By Our Reporter
Ada Chukwudozie, a distinguished businesswoman from Anambra State, has made a landmark achievement by becoming the first Igbo woman to chair a commercial bank in Nigeria.
Her appointment as Chairman of Keystone Bank, announced on September 18, 2024, not only cements her place in banking history but also makes her the second female bank chairman in Nigeria, following Ibukun Awosika, who chaired First Bank.
Born on June 7, 1972, in Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ada hails from the respected family of Nze Humphrey and Mrs. Keziah Okonkwo. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong commitment to excellence, and she went on to study chemical engineering at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, earning an HND. This technical foundation was the bedrock of her career. In addition, she holds a postgraduate diploma and a master’s degree in business administration from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, along with a diploma in law from Lagos State University, highlighting her diverse educational background.
To sharpen her business acumen, Ada attended Lagos Business School and Pan African University. She also pursued language studies in Mandarin at the Chinese Cultural University and Taipei Language Institute, Taiwan, giving her a unique global perspective and enhancing her ability to navigate international markets.
Ada Chukwudozie has an impressive track record across various industries. As the Executive Director of Dozzy Oil and Gas Ltd, she has been instrumental in steering the company toward significant growth and success. Working alongside her husband, Daniel Chukwudozie, who chairs the Dozzy Group, she has made her mark in sectors like oil and gas, manufacturing, and publishing.
A trailblazer in her field, Ada became the first woman to lead the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for the Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi regions. Her leadership has driven innovation and pushed for the advancement of manufacturing in Nigeria, further solidifying her standing in the business community.
In addition to her corporate achievements, Ada founded Vogue Afrique Magazine, a platform dedicated to promoting African fashion, culture, and entrepreneurship. This endeavor aligns with her mission to elevate African creativity on the global stage.
Over the years, Ada’s contributions to business and industry have earned her multiple awards. In 2021, she was honored with the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) by the Nigerian government for her outstanding contributions to industrial growth. In 2022, The Sun newspaper named her “Industrialist of the Year,” while in 2024, Vanguard recognized her as “Personality of the Year.”
Ada’s influence extends internationally. She is a United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace, reflecting her commitment to youth empowerment and global peacebuilding efforts.
Her new role as Chairman of Keystone Bank represents a turning point in Nigerian banking. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to appoint her is part of its broader strategy to drive stability and growth at the bank. Keystone Bank’s Managing Director, Hassan Imam, expressed confidence in her leadership, noting that her nearly 30 years of cross-sector experience will be instrumental in the bank’s success.
The new board at Keystone Bank, now led by Ada Chukwudozie, is comprised of professionals with extensive expertise in banking, finance, and corporate governance. Together, they are expected to guide the bank toward seizing emerging economic opportunities while maintaining financial sustainability.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ada is a dedicated wife and mother of six. Her daughter, Sandra Chukwudozie, is also making waves as an advocate for clean energy, continuing the family’s tradition of leadership and innovation.
Ada Chukwudozie’s journey has been hailed as a source of inspiration for many, particularly women from Nigeria’s southeastern region. Her recent appointment breaks yet another barrier in a male-dominated industry, paving the way for more women to rise to leadership positions in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
