Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director and Chief Risk Officer at Fidelity Bank Plc, has officially taken office as the President of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI). His inauguration signals the beginning of a reform-driven leadership focused on policy advocacy, ethical governance, and digital innovation to enhance risk management practices nationwide.
At the presidential handover ceremony held in Lagos over the weekend, 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 committed to positioning CRMI as a leading voice and institutional partner in advancing risk governance in Nigeria’s development landscape.
“Our mission extends beyond certification,” he said. “It involves fostering a strong culture of risk governance across sectors. We will work with regulators, raise public awareness, and equip organizations with practical tools to embed risk practices at every level.”
Ugwuoke unveiled a five-point strategic agenda for his administration:
1. Strengthening professional education and certification.
2. Enhancing policy and regulatory engagement.
3. Accelerating digital transformation within the Institute.
4. Integrating ESG and climate risk into corporate strategies.
5. Mentoring the next generation of risk management professionals.
He emphasized CRMI’s intent to align with key national institutions — including the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, the National Assembly, and state governments — to embed robust risk frameworks into economic development planning.
“Risk thinking must be woven into how we plan, govern, and invest. We will champion inclusive regulations to empower SMEs, support macroeconomic stability, and foster institutional resilience,” Ugwuoke stated.
As part of his digital innovation agenda, Ugwuoke announced plans to revise the Institute’s curriculum, introduce specialized certifications targeting emerging risk areas, and launch a National Risk Observatory to deliver real-time risk data to stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
“Technology will be at the heart of CRMI’s operations,” he noted. “From virtual training delivery to backend automation, we are scaling our national impact through innovation.”
In his farewell address, outgoing CRMI President Professor Ezekiel Oseni encouraged the new leadership to build on the Institute’s progress — including its chartered status, expanded partnerships, and increased international visibility — and to further elevate its institutional relevance.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of United Bank for Africa Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba, Deputy Managing Director Chukwuma Nweke praised Ugwuoke’s appointment.
“As Professor Oseni passes the baton to Kevin Ugwuoke — a highly respected figure in the risk management space — CRMI is undoubtedly positioned for greater accomplishments,” Nweke said.
He also emphasized the urgency of adopting a more strategic risk outlook amid growing economic uncertainties such as inflation, currency volatility, and rising debt levels.
“Risk must evolve from a compliance function into a strategic pillar. Institutions that embed risk within their frameworks will be better equipped to absorb shocks, deliver value, and attract investor confidence,” he added.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of the Fellow of Chartered Risk Manager (FCRMI) designation on 11 distinguished practitioners. Additionally, 21 new members were formally inducted as Chartered Risk Managers (CRM). A new Governing Council was inaugurated to steer the Institute’s affairs for the 2025–2027 term, marking a significant step in institutional renewal and strategic direction.
