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Oversight and management are provided by the Board of Directors and Management Team.
Godwin Ehigiamusoe PhD, FCIB
Founder, LAPO
Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe is an accomplished social entrepreneur and a foremost microfinance practitioner who has applied the concept of social enterprise to successfully build a number of enterprises which address the needs of persons and businesses at the bottom end of the society.
He has a doctorate degree in Policy and Development Studies, a Master’s degree in Development Studies, Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, and a diploma in Corporative Thrift and Credit Management. He has attended several capacity enhancement and development programmes at the Harvard Kennedy School (2005); Lagos Business School (2010); IESE Business School, Barcelona (2010) and ISEAD Business School, Singapore Campus (2010).
In 2006, he led LAPO to win the prestigious Grameen Foundation Award for Excellence in Microfinance. He won the Model Entrepreneur Award – Nigeria of the FATE Foundation in 2008 and the Professor Schwab Foundation’s ‘Outstanding Social Entrepreneur for Africa 2010 Award. In 2014, Dr Ehigiamusoe won, along with former Governor Peter Obi, the Lagos Business School’s Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2012, the Rotary Club of Benin City honoured him for his outstanding contributions to human development while the University of Benin, Benin City also conferred on him Doctor of Science degree (Honoris Causa) in 2016.
He has authored, Understanding NGOs (1998), Poverty and Microfinance in Nigeria (2000), Issues in Microfinance: Enhancing Financial Inclusion (2011), It Can Be Done (The Mind Behind LAPO) and Touching Lives: My LAPO Journey (2021).
Dr. Oyefemi Margaret Obazee
Board Chairperson
Dr. Oyefemi Obazee is an experienced consultant ophthalmologist with affiliations to Echos Hospital, NNPC Medical Centre, and Faith Mediplex Hospital in Benin City. She also serves as a part-time Residency Trainer in Ophthalmology at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).
A graduate of the University of Ibadan with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), she is a Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS). Dr. Obazee brings extensive clinical expertise and leadership to the Board, demonstrating a strong commitment to healthcare excellence through her roles in both public and private medical sectors.
Mrs. Elizabeth Ngozi Ehigiamusoe
Board Vice Chairperson
Mrs. Elizabeth Ehigiamusoe is the founding Managing Director of Micro-Investment Support Services Limited (MISS). She holds an M.Sc. in Financial Management and a B.Sc. in Accounting from the University of Benin. A fellow of several professional bodies, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (London), National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Institute of Management.
Her experience includes executive education at Lagos Business School and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. She brings strong expertise in finance, marketing, and enterprise development.
Dr. Edward Osayomwanbor Aghimien
Non-Executive Director
Dr. Aghimien holds degrees in Economics, Marketing, and a Ph.D. in Business Administration. His career spans multiple senior roles at multinational firms including Unilever, UACN, and Lever Brothers. He has received executive education from Stanford Business School and specialized training in strategy, governance, and leadership.
A member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and Nigerian Institute of Management, he brings a global business perspective to the LAPO Board. His areas of expertise include brand management, finance, and corporate governance.
Dorcas Osahenrumwen Thorpe
Non-Executive Director
Dorcas Thorpe is a transformational leader in Nigeria’s financial services sector, with deep expertise in digital banking, strategic planning, and project execution. As the Head of Strategy & Transformation at LAPO Microfinance Bank, she spearheads initiatives that enhance profitability through innovative service delivery. She holds a B.Sc. in IT & Networking and an M.Sc. in Computer & Information Networks from institutions in the United Kingdom.
Dorcas is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (MCIB) and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management (ACIRM). She has enhanced her leadership skills through the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) at Lagos Business School and IESE Business School in Spain. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, she serves on several boards across the technology, health, and education sectors and leads partnerships at TEDxLagos, where she champions innovation and social impact.
Faith Negbe Osazuwa-Ojo
President/Chief Operating Officer
Faith Osazuwa-Ojo is a lawyer and a certified microfinance practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the microfinance sector, currently serving as President of Lift Above Poverty Organisation, and previously as Executive Director of Operations at the LAPO Microfinance Bank.
She has attended several international trainings including the Programme for Leadership Development Training by Harvard Business School. An alumna of both Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, she brings a wealth of expertise in leadership and financial empowerment.
Honestus Ayo Obadiora PhD
Executive Vice President, Health and Social Development
Dr. Honestus Obadiora is a seasoned public health and development expert with over 15 years of experience managing community-based programmes. He holds certifications in public health, business consultancy, and project management. As Executive Vice President at LAPO, he oversees initiatives focused on improving health and development outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Driven by a strong commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment, his leadership has significantly expanded LAPO’s outreach and deepened its social impact across Nigeria.
Dr. Victor O. Noruwa
Executive Vice President, Financial Inclusion
Dr. Victor Osaretin Noruwa is a seasoned professional with over 24 years of practical experience in microfinance banking and institutional management. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from Delta State University, Abraka, and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree from Atlantic International University, Honolulu, USA.
Dr. Noruwa has held prominent leadership roles at Rehoboth Microfinance Bank, FBN Microfinance Bank, and Afribank Microfinance Bank. He played a pivotal role in driving LAPO’s strategic expansion into Lagos, Ibadan, and Sierra Leone. A Chartered Microfinance Banker and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management, Dr. Noruwa is also a seasoned trainer in microfinance and governance. His expertise and leadership have made significant contributions to the development and professionalization of the microfinance sector in Nigeria and beyond.
Stephen Ehigiamusoe
Non-Executive Director
Stephen Ehigiamusoe is General Manager at GOBETH Reliance Investment Company Limited with extensive experience in business consulting, portfolio management, and enterprise development. He holds a B.Sc. degree in Public Health from the University of Debrecen, Hungary, and is currently pursuing an MBA at Lagos Business School. He has attended global training programmes in business sustainability and project management.
Stephen is a member of the Institute for Information Management and serves on the boards of several companies. He has provided strategic advisory services to both GOBETH and LAPO MFB.
Prof. Christopher Okhuomaronyi Aigbogun, PhD
Non-Executive Director
Professor Christopher Aigbogun is an academic leader and geophysics expert, currently serving as Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Benin. He holds Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. degrees in Geophysics and Applied Physics. He has supervised over 45 postgraduate students and published more than 50 scholarly articles. Prof. Aigbogun is affiliated with several international academic organizations, including the Nigerian Institute of Physics (NIP), the American Physical Society (APS), and the Association of American Physics Teachers (AAPT).
He brings a strong research and scientific background to the Board. His administrative experience includes leadership roles at the University of Benin and collaboration with Shell JV’s Center of Excellence in Geosciences.
Devonte Emokpae
Non-Executive Director
Devonte Osar-Emokpae is a technology executive with over a decade of experience in enterprise architecture, digital transformation, and AI integration. As Chairman of Mindshare Datatech, he leads initiatives in modernizing legacy systems and optimizing digital infrastructures.
He is known for building high-performance engineering teams and driving measurable improvements in operational efficiency. Devonte blends technical expertise with strategic leadership to deliver scalable, cloud-native solutions. His passion for innovation is matched by his collaborative leadership style and commitment to continuous learning.
Faith Negbe Osazuwa-Ojo
President/Chief Operating Officer
Faith Osazuwa-Ojo is a lawyer and a certified microfinance practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the microfinance sector, currently serving as President of Lift Above Poverty Organisation, and previously as Executive Director of Operations at the LAPO Microfinance Bank.
She has attended several international trainings including the Programme for Leadership Development Training by Harvard Business School. An alumna of both Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, she brings a wealth of expertise in leadership and financial empowerment.
Honestus Ayo Obadiora PhD
Executive Vice President, Health & Social Development
Dr. Honestus Obadiora is a seasoned public health and development expert with over 15 years of experience managing community-based programmes. He holds certifications in public health, business consultancy, and project management. As Executive Vice President at LAPO, he oversees initiatives focused on improving health and development outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Driven by a strong commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment, his leadership has significantly expanded LAPO’s outreach and deepened its social impact across Nigeria.
Dr. Victor O. Noruwa
Executive Vice President, Financial Inclusion
Dr. Victor Osaretin Noruwa is a seasoned professional with over 24 years of practical experience in microfinance banking and institutional management. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from Delta State University, Abraka, and a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree from Atlantic International University, Honolulu, USA.
Dr. Noruwa has held prominent leadership roles at Rehoboth Microfinance Bank, FBN Microfinance Bank, and Afribank Microfinance Bank. He played a pivotal role in driving LAPO’s strategic expansion into Lagos, Ibadan, and Sierra Leone. A Chartered Microfinance Banker and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management, Dr. Noruwa is also a seasoned trainer in microfinance and governance. His expertise and leadership have made significant contributions to the development and professionalization of the microfinance sector in Nigeria and beyond.
Philomena Irowa Elijah
Executive Vice President, Corporate Services
Mrs. Philomena Irowa Elijah holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education and a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Secretarial Administration. She brings extensive experience in Office Technology, Programming, Gender Mainstreaming, Enterprise Development and NGO Management, among others. Since joining LAPO as a programme officer, she has steadily advanced through various leadership roles, culminating in her current position as Executive Vice President, Corporate Services.
Tessa Obiageli Anota DBA
Executive Vice President, Livelihood & Social Protection
Dr. Tessa Obiageli Anota is a seasoned executive with over 23 years of extensive leadership experience in programme and project management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), training facilitation, strategic planning, research, systems strengthening, organizational development, and performance management.
She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), along with Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Public Health Education.
Dr. Anota is a Certified Management Consultant, a Chartered Strategic Management and Performance Consultant, and an active member of the National Association of Evaluators. Her multidisciplinary expertise and strategic vision continue to drive impactful and sustainable livelihood and social protection initiatives.
Stella Kieran Ibekwe Esq.
Company Secretary
Stella Kieran-Ibekwe has over 30 years' experience in microfinance, with a strong background in risk management, governance and compliance. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Microfinance Management and a Master's degree in Law, and is a certified Microfinance Banker.
As Company Secretary and Legal Adviser, she provides strategic guidance on regulatory and compliance matters.
Lucky Idahosa, FCA
Chief Finance Officer
Mr. Lucky Idahosa is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from Delta State University, Abraka. With over 16 years of progressive experience in financial management, he has served in various key roles including Internal Auditor, Regional Auditor, and Head of Internal Audit & Control at LAPO.
His expertise in financial oversight, risk management, and internal control systems has been instrumental in driving organizational integrity and efficiency. Mr. Idahosa currently serves as the Chief Finance Officer, where he leads the company’s financial strategy and governance with a focus on sustainable growth and fiscal discipline.
Victor Ehigiamusoe
Senior Vice President, Strategy & Transformation
Victor Ehigiamusoe is a seasoned professional with a strong foundation in finance, economics, and business management. His extensive corporate experience spans banking, financial reporting, and management consulting.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Management from the University of Manchester and a Master's degree in Economics and Strategy for Business from Imperial College London.