Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer at Fidelity Bank Plc, has officially taken over as President of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), ushering in a new era of reform-driven leadership focused on policy advocacy, ethical standards, and digital transformation in risk governance.
The formal handover ceremony, held over the weekend in Lagos, marked a milestone for the institute as Ugwuoke — who also serves as Acting President of the Federation of African Risk Management Associations (FARMA) — described his new role as “a call to action.” He pledged to reposition CRMI as a key thought leader and institutional force in shaping Nigeria’s risk management landscape.
“Our mission goes beyond certification,” Ugwuoke stated. “It’s about cultivating a culture of risk governance across every sector. We will work with regulators, raise awareness, and provide tools that help organizations embed risk at every level.”
Ugwuoke outlined a five-point agenda for his administration, including:
* Strengthening professional education and certification;
* Deepening policy and regulatory engagement;
* Driving digital transformation within the Institute;
* Integrating ESG and climate risk into business strategies;
* Mentoring the next generation of risk professionals.
He further emphasized CRMI’s commitment to collaborating with major policy institutions — such as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, National Assembly, and sub-national governments — to embed risk governance into national and regional development plans.
To this end, Ugwuoke revealed plans to revise the Institute’s curriculum, launch specialized certifications in emerging risk areas, and introduce a National Risk Observatory that will provide real-time risk data to both public and private sectors.
“Technology will be at the core of CRMI’s operations going forward,” he said. “From backend automation to expanded virtual training programs, we will leverage digital tools to broaden our reach and impact.”
Outgoing CRMI President, Professor Ezekiel Oseni, in his remarks, urged the new leadership to build on the achievements of his tenure, which included securing the Institute’s chartered status, expanding global partnerships, and enhancing international visibility.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of UBA Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, the bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Chukwuma Nweke, praised Ugwuoke’s credentials and affirmed confidence in his leadership. “Kevin Ugwuoke is a highly respected voice in the risk management community. Under his watch, we expect CRMI to scale new heights.”
Nweke also noted that growing economic uncertainties — including inflation, currency volatility, and public debt — highlight the need for a more strategic approach to risk. “Risk is not just about compliance; it is a driver of resilience, growth, and investor confidence.”
The ceremony also saw the conferment of Fellow of Chartered Risk Manager (FCRMI) awards on 11 distinguished professionals, the induction of 21 new members as Chartered Risk Managers (CRM), and the inauguration of a new Governing Council for the 2025–2027 term — marking a fresh chapter in CRMI’s institutional evolution.