By Blossom Ukoha Some leadership journeys begin with a title. Others begin long before anyone is watching, in classrooms, courtrooms, committee rooms and the quiet decisions that gradually build a reputation. For Mrs. Ifeyinwa Osime, the journey to the chairmanship of Access Bank Plc was not an overnight ascent. It was decades in the making: a journey through law, insurance, corporate governance and board leadership that ultimately placed her at the helm of one of Africa’s major financial institutions. In January 2026, Osime was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Access Bank Plc, succeeding Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN, who retired after completing his regulatory tenure. Her elevation marked another significant moment for women in Nigerian financial services, but perhaps more importantly, it represented the culmination of a woman who had spent years quietly preparing for the opportunity to lead. As Group Chairman of Access Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR,…

“I am delighted to be taking up the role of Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja. I look forward to getting to know this extraordinary country, meeting people from across Nigeria’s diverse communities, and building on the strong partnership that already exists between our two countries. Together, I hope we can continue creating opportunities for greater collaboration and links between our people in the years ahead.” — Vicky Seymour For Vicky Seymour, her new posting in Abuja is about more than assuming a senior diplomatic position. It is an opportunity to deepen a relationship between two countries connected by history, trade, development, security, migration, education and millions of personal relationships. Appointed Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission in Abuja in August 2026, Seymour arrives with more than two decades of experience spanning diplomacy, international development, trade, climate, security and government service. Her career across Africa and other complex international…