By Aduragbemi Omiyale
An academic with over 35 years of experience in the fields of Engineering, Project Management, and Strategic Development, Mr Kassim Gidado, has been appointed as the chairman of the board of Polaris Bank.
Mr Gidado was chosen to head the board of the financial institution by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which formed the company after the operating licence of Skye Bank Plc was revoked in 2018.
The chairman will lead the 10-man board, which includes other non-executive directors like Dr Akwa Effiong Okon, Mr Ambursa Abubakar Umar, Mrs Ayaba Ayo-Joseph, Mrs Subuuade Giwa Amu, and Dr Onosode Christopher.
They will provide support for the executive management team led by Mr Kayode Lawal, who is the chief executive of Polaris Bank. The other executive directors are Mr Chris Ofikulu for Retail and Commercial, Mrs Abimbola Ozomah for Corporate & Investment Banking, and Sharafadeen Muhammed for Operations.
“We are thrilled to welcome these seasoned professionals to the board of Polaris Bank.
“Their diverse expertise and leadership qualities will be invaluable as we drive our strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the bank as a leading Nigeria digital bank.
“These appointments mark a significant step in Polaris Bank’s journey towards achieving sustained growth and delivering exceptional value to our stakeholders,” the CEO stated.
Mr Gidado has held prestigious roles, including Group Managing Director and Chief of Staff at MAG Group Limited, where he managed a diverse portfolio of companies across 35 countries.
His extensive experience in public-private partnerships, and infrastructure development, among other strategic footprints, will be invaluable to the growth and development of Polaris Bank.
Over the years, he has advised governments and captains of industry on several strategic and policy issues in procurement, infrastructure development, and security.
He recently championed the development of the North-East Stabilisation and Development Master Plan (NESDMP) for the North-East Development Commission.
He produced the document that sets the Commission up in the mode for Readiness-for-Execution for the implementation of the NESDMP until the year 2030.
A community leader of repute, Mr Gidado is the Wazirin Jam’are in Jam’are Local Government in Bauchi State. His extensive academic, public service and professional background will provide invaluable leadership as he assumes the role of Board Chairman.