By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Anambra-born Lady Ada Chukwudozie, a prominent icon in Nigeria’s business and industrial landscape, has made history as the first Igbo woman to be appointed as the Chairman of a commercial bank in Nigeria.
This is coming, following her recent appointment as the Chairman of Keystone Bank on September 18, 2024, which not only marks a significant milestone in the banking sector, but also made her become the second female bank Chairman in Nigeria after Ibukun Awosika of First Bank.
Born on June 7, 1972, into the prestigious family of Nze Humphrey and Mrs. Keziah Okonkwo in Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ada Chukwudozie’s upbringing was deeply rooted in cultural values and a strong drive for excellence. She pursued higher education in chemical engineering, obtaining an HND from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu. This technical background laid the foundation for her future leadership roles. Lady Ada also 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, showcasing her broad and diverse academic prowess.
To further hone her skills, she attended the prestigious Lagos Business School and Pan African University. Notably, she also pursued advanced studies in Mandarin at the Chinese Cultural University and Taipei Language Institute, Taiwan. This multicultural and multidisciplinary education has allowed her to navigate the complexities of both the local and international business environment with remarkable ease.
Lady Ada’s career is decorated with numerous accomplishments across multiple sectors. As the Executive Director of Dozzy Oil and Gas Ltd, she has played a crucial role in the growth and strategic direction of one of Nigeria’s most successful conglomerates. Her work with Dozzy Group, Chaired by her husband, Daniel Chukwudozie, has solidified her reputation as a dynamic leader in oil and gas, manufacturing, and publishing.
Going forward in her career, one of her pioneering achievements came when she was elected Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi regions. This made her the first woman to ever hold this position. Under her leadership, she has continued to advocate for the interests of manufacturers and has driven innovation and development in the industry.
In addition to her roles in business, Lady Ada founded Vogue Afrique Magazine, a platform that promotes African fashion, culture, and entrepreneurship. Her work with the magazine aligns with her broader mission to uplift African enterprises and showcase the continent’s creative potential to the world.
Lady Ada Chukwudozie’s contributions have earned her numerous awards and honors. In 2021, she was awarded the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) by the Nigerian government, an acknowledgment of her outstanding contributions to industrial productivity and national development. She has also been recognized as “Industrialist of the Year 2022” by The Sun newspaper and as the “Vanguard Personality of the Year” in 2024 by Vanguard newspaper.
Her influence extends beyond Nigeria’s borders, as she is a United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace, reflecting her commitment to global peace initiatives and youth empowerment.
Ada Chukwudozie’s appointment as the Chairman of Keystone Bank marks a turning point not only in her career but also in Nigeria’s banking history. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to appoint her as the chairman is part of its broader strategy to bring stability and growth to the bank, which is seen as a vital player in Nigeria’s financial sector. Keystone Bank Managing Director, Hassan Imam, expressed optimism about her leadership, noting that her nearly three decades of experience across sectors will be pivotal in driving the bank’s future growth.
The new Board, under Chukwudozie’s leadership, includes seasoned professionals with extensive experience in banking, finance, and corporate governance. Together, they are expected to steer Keystone Bank toward capitalizing on economic opportunities while ensuring financial sustainability.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Ada Chukwudozie is also a dedicated wife and mother of six children. Her daughter, Sandra Chukwudozie, follows in her mother’s entrepreneurial footsteps as a clean energy activist, further reinforcing the family’s legacy of leadership and innovation.
Chukwudozie’s life story have been described by many as an inspiration to women, particularly those from the southeastern part of Nigeria, where her success symbolizes the potential for breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated sectors. With her appointment as the Chairman of Keystone Bank, she has shattered yet another glass ceiling, paving the way for more female leaders in Nigeria’s corporate world.
