Ten months after it was granted a licence by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Providus Bank commissioned its ultramodern headquarters on Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday.
Present at the ceremony were Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, among many other eminent personalities.
With a vision “to build an enduring and sustainable customer-focused financial institution”, Providus Bank is headed by Walter Akpani.
Before you go scratching your head about who Akpani is, here are six facts about him obtained in large part from the bank’s website.
- Schooled in Scotland
Akpani holds a master of science degree in finance from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. Founded in 1796 as the Andersonian Institute, the school is Glasgow’s second oldest university, receiving its royal charter in 1964 as the UK’s first technological university. It takes its name from the historic Kingdom of Strathclyde.
- Seasoned banker
Akpani is a seasoned banker with over two decades experience. His career trajectory has been through Natwest Bank UK, ICON Merchant Bank/ICON Stockbrokers, Commercial Trust Bank, Standard Trust Bank Plc and Platinum Bank Limited. He has been actively involved in bank start-ups in Nigeria. He was a pioneer staff member with ICON Stockbrokers, restructuring team member at Commercial Trust Bank, pioneer staff at Standard Trust Bank Plc now United Bank for Africa, UBA and pioneer staff at Platinum Bank Ltd.
- Distinguished treasurer
He is a distinguished treasurer in the Nigerian banking industry, having led the treasury departments of ICON Stockbrokers and Commercial Trust Bank. He also served as group head, financial institutions department in Standard Trust Bank and group head, investment banking at Platinum Bank Limited.
- No rookie MD
Akpani disengaged from Platinum Bank Ltd as vice president, institutional banking to start United Mortgage Bank Limited which capitalised in 2015 and got a licence a year later. A change agent with very strong interpersonal skills and industry depth, he is well respected within and outside the industry and has been able to build up an effective network of contacts and associates in most strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy.
- His wife
He is married to Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company, Winifred Akpani.
- Tennis lover
Akpani plays tennis and is actively involved in the development of youth tennis in Nigeria.
