HBM Nigeria Strengthens Board with New Appointments
HBM Nigeria has appointed peacebuilding expert Fatima Akil and former Cross River State Attorney General Nella Andemuewa as independent non-executive directors. Their new roles will officially commence on July 1, pending shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.
This strategic move follows the resignations of Independent Non-Executive Director Adenike Ogunlesi, who retired on June 30, and Non-Executive Director Elenda Oshima Dokubo. HBM Nigeria praised the contributions of the outgoing directors for their roles in the company’s growth and corporate governance.
In its recent announcement, HBM Nigeria highlighted the extensive entrepreneurial experience and strategic leadership that Mr. Ogunlesi and Ms. Oshima Dokubo brought to the board. Their insights played a crucial role in navigating business challenges during their tenure.
The company’s board and management expressed heartfelt gratitude to the departing directors, noting their dedication and the invaluable expertise they provided. HBM Nigeria emphasized the importance of their experience in shaping the company’s strategic direction.
As it welcomes its new board members, HBM Nigeria anticipates that Dr. Fatima Akil and Ms. Nella Andemuewa will offer significant insights and strategic oversight, contributing to the company’s objectives of sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Profiles of New Board Members
Dr. Fatima Akil is the Founder and Executive Director of the Neem Foundation. In this capacity, she leads initiatives aimed at preventing violent extremism, fostering mental health, and building community resilience. Her previous experience includes serving as Director of Behavioral Analysis and Strategic Communications within the Office of the National Security Advisor, where she played a key role in developing Nigeria’s counter-violent extremism strategy.
With a PhD and a Master’s degree in Psychology from the University of Reading in the UK, Dr. Akil holds notable positions, including Vice Chair of the United Nations Commissioned University for Peace and Professor Emeritus at King’s College London. She is also the Director of the Overseas Development Institute, further cementing her expertise in governance and community development.
Accomplished Legal Expert Joins Board
Joining Dr. Akil on HBM Nigeria’s board is Nella Andemuewa, a Principal Partner at Lexglobal Partners LP with over three decades of experience in legal practice, governance, arbitration, and public service. Ms. Andemuewa served as the Attorney General of Cross River State from 1999 to 2003 and garnered the title of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2009, reflecting her exceptional legal acumen.
Her leadership roles include Chair of the Leprosy Mission Nigeria and Vice-Chair of the Nigeria Division of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (UN CEDAW). Additionally, she has served on various influential councils, including the Nigerian Bar Association’s National Executive Council and the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission, making her a well-rounded addition to the HBM board.
