A Heartfelt Tribute to Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, CFA, FCA, LLM: Celebrating a Visionary Leader on His Birthday

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed professional colleagues, and cherished stakeholders,

Today, we gather in our respective places of impact across the globe not only to celebrate the birthday of a remarkable leader but to honor a man whose strategic brilliance, unwavering dedication, and profound loyalty have shaped the trajectory of one of Africa’s most formidable financial institutions—Access Bank Plc. As penned by Dr. Ohio O. Ojeagbase FICA, FIDR of Kreeno Debt Recovery & Private Investigation Agency and the Coalition Against Financial Fraud Initiative in Africa (CAFFIA), this tribute seeks to honor a distinguished professional, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, CFA, FCA, LLM who marks another year of life, we reflect on his extraordinary journey, his alignment with the legacy of the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, and his indelible contributions to banking, innovation, and sustainable growth across Africa and beyond 

Introduction: A Leader Born to Inspire

Birthdays are milestones that invite us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the intersections of personal legacy and professional impact. For Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, this day is a testament to a career defined by resilience, vision, and an unyielding commitment to loyalty and excellence. His leadership, deeply rooted in the foundational principles of Access Bank’s co-founders, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Dr. Herbert Wigwe, has ensured continuity in an era of transformation, solidifying the bank’s position as a global financial powerhouse becoming Africa’s gateway to the world.

As we honor Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, we delve into the pillars of his success: his strategic foresight, loyalty to the co-founders’ vision, and ability to turn challenges into opportunities. This tribute is not merely a recounting of achievements but a celebration of a leader who embodies the ethos of “Africa’s Gateway to the World.”

Early Career and Joining Access Bank: The Foundation of a Legacy

Mr. Ogbonna’s journey with Access Bank began in 2002, a pivotal year when Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede and Dr. Herbert Wigwe acquired the then-struggling institution, ranked 65th amongst Nigerian banks. Armed with a distinguished background in finance—bolstered by his credentials as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)—Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna joined the bank at a time of immense uncertainty and possibility. Prior to Access Bank, he worked at Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and from there moved with the co-founders in 2002.

His early roles were marked by a hands-on approach to restructuring the bank’s commercial banking, aligning them with the founders’ audacious vision. Through meticulous financial stewardship and a knack for identifying growth opportunities in his markets, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a pragmatic strategist with an eye for detail in growing his commercial banking portfolios.

Leadership Under Dr. Herbert Wigwe’s Vision: A Living Blueprint for Excellence

The sudden departure of Dr. Herbert Wigwe in February 2024 was not just a moment of mourning—it was a monumental shift in the soul of African banking. Yet, even in death, his medium-term blueprint lives on—a vibrant scroll of vision etched into the architecture of Access Bank’s future. Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, the man who walked faithfully beside the co-founders for over two decades, did not just step into the role of CEO—he rose into it with prophetic ease. His ascent was no surprise to those of us who watched closely, for he had been carrying the torch in silence, stewarding the mandate with loyalty, integrity, and grace. Under his command, the Bank’s pan-African dreams found fresh legs—spanning 24 nations on the continent, whilst boldly planting flags in Paris, London, Dubai, and Beijing.

This audacious reach is not mere expansion; it is a fulfilment of Dr. Wigwe’s dream—bridging Africa to the world through trade, trust, and transformation. In the digital space, Mr. Ogbonna has infused Access Bank with kinetic innovation—from green bonds to AI-driven platforms that serve the unbanked with dignity. He has made blockchain more than a buzzword—turning it into a bridge for payments, a promise for tomorrow, and a passport to inclusion for millions. True to the co-founder’s creed, he has enshrined sustainability into corporate DNA—embracing ESG policies, carbon neutrality, and clean energy investments as pillars, not PR. When grief threatened stability, it was the Acting Group CEO of the Access Corporation Plc Ms Bolaji Agbede and the Banking Group CEO Mr. Ogbonna’s calmness, faith-filled leadership that reassured staff, shareholders, and regulators alike that the vision still lived. And through it all, his authenticity has never waned—mentoring young minds, uplifting underserved voices, and leading not with fanfare, but with faithful footsteps. In Roosevelt Ogbonna, we do not merely witness succession—we behold the continuation of a divine assignment, wrapped in discipline, sealed with destiny.

A New Chapter in African Banking Under Roosevelt Ogbonna

Access Bank’s acquisition of Bidvest Bank is more than a business transaction; it’s a strategic move that underscores the bank’s commitment to its vision of leading the transformation of the African banking sector. By tapping into South Africa’s strategic market, Access Bank is not only expanding its footprint but also positioning itself as a catalyst for economic growth and integration across Africa.

As Access Bank embarks on this new chapter, the eyes of the banking world will be on how this acquisition unfolds and the implications it holds for the broader African banking landscape. If successful, Access Bank’s foray into South Africa could serve as a blueprint for other African banks aspiring to expand their presence on the continent and beyond. The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but for Access Bank, the potential rewards are well worth the endeavor.

Malta: A Strategic Gateway in Access Bank's Global Expansion Vision

Access Bank Group CEO, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, stated that Malta’s strategic location—connecting Europe, Africa, and the Middle East—made it a deliberate and essential choice for the bank’s international expansion. He highlighted Malta’s robust and collaborative regulatory environment, particularly the support from the Malta Financial Services Authority, as a key enabler. The diversity and maturity of Malta’s financial services sector, including a wide range of banking models, further reinforced its attractiveness. Ogbonna also expressed confidence in the strength of local talent, commending the all-Maltese team leading Access Bank Malta. By integrating Malta into its growing network across 24 countries, Access Bank is positioning the island as a pivotal hub for cross-border investment and trade. This move supports the bank’s broader mission to become Africa’s gateway to the world, especially at a time when other global banks are retreating from African markets. Ogbonna concluded by appreciating the warm reception from Malta’s political, regulatory, and business leaders, underscoring the island’s welcoming and progressive financial culture.

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Roosevelt Ogbonna Urges African Governments to Break Free from Colonial Banking Mindset and Empower Local Financial Institutions

At the Africa Financial Industry Summit in Casablanca, Access Bank CEO Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna criticized the tendency of African governments to place their foreign reserves in Western banks like JP Morgan and Citibank, labeling this practice as a "colonial mindset" that undermines trust in African global financial institutions. He emphasized that for Africa to truly take control of its destiny, governments must deposit their reserves with African banks, thereby empowering local institutions to support economic development. Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna highlighted the disparity in treatment between African and Western banks, noting that African banks are often held to higher standards and face skepticism in securing deals, even when equally qualified. He also pointed out that the cost of capital for African banks is significantly higher—by 300 to 400 basis points—compared to their global counterparts, a discrepancy he attributes to fear and price gouging rather than actual risk. Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna called for a shift in perception, urging African leaders to trust and invest in their own financial systems to foster sustainable growth. He mentioned that some African presidents are beginning to champion this change, recognizing the need to challenge the existing global financial system that doesn't favor Africa. Ultimately, Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna's message was a call to action for African nations to support their local banks, thereby strengthening the continent's financial autonomy and resilience. Named African Banker of the Year during the fourth edition of the Africa Financial Summit (AFIS) in 2024.

Access Bank CEO Roosevelt Ogbonna Reaffirms Global Vision, Credits Foundational Leadership of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede and Dr. Herbert Wigwe

In a recent statement, Access Bank CEO Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna emphasized the bank's commitment to becoming a global leader rooted in African excellence. He highlighted the successful completion of a rights issue, raising ₦351 billion ($228 million), which positions Access Bank above the Central Bank of Nigeria's new capital requirements for international banks. This capital boost is part of a broader $1.5 billion capital-raising initiative aimed at supporting the bank's expansion into new markets, including Morocco, Egypt, and the United States. Ogbonna reiterated that Access Bank's vision is to be more than a financial institution; it aims to be a platform where the world connects, reflecting its commitment to innovation, growth, and global integration. He also acknowledged the foundational role of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, whose visionary leadership continues to inspire the bank's strategic direction and global aspirations. 

Honoring the Past, Building the Future

Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna is a man who reveres legacy, yet keeps his gaze fixed steadily on the horizon.

In many of his leadership reflections, he echoes the wisdom of his late mentor, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who often declared that “the future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” Embodying this principle, Mr. Ogbonna has championed strategic initiatives that marry tradition with innovation. He has spearheaded the implementation of AI-powered risk management frameworks that proactively shield the Bank from emerging threats. Recognizing the increasing volatility of the global financial landscape, he has also forged partnerships with top-tier international cybersecurity firms. These collaborations are not just tactical—they are transformative, ensuring that Access Bank operates at the cutting edge of security, efficiency, and resilience. Indeed, by preserving the pillars of the past while constructing the pathways of tomorrow, Mr. Ogbonna stands as both a steward of legacy and a visionary of the future.

A Personal Note: Reflections from Dr. Ohio O. Ojeagbase

As we celebrate the birthday of Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna today, we are not merely marking the passage of another year, but honoring a life steeped in purpose, resilience, and transformational leadership. Roosevelt is more than a high-performing executive—he is a portrait of what becomes possible when discipline, innovation, and integrity align under divine providence.

I have always held the view that Roosevelt Ogbonna is not just a banker—he is a beacon. A light shining through the corridors of corporate Nigeria, showing us what can be achieved when one lives by principle and serves with unwavering dedication. His journey, whilst deeply personal, has become a public testament—a road others now courageously tread because he first dared to walk it.

Even more profound, perhaps, is the generation of warriors he has raised—emerging leaders within the Bank who, like him, possess the audacity to pioneer, the grit to build, and the loyalty to honor legacy. These are not just protégés; they are proof of a leader who reproduces greatness. He is both fruit and seed—a living legacy and the blueprint of the future.

As far back as 2004, when Roosevelt was still a rising star, it was clear to my discerning eyes who the future CEO would be—long before HoldCo was ever conceived. I remember telling a colleague, “This one… is the future.” Whilst others stumbled under the weight of betrayal and inconsistency, Roosevelt stood unwavering. His commitment to excellence, adherence to corporate governance, and rare loyalty set him apart as a man born not just to lead, but to lead with honor. Your life continues to inspire. Your legacy is already being written in bold, enduring strokes.

Prayer declaration for Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna on his birthday

On this day of divine remembrance, I join all good hearted people of the world to declare that you - Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna walks in the unchanging love of God in Christ, rooted and established in grace and truth. May the Lord enlarge your coast and preserve your legacy, like Jabez whose name was turned into praise; I decree that wisdom, like that of Daniel, shall continually rest upon you in boardrooms and beyond. As Joseph prospered in Egypt, so shall you flourish in the marketplaces of nations with unprecedented favors that cannot be denied. Every seed you have sown in people both within the bank and outside shall rise as mighty oaks of righteousness, bearing fruits in due season. By the covenant of mercy, you shall be surrounded with divine protection, prosperity, and peace all your days. As your days are so shall your strength be and the Access Bank group shall exceed all expectations within the Access Holdings structure in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, your testimony from your life shall speak louder, shine brighter, and bless generations yet unborn. Amen.

Conclusion: A Birthday of Reflection and Renewed Purpose

On this special day, we honor not just Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna’s accomplishments but also the values he represents—excellence, humility, loyalty, integrity in business operations, and service. As you continue to lead Access Bank into new frontiers, we are reminded that true leadership is about empowering others whilst staying true to one’s principles.

Happy Birthday to a loyal banking icon whose legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come! May this new chapter bring even greater achievements and fulfillment in your life, family, and career.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
— In your hands, the future is bright.

From All Of Us At Access Nation, With warm regards,

Dr. Ohio O. Ojeagbase FICA, FIDR
Kreeno Debt Recovery & Private Investigation Agency
Coalition Against Financial Fraud Initiative in Africa (CAFFIA)

The Kreeno Consortium Of Anti-Fraud Champions & Legal Prosecutors

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