By Ayomide Otitoju
Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer at Fidelity Bank Plc, has formally taken office as President of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), pledging transformative reforms aimed at strengthening risk governance across sectors in the country.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held in Lagos over the weekend, Ugwuoke, who also serves as Acting President of the Federation of African Risk Management Associations (FARMA), described his emergence as “a call to action” to reposition the Institute as a national thought leader in risk management.
“Our mission transcends certification; we aim to entrench a strong culture of risk governance at every level. We will work with regulators, raise awareness, and develop tools that empower institutions to embed risk thinking in their operations,” Ugwuoke said.
He unveiled a five-point strategic agenda for his administration: enhancing professional education and certification; deepening engagement with policymakers and regulators; accelerating digital transformation; integrating ESG and climate risk into corporate strategy; and mentoring emerging professionals in the field.
Ugwuoke also announced plans to launch a National Risk Observatory — a digital platform designed to provide real-time risk data to government and private sector stakeholders. In addition, the CRMI curriculum will be revised to include new certifications that address emerging risks in cybersecurity, climate change, and enterprise resilience.
“Digital innovation will drive our outreach. From virtual learning to automated services, we are building a tech-driven Institute capable of supporting risk professionals nationwide,” he stated.
Outgoing CRMI President Professor Ezekiel Oseni, in his farewell remarks, urged the new leadership to consolidate on past gains, including achieving chartered status, expanding partnerships, and attaining international visibility.
Chukwuma Nweke, Deputy Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA), delivered a goodwill message on behalf of UBA Group CEO Oliver Alawuba. He described Ugwuoke as a seasoned leader and welcomed his vision for a stronger CRMI.
“With increasing economic uncertainty — from inflation to currency volatility — it is imperative to treat risk not as a compliance burden but as a key driver of stability and growth,” Nweke said. “Organizations that prioritize risk will absorb shocks more effectively and gain investor trust.”
The event also saw 11 distinguished professionals conferred with the prestigious Fellow of Chartered Risk Manager (FCRMI) title, while 21 new members were inducted as Chartered Risk Managers (CRM). A new Governing Council was inaugurated to steer the Institute through the 2025–2027 term, signaling a new chapter in CRMI’s institutional evolution.
