Our Directors
Olufemi A. Akinsanya
Chairman
Olufemi Akinsanya is the Chairman of First Ally Capital. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and a Master of Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1979. A Chartered Accountant, he began his career at Arthur Andersen & Co. and later transitioned into merchant and investment banking at First City Merchant Bank, where he rose to the position of General Manager and Head of Corporate Finance.Â
Olufemi A. Akinsanya
Chairman
Olufemi Akinsanya is the Chairman of First Ally Capital. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Lagos and a Master of Business Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, where he graduated at the top of his class in 1979. A Chartered Accountant, he began his career at Arthur Andersen & Co. and later transitioned into merchant and investment banking at First City Merchant Bank, where he rose to the position of General Manager and Head of Corporate Finance.Â
With decades of experience in the financial services sector, he played a pivotal role in modernising the Nigerian securities market. He co-founded the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, contributing significantly to shaping the country’s economic policies. His leadership and insight have driven key reforms that have strengthened Nigeria’s investment banking industry.Â
He is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and a licensed dealer on the Nigerian Exchange. He is the Chairman of NGX Regulation. He remains committed to promoting innovation and excellence in the financial services industry.Â
Ebenezer Olufowose
Group Managing Director/CEO
Ebenezer Olufowose is Co-Founder and Group Managing Director/CEO of First Ally Capital. Before setting up First Ally Capital, he was Executive Director at Access Bank Plc, and Director with Citigroup (also Executive Director, Citibank Nigeria) where he led Citigroup’s origination, structuring and execution of corporate finance and investment banking transactions in Nigeria. He was appointed to the Board of First Bank of Nigeria in April 2021 and became Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank in May 2024. Â
With four decades of experience in the financial services industry, he started his banking career in 1985 at NAL Merchant Bank Plc (NAL) where he worked in the Corporate Planning and Corporate Finance Departments. He also held other strategic positions in First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank).
Ebenezer Olufowose
Group Managing Director/CEO
Ebenezer Olufowose is Co-Founder and Group Managing Director/CEO of First Ally Capital. Before setting up First Ally Capital, he was Executive Director at Access Bank Plc, and Director with Citigroup (also Executive Director, Citibank Nigeria) where he led Citigroup’s origination, structuring and execution of corporate finance and investment banking transactions in Nigeria. He was appointed to the Board of First Bank of Nigeria in April 2021 and became Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank in May 2024. Â
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With four decades of experience in the financial services industry, he started his banking career in 1985 at NAL Merchant Bank Plc (NAL) where he worked in the Corporate Planning and Corporate Finance Departments. He also held other strategic positions in First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank). Â
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A first-class honours degree holder in Economics from the University of Lagos, he holds a Master’s degree in International Economics from the University of Sussex, Brighton England, where he studied as a Sir Adam Thomson/British Caledonian Airways Scholar. He has attended several management and leadership training programs at leading executive development institutions, including the Institute of Management Development (IMD), Lausanne Switzerland, Harvard Business School, Boston USA, INSEAD Singapore, Kellogg School of Management, Evanston, Illinois USA and The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania USA. He is an Alumnus of the Harvard Business School and the Lagos Business School and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration and Fellow of the Association of Investment Advisers & Portfolio Managers.Â
Olumayowa Ogunwemimo
Deputy Group Managing Director
Olumayowa Ogunwemimo serves as Deputy Group Managing Director of First Ally Capital and Managing Director of First Ally Asset Management (FAAM). She joined FAAM in 2020, bringing over two decades of expertise in asset management, financial planning, and investment advisory. Her visionary leadership has driven significant growth, positioning FAAM as a leading player in Nigeria’s asset management space.Â
Olumayowa Ogunwemimo
Deputy Group Managing Director
Olumayowa Ogunwemimo serves as Deputy Group Managing Director of First Ally Capital and Managing Director of First Ally Asset Management (FAAM). She joined FAAM in 2020, bringing over two decades of expertise in asset management, financial planning, and investment advisory. Her visionary leadership has driven significant growth, positioning FAAM as a leading player in Nigeria’s asset management space.Â
Her career began at First Securities Discount House (now FSDH Merchant Bank), where she excelled in risk management and investments before serving as Managing Director of FSDH Asset Management for nine years. Her ability to develop innovative investment strategies and foster strong client relationships has been a hallmark of her career.Â
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), she holds a degree in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University and is an alumna of Lagos Business School’s Senior Management Programme. She has attended numerous leadership and investment management courses, underscoring her dedication to professional excellence.Â
Kayode Abobarin
Executive Director, Finance & IT
Kayode Abobarin is the Executive Director, Finance and IT, at First Ally Capital. A seasoned professional accountant, he joined First Ally in 2014 as Head of Finance and has since played a key role in shaping the group’s financial strategy and operational framework. His expertise in financial control, treasury, and strategic investments has been instrumental in the company’s continued success.Â
Kayode Abobarin
Executive Director, Finance & IT
Kayode Abobarin is the Executive Director, Finance and IT, at First Ally Capital. A seasoned professional accountant, he joined First Ally in 2014 as Head of Finance and has since played a key role in shaping the group’s financial strategy and operational framework. His expertise in financial control, treasury, and strategic investments has been instrumental in the company’s continued success.
With over 15 years of experience across diverse sectors such as banking, financial services, and consulting, he has built a reputation for delivering results through innovative problem-solving and strategic foresight. His leadership ensures that First Ally operates with efficiency and remains responsive to market dynamics.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and an alumnus of the Institute of Management Development (IMD), Switzerland. Mr Abobarin has attended numerous workshops and executive training programmes locally and internationally.
Funsho Kupolokun
Group Non-Executive Director
Funsho Kupolokun is a Director at First Ally Capital, bringing decades of experience from Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos and recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, he has held pivotal roles, including Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).Â
Funsho Kupolokun
Group Non-Executive Director
Funsho Kupolokun is a Director at First Ally Capital, bringing decades of experience from Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. A graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos and recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, he has held pivotal roles, including Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
During his tenure at NNPC, Engr Kupolokun spearheaded critical reforms and strategic initiatives that transformed the corporation’s operations. His leadership extended to chairing Nigeria LNG and other major entities within the oil and gas sector, underscoring his influence in shaping energy policies.
In addition to his industry contributions, he has been a mentor to emerging leaders in the energy sector, fostering innovation and excellence. His career is a testament to the power of strategic vision and unwavering commitment to progress.
Biodun Arokodare
Group Non-Executive Director
Biodun Arokodare is a Director at First Ally Capital with a distinguished career spanning banking, accounting, and financial management. A graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he holds an MBA in Management and Finance from the University of Lagos and a PhD in Strategic Management from Babcock University.Â
Biodun Arokodare
Group Non-Executive Director
Biodun Arokodare is a Director at First Ally Capital with a distinguished career spanning banking, accounting, and financial management. A graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he holds an MBA in Management and Finance from the University of Lagos and a PhD in Strategic Management from Babcock University.
His career highlights include serving as Group Executive Director at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where he coordinated finance, treasury, and accounting functions. His expertise has been critical in developing strategies that drive organisational growth and financial sustainability.
He has attended many management development courses in INSEAD, Singapore, The Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, where he is an Aresty Scholar, and Harvard Business School, Boston, USA.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), Dr Arokodare is renowned for his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver impactful results.
Ayoola Oduntan
Group Non-Executive Director
Ayoola Oduntan is a Director at First Ally Capital and a leading figure in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector. With over 30 years of experience, he serves as the Group Managing Director of Amo Group, which serves the Animal Protein Industry in frozen chicken, beef, day-old Chicks, feed, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and consulting. He has been instrumental in advancing agricultural practices and driving food security initiatives in Nigeria.Â
Ayoola Oduntan
Group Non-Executive Director
Ayoola Oduntan is a Director at First Ally Capital and a leading figure in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector. With over 30 years of experience, he serves as the Group Managing Director of Amo Group, which serves the Animal Protein Industry in frozen chicken, beef, day-old Chicks, feed, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and consulting. He has been instrumental in advancing agricultural practices and driving food security initiatives in Nigeria.
His expertise extends to strategic leadership and innovation within the livestock industry, where he has championed sustainable practices and mentored the next generation of agribusiness professionals. His contributions have earned him recognition both locally and internationally as a leader in his field.
A graduate of Veterinary Medicine from Ahmadu Bello University, he has attended executive programmes at Harvard Business School, where his companies have been showcased in a HBS case study called Noiler. His dedication to agricultural development and sustainability continues to make a significant impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Obeahon Ohiwerei
Group Non-Executive Director
Obeahon Ohiwerei is a Director at First Ally Capital, bringing over three decades of expertise in banking and financial services. He has held numerous executive positions, including Group Managing Director of Keystone Bank and Co-Founder of First Ally Capital. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in transforming organisations and driving sustainable growth.Â
Obeahon Ohiwerei
Group Non-Executive Director
Obeahon Ohiwerei is a Director at First Ally Capital, bringing over three decades of expertise in banking and financial services. He has held numerous executive positions, including Group Managing Director of Keystone Bank and Co-Founder of First Ally Capital. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in transforming organisations and driving sustainable growth.
During his tenure at Access Bank, he served as Group Executive Director, overseeing expansion initiatives that significantly enhanced the bank’s market presence. His diverse career also includes founding Standard Trust Bank Ghana (now UBA Ghana), where he played a key role in establishing a strong financial framework.
A graduate of Ambrose Alli University with a degree in Mathematics and an MBA, he holds an honorary doctorate from Trinity International University of Ambassadors. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Fellow – Institute of Credit Administration and an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. Furthermore, he is the Chairman of Oxygen X Finance and Founder/President of Squareme Technologies Nigeria.
Sadiku Rafindadi
Group Independent Non-Executive Director
Sadiku Abdulkadir Rafindadi is a Director at First Ally Capital with a distinguished career spanning public and private sectors. As former Director of Commercial and Business Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), he led initiatives that significantly increased revenue generation across Nigeria’s commercial airports.Â
Sadiku Rafindadi
Group Independent Non-Executive Director
Sadiku Abdulkadir Rafindadi is a Director at First Ally Capital with a distinguished career spanning public and private sectors. As former Director of Commercial and Business Development at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), he led initiatives that significantly increased revenue generation across Nigeria’s commercial airports.
Prior to his tenure at FAAN, he held leadership roles at British Petroleum (BP) and Brinks Incorporated, showcasing his versatility in managing complex business operations. His entrepreneurial pursuits in real estate and automotive industries in Atlanta, USA, further highlight his diverse expertise.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA in Finance from Clark Atlanta University. A member of the International Airport Professional (IAP) community, and A Fellow of the Institute of Business Development (IBD), he continues to contribute valuable insights to First Ally’s strategic direction.