Dr. Ije Jidenma Becomes First Female President of Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce

Lagos, Nigeria** – Dr. Ije Jidenma has made history as the first female President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSCC). Her election was confirmed during the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting, held recently at Eko Hotels, Lagos. #### **Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Investment** Founded in 2000, the NSCC plays a crucial role in fostering trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa. It has grown into one of Nigeria’s most influential bilateral chambers, offering businesses a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration. Dr. Jidenma takes over from Mr. Osayaba Giwa-Osagie, Senior Partner at Giwa-Osagie & Co., joining the ranks of esteemed past leaders such as Dr. Oba Otudeko, CFR, Founder/Chairman of Honeywell Group, and Mr. Foluso Philips, Founder/Chairman of Philips Consulting and former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. #### **New Leadership and Board Appointments** Alongside Dr. Jidenma, Mr. Ajibola Olomola, a Partner and Head of Deal Advisory, M&A, and Tax at KPMG, has been re-elected as Vice Chairman. Other key board appointments include: - **Mr. Wole Adeniyi**, CEO of Stanbic IBTC Bank, replacing Dr. Demola Sogunle. - **Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo**, Chief Corporate and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria. - **Mr. Ohis Ehimiaghe**, Regional Manager for North, West, and Central Africa at South African Airways. - **Mr. Zoe Omonkhogbe**, CFO of African Capital Alliance, serving as Treasurer. - **Mr. Iyke Ejimofor**, the Chamber’s Executive Secretary. #### **Profile: Dr. Ije Jidenma – A Seasoned Corporate Leader** Dr. Jidenma is a renowned management consultant with expertise in corporate governance, human resources, and organizational development. She is the Founder and CEO of Leading Edge Consulting and a Partner at Kestria Global, an executive search firm operating in over 90 cities worldwide. Her corporate governance experience spans several local and international boards, including: - Former Independent Non-Executive Director, **First Bank of Nigeria Limited**. - Former Non-Executive Director, **First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited**. - Director, **African Corporate Governance Network**. - Current Independent Non-Executive Director, **MoMo Payment Savings Bank Ltd** (a subsidiary of MTN). An expert in human resource management and psychometrics, Dr. Jidenma holds a PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Psychometrics from the University of Lagos. She has also attended executive programs at Harvard Business School, IESE Business School, Cranfield School of Management, and Lagos Business School. #### **Awards and Recognitions** Dr. Jidenma’s contributions to leadership and corporate governance have earned her numerous accolades, including: - **Deloitte International Women Award** (2013). - **Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL) Role Model Award** (2013). - **Most Respected HR Personality in Africa Award** (2015, Nairobi). - **Global Female Leadership Impact Award** (2018, Dubai). - **Olutoyin Olakunri Woman Director of the Year Award** (2023, Chartered Institute of Directors). - **Distinguished Leadership Award** (2024, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management). - **Exemplary Leadership and Service to Humanity Award** (2024, Heritage for Life Foundation). #### **Advocacy, Philanthropy, and Personal Life** Beyond corporate leadership, Dr. Jidenma is a strong advocate for gender equity and youth empowerment. Through the Women Director Development Committee and the Youth Development Forum of the Institute of Directors, she has championed the inclusion of women in top corporate positions and created opportunities for young entrepreneurs, especially in the SME sector. She is also the Founder of the **Goddy Jidenma Foundation**, which has supported education, healthcare, and youth development since 2007. A widow, Dr. Jidenma was conferred with the title **Awelle-Nibo** alongside her late husband, Arc. Goddy Jidenma, **Ugwumba-Nibo**, by His Royal Highness Dr. M.C. Ngene, Ezeike IV of Nibo. She is a published author, with her novel *Kasie* recommended for secondary and tertiary education in some states. As she takes on this historic role at NSCC, Dr. Jidenma is set to deepen Nigeria-South Africa trade relations and drive business growth between both nations.