By Juliet Umeh

LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited has appointed Ms. Angela Eneze Omeiza as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective from July 17, 2024.

Omeiza will serve as the Chairperson of the Board’s Environmental, Social, and Governance, ESG Committee, as well as the Board Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

According to LAPO, “This appointment marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing corporate governance and advancing social responsibility.”

Omeiza is an accomplished legal expert, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Commercial Law from the University of Westminster, UK, and a Master’s Degree in Commercial & Corporate Law from Queen Mary, University of London.

She is also a Barrister-at-Law, qualified by the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, and an esteemed member of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Ms. Omeiza’s leadership abilities were recognized on an international scale when she was selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow by the U.S. Department of State in 2019, where she completed a program in Leadership in Civic Engagement at Indiana University, USA.

With over a decade of experience in corporate and commercial legal practice, Omeiza is also a renowned International Development Expert and a dynamic leader in Nigeria’s social impact space.

As the CEO and Founder of Jela’s Development Initiatives, she has led transformative projects in areas such as sustainable water access, blood donation, youth empowerment, and mental health. Her innovative initiatives, including the development of “J Blood Match” – an app that connects blood donors with recipients across Nigeria – have positively impacted over 50,000 lives.

Beyond her legal and development work, Omeiza is an experienced media consultant with a successful career in radio broadcasting. Her advocacy for social impact through media has influenced over 1 million people, driving impactful campaigns across various sectors, including aviation, healthcare, education, and nonprofits.

Omeiza’s contributions to society have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria by The Guardian Newspaper in 2018, Amazon of the Year Woman on Fire in 2018, and among the Top 100 Women in Development by Donors for Africa in 2020.

Commenting on her appointment, Mr. Oluremi Akande, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at LAPO Microfinance Bank, said: “Ms. Omeiza’s exemplary leadership and strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue our mission to empower communities and drive sustainable development. Her extensive experience in social impact and corporate governance will significantly enhance our efforts to create positive change in the communities we serve.”