2021.
Prior to her entry into the public sector, she spent over a decade in commercial banking where she rose to managerial positions in marketing and banking operations at two leading financial institutions in Nigeria. lc).
Later, she worked at Empire Energy Limited, a major player in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Downstream sector for a few years, where she was part of the company core business development executive team.
After her conversion to the public sector, she was initially employed in the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, where she stayed for almost 10 years. There she worked with the Climate Finance Unit, and was a pioneer team member of the Sovereign Green Bonds of the Ministry.
Since 2023, she has been the Green Climate Fund Desk Officer at the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) operationalized in 2023.
She is also a member of the Technical Working Group for the development of the Sahel Fund and the ECOWAS Group developing a project for the region to be funded by the Green Climate Fund.
She is married and blessed with 5 beautiful angels.
Oluyemisi Iranloye
Oluyemisi Iranloye is the Founder/CEO of Psaltry International Company Limited, one of the world’s leading cassava processing companies.
Born in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria, she holds a B.Tech. in Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and an M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan. She is a graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Seed Transformation Program and a member of the Seed Transformation Network.
She began her career at EKHA Agro Farms Limited, becoming its first Chief Operating Officer and helping launch Nigeria’s first glucose syrup factory. In 2011, she briefly joined Nigerian
Breweries as Project Manager, leading the setup of a glucose factory, before leaving to establish her own business.
In 2013, she transformed Psaltry from a modest cassava and maize farming venture in Alayide Village, Ado-Awaye, Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria, into a pioneering agro-processing company, becoming the first in Africa and the second in the world to produce cassava-based sorbitol, alongside cassava starch, flour, and glucose.
Today, the company impacts over 100,000 farm families, generates more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, and drives rural development.
Her leadership has earned her national and global recognition, including the Women Agripreneurs of the Year Award (2022), recognition from Hillary Clinton, then U.S. Secretary of State, and from the Nigerian Government as one of Nigeria’s foremost female entrepreneurs.
Yemisi remains a leading global voice and relentless advocate for women’s inclusion in agriculture.
Oluyemisi Iranloye is the Founder/CEO of Psaltry International Company Limited, one of the world’s leading cassava processing companies.
Born in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria, she holds a B.Tech. in Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and an M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan. She is a graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Seed Transformation Program and a member of the Seed Transformation Network.
She began her career at EKHA Agro Farms Limited, becoming its first Chief Operating Officer and helping launch Nigeria’s first glucose syrup factory. In 2011, she briefly joined Nigerian
Breweries as Project Manager, leading the setup of a glucose factory, before leaving to establish her own business.
In 2013, she transformed Psaltry from a modest cassava and maize farming venture in Alayide Village, Ado-Awaye, Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria, into a pioneering agro-processing company, becoming the first in Africa and the second in the world to produce cassava-based sorbitol, alongside cassava starch, flour, and glucose.
Today, the company impacts over 100,000 farm families, generates more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, and drives rural development.
Her leadership has earned her national and global recognition, including the Women Agripreneurs of the Year Award (2022), recognition from Hillary Clinton, then U.S. Secretary of State, and from the Nigerian Government as one of Nigeria’s foremost female entrepreneurs.
Yemisi remains a leading global voice and relentless advocate for women’s inclusion in agriculture.
Banke Kuku
Born in Lagos in the 1980’s, Banke Kuku moved to the United Kingdom at the age of eight.
At the age of 19, Banke graduated from Central St Martins College and then Chelsea College of Art and Design, having gained a bachelor degree in Textiles.
Prior to launching her eponymous label, Banke worked at a number of international fashion houses and with the leading interior company, Designers Guild, assisting with fabric design for the Royal collection which showcased at Buckingham Palace.
She also launched an interior design arm to her business which attracted orders from prestigious customers such as Selfridges, Aynhoe Park Hotel Oxford, Le Bon Marche Paris, and Bazar et Grande Manger Tokyo.
In 2019, Banke Kuku opened her Lagos boutique for women where she debuted her first womenswear and accessories collection.
This was followed by the launch of her e-commerce store in 2020 and inclusion of childrenswear in 2021.
Combined with local and international stockists and specialty retailers, it works in unison to bring her collections to a global audience.
Known for her unique take on luxury loungewear, Banke takes inspiration from the cultural of her years spent in London and Lagos, which has heavily influenced her bold patterns, resulting in statement prints with captivating impact.
Born in Lagos in the 1980’s, Banke Kuku moved to the United Kingdom at the age of eight.
At the age of 19, Banke graduated from Central St Martins College and then Chelsea College of Art and Design, having gained a bachelor degree in Textiles.
Prior to launching her eponymous label, Banke worked at a number of international fashion houses and with the leading interior company, Designers Guild, assisting with fabric design for the Royal collection which showcased at Buckingham Palace.
She also launched an interior design arm to her business which attracted orders from prestigious customers such as Selfridges, Aynhoe Park Hotel Oxford, Le Bon Marche Paris, and Bazar et Grande Manger Tokyo.
In 2019, Banke Kuku opened her Lagos boutique for women where she debuted her first womenswear and accessories collection.
This was followed by the launch of her e-commerce store in 2020 and inclusion of childrenswear in 2021.
Combined with local and international stockists and specialty retailers, it works in unison to bring her collections to a global audience.
Known for her unique take on luxury loungewear, Banke takes inspiration from the cultural of her years spent in London and Lagos, which has heavily influenced her bold patterns, resulting in statement prints with captivating impact.
Mira Mehta
Mira Mehta is Founder and CEO of Tomato Jos, a fully integrated farming and processing agribusiness in Northern Nigeria that produces tomato paste and other agricultural products for the domestic market.
Before founding Tomato Jos, Miss Mehta worked in the financial services and healthcare sectors in New York and Nigeria, respectively, where she gained valuable technical skills, developed an empathetic worldview, and built a strong network that has empowered her to launch a business at the base of the pyramid.
She is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Business School and has lived in Nigeria since 2008.
Mira Mehta is Founder and CEO of Tomato Jos, a fully integrated farming and processing agribusiness in Northern Nigeria that produces tomato paste and other agricultural products for the domestic market.
Before founding Tomato Jos, Miss Mehta worked in the financial services and healthcare sectors in New York and Nigeria, respectively, where she gained valuable technical skills, developed an empathetic worldview, and built a strong network that has empowered her to launch a business at the base of the pyramid.
She is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Business School and has lived in Nigeria since 2008.
Dr. Olu Ogunfowora
Dr. Olu Ogunfowora is an Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) and Impact Measurement & Management (IMM) expert with over 25 years of international experience across top-tier organizations, including Accenture, EY, FBN Holdings, MTN, and Schlumberger.
He has successfully led major impact investment projects in agribusiness, education, energy, financial services, and healthcare sectors across Africa, Europe, Middle East, and United States.
Olu is the founder and managing director of Ideanest Investments Services Limited – investments advisory firm with focus on mobilizing catalytic capital and building strategic capacity for purpose-driven enterprises to align profit with impact.
He is a trusted advisor to corporate organisations, development finance institutions, and governments. He equally serves on the boards of private and philanthropy organisations in different sectors where he provides strategy and sustainability advisory for the adoption of impact investing in addressing social and environmental issues aligned to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Olu attended the University of Oxford – Said Business School for Executive Education; completed his Ph.D. with focus on Impact Measurement & Impact Investing and M.Sc. in Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship from The University of Manchester, UK.
He graduated with First Class Honours in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where he was the recipient of the Faculty of Technology and University Awards for the Best Graduating Student.
Dr. Olu Ogunfowora is an Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) and Impact Measurement & Management (IMM) expert with over 25 years of international experience across top-tier organizations, including Accenture, EY, FBN Holdings, MTN, and Schlumberger.
He has successfully led major impact investment projects in agribusiness, education, energy, financial services, and healthcare sectors across Africa, Europe, Middle East, and United States.
Olu is the founder and managing director of Ideanest Investments Services Limited – investments advisory firm with focus on mobilizing catalytic capital and building strategic capacity for purpose-driven enterprises to align profit with impact.
He is a trusted advisor to corporate organisations, development finance institutions, and governments. He equally serves on the boards of private and philanthropy organisations in different sectors where he provides strategy and sustainability advisory for the adoption of impact investing in addressing social and environmental issues aligned to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Olu attended the University of Oxford – Said Business School for Executive Education; completed his Ph.D. with focus on Impact Measurement & Impact Investing and M.Sc. in Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship from The University of Manchester, UK.
He graduated with First Class Honours in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, where he was the recipient of the Faculty of Technology and University Awards for the Best Graduating Student.
Shekarau Omar
Mr. Shekarau D. Omar is the Executive Director, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises at the Bank of Industry.
He obtained a 2nd Class Upper Division (B.Ed.) Honors Degree (1985) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also received two master’s degrees in educational administration (M.Ed., 1991) and International Law and Diplomacy (MILD, 1992) from the University of Lagos.
He is a consummate professional with over 30 years of experience, having served in the Military, University, Banking, and Telecommunications Sectors before joining BOI Ltd in 2005 as a Senior Manager/Head of Human Resources.
He rose through the ranks to become a General Manager in 2014.
He was the General Manager (Management Services) and later General Manager (SME-North) between 2014 and 2018.
He became General Manager (Large Enterprises) in December 2018 and advanced to Executive Director of Small and Medium Enterprises in March 2019.
He is a Licensed Human Resource Professional, a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), a member of the Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
Throughout his career, Mr. Omar has attended several human resources and personnel management, telecommunications, banking, and leadership training programs, both locally and abroad, including courses at the Galilee Institute of Management, Israel, the Institute of International Finance, United Kingdom, and the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Nigeria.
Mr. Shekarau D. Omar is the Executive Director, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises at the Bank of Industry.
He obtained a 2nd Class Upper Division (B.Ed.) Honors Degree (1985) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He also received two master’s degrees in educational administration (M.Ed., 1991) and International Law and Diplomacy (MILD, 1992) from the University of Lagos.
He is a consummate professional with over 30 years of experience, having served in the Military, University, Banking, and Telecommunications Sectors before joining BOI Ltd in 2005 as a Senior Manager/Head of Human Resources.
He rose through the ranks to become a General Manager in 2014.
He was the General Manager (Management Services) and later General Manager (SME-North) between 2014 and 2018.
He became General Manager (Large Enterprises) in December 2018 and advanced to Executive Director of Small and Medium Enterprises in March 2019.
He is a Licensed Human Resource Professional, a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), a member of the Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
Throughout his career, Mr. Omar has attended several human resources and personnel management, telecommunications, banking, and leadership training programs, both locally and abroad, including courses at the Galilee Institute of Management, Israel, the Institute of International Finance, United Kingdom, and the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), Nigeria.
- 12:20 pm
- Highlights of the State of ESG Adoption by MSMEs in Nigeria Report
Rotimi Akinde
Mr. Rotimi Akinde is the Executive Director, Corporate Finance and Investments at the Bank of Industry.
He is a finance professional with over 20 years of experience in investment and corporate banking, including extensive experience in capital raising (Debt, Equities, and Hybrids) and corporate finance activities such as mergers and acquisitions, privatisation advisory, and project finance.
Before joining the Bank of Industry (BOI) Group, Mr. Akinde worked as an Associate Partner in Project and Corporate Finance at Infrastructure Delivery International (IDI), where he contributed to the UKNIAF programme and promoted green finance and structured debt solutions for sub-national entities.
He also previously served as a Corporate Finance Advisor at the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF), where he supported financing initiatives, financial modelling, and funding structures for infrastructure projects.
Mr. Akinde served as the Group Head and Assistant General Manager of Corporate Banking for multinational clients at UBA Plc. Previously, he served as Vice President of Corporate Finance and Advisory at UBA Global Markets (now United Capital).
He served as a Privatisation Adviser and led the oil and gas team at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), where he facilitated the divestiture and sale of the Federal Government’s equity in 11 oil service companies and completed the sale of all the Federal Government’s LPG assets.
Earlier in his career, he served as an Assistant Manager at Leadbank Plc in the Investment and Corporate Banking Groups.
Mr. Rotimi Akinde is the Executive Director, Corporate Finance and Investments at the Bank of Industry.
He is a finance professional with over 20 years of experience in investment and corporate banking, including extensive experience in capital raising (Debt, Equities, and Hybrids) and corporate finance activities such as mergers and acquisitions, privatisation advisory, and project finance.
Before joining the Bank of Industry (BOI) Group, Mr. Akinde worked as an Associate Partner in Project and Corporate Finance at Infrastructure Delivery International (IDI), where he contributed to the UKNIAF programme and promoted green finance and structured debt solutions for sub-national entities.
He also previously served as a Corporate Finance Advisor at the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF), where he supported financing initiatives, financial modelling, and funding structures for infrastructure projects.
Mr. Akinde served as the Group Head and Assistant General Manager of Corporate Banking for multinational clients at UBA Plc. Previously, he served as Vice President of Corporate Finance and Advisory at UBA Global Markets (now United Capital).
He served as a Privatisation Adviser and led the oil and gas team at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), where he facilitated the divestiture and sale of the Federal Government’s equity in 11 oil service companies and completed the sale of all the Federal Government’s LPG assets.
Earlier in his career, he served as an Assistant Manager at Leadbank Plc in the Investment and Corporate Banking Groups.
- 12:40 pm
- Launch of the State of ESG Adoption by MSMEs in Nigeria Report
- 12:50 pm
- Event Recap and Vote of Thanks
