Eligibility for Individual Nominations:
Supporting Documents:
Examples include governance reports, awards, testimonials, and news publications.
Meet the exceptional individuals and institutions who embody excellence in corporate governance.
The Corporate Governance Award celebrates individuals and organisations that have exhibited exceptional leadership, integrity, and a deep commitment to the principles of good corporate governance. The Awards serve as a platform to recognise and promote exemplary practices that uphold transparency, accountability, sustainability, and ethical leadership across sectors.
In honour of the Founder of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN, and in recognition of his profound contributions to the advancement of corporate governance in Nigeria, the Awards have been institutionalised as a lasting tribute to his legacy and to preserve and immortalise his pivotal role in shaping the Society and corporate governance landscape. Click here to read more on Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, OFR, SAN
Winners of the Awards will be celebrated at the 20th Anniversary Gala of the Society—a milestone event that marks two decades of championing governance excellence in Nigeria.
The Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria is the leading organisation promoting good corporate governance practices in Nigeria. Since 2005, we have provided thought leadership, capacity building, and advocacy to enhance governance frameworks across sectors.
Our vision is a thriving, responsible, and ethical corporate sector that contributes to national development.
Recognising outstanding leadership, ethical decision-making, and governance excellence at the personal level.
A Visionary Solutionist in Corporate Governance and Legal Innovation
Gbeminiyi Shoda is a distinguished legal practitioner, transformative leader, and strategic advisor with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results in corporate governance, legal services, and innovative business solutions. She is the Managing Director of Structure HQ and Principal Partner of SHQ Legal, where she leads a team dedicated to providing customised corporate and commercial services for innovative individuals, businesses and family offices.
In her illustrious career, Gbeminiyi has served across the Legal, Compliance, and Secretariat functions of a Group structure with over 30 companies within its investment portfolio in diverse sectors. She played a pivotal role in securing regulatory licenses for industry-defining financial institutions and supporting the establishment of key players in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. Her initiatives have directly contributed to enhancing sustainable wealth inclusion and driving innovation in regulated markets.
In 2021, she founded Structure HQ, a female-led firm that delivers tailored corporate and commercial solutions to businesses and family offices. Under her leadership, the company has become synonymous with excellence, providing innovative governance systems that empower startups, regulated institutions, and forward-thinking businesses.
As a sought-after solutionist, Gbeminiyi serves on the Board of notable organizations, including VFD Tech, Inspired by Glory, Template, and Canary Point Holding, where she provides strategic support and brings her governance expertise to bear.
Recognising outstanding leadership, ethical decision-making, and governance excellence at the personal level.
BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF AFRO-OPTIMISM UNLEASHED
CHAMPION OF AFRICAN EXCELLENCE FOR SMES & BEYOND
Adeolu Adewumi-Zer is a global Nigerian, lifelong Afro-optimist, and international best-selling author dedicated to shaping a brighter future for Africa. With dual honors degrees from The Pennsylvania State University in the USA, her stellar academic foundation fueled a transformative 20+ year career across four continents within two multinationals. Adeolu culminated this experience as the CEO of Allianz Nigeria and, prior to that, as Regional Head of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Transformation Africa, where she spearheaded strategic growth initiatives that increased Allianz’s African portfolio to nearly half a billion Euros within four years.
Now, as the founder of ZER Consulting Africa (ZER), Adeolu leverages her global expertise in leadership development and strategic planning to empower SMEs, including startups, scale-ups, and social ventures across the continent. ZER partners with development agencies, investment funds, and social ventures to provide strategic guidance critical for growth via their SCALE framework. Adeolu’s strategic insights and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her numerous accolades.
Adeolu’s strategic insights and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her numerous accolades, including East Africa Deal of the Year in 2020 and Top 100 Women Impacting Africa in 2023. Her recent book, Afro-Optimism Unleashed, reached international best seller status on Amazon.
Beyond ZER:
Adeolu’s passion for Africa extends beyond her consulting work. She is the author of Afro-Optimism Unleashed: Scaling African Excellence to the Global Stage, a groundbreaking book that offers a roadmap for African leaders and businesses to achieve sustainable growth and global impact. Drawing from her decades of experience, Adeolu shares strategic insights and practical tools to unlock Africa’s potential on the world stage.
Adeolu’s commitment to Africa’s progress is reflected in her advocacy for financial inclusion, gender equality, and quality education, as well as her influential board positions and advisory roles focused on social impact across the continent.
Beyond her professional achievements, Adeolu is a mother of two global Africans and an avid runner, reader, and cultural explorer. Her Afro-optimism is not just a philosophy but a way of life, driving her to inspire and empower others to build a new Africa.
Connect with Adeolu on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and insights on scaling African excellence.
Recognising outstanding leadership, ethical decision-making, and governance excellence at the personal level.
Ayokunle Ayoko is a Lawyer, Chartered Secretary, HR expert, Certified Management Consultant, Certified Compliance Analyst, Certified Independent Non-Executive Director, and Notary Public. He worked with FirstBank and FBN Holdco PLC where he served as Company Secretary for FBN Insurance Limited (now SanlamAllianz Insurance Limited), FBN General Insurance Limited (now SanlamAllianz General Insurance Limited), and FBN Insurance Brokers Limited, all subsidiaries of FBN Holdco PLC.
He served as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser to Berger Paints Plc and Company Secretary/General Counsel for International Breweries Plc (AB Inbev) between 2018 to 2023. He is currently the Group Company Secretary/Head of Legal and Chief Compliance Officer at the CFAO Nigeria Group – a French Multinational. He is also co-founder and Non-Executive Director with Kaizen Academy (Nigeria) Limited, a leading multinational consulting firm.
Ayokunle’s holds a 2nd Class Upper L.L.B (Hons) degree from the University of Ibadan, an LLM from the University of South Wales (UK), and an MBA from the Liverpool John Moores University (UK). He also holds an Executive Diploma in International Law & Diplomacy from Kingsland Foundation, and a Certificate in Global Governance & Diplomacy from the European School for Leadership Development.
His work has earned global recognition, including the fast rising star award by ESQ Magazine, Modern Governance 100 Global & Ethics Leader Award (2019 & 2022, Diligent Corporation, New York) and listings in the Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist Nigeria for 2024 and 2025. He was also honored recently as ‘Finest General Counsel – West Africa’ by Legal Era Awards and 2025 Corporate Governance Award by the Society For Corporate Governance Nigeria.
Ayokunle holds Fellowships from the Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria (FIMC) and the Global Academy of Finance and Management, USA. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), International Bar Association, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSAN), Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN), and the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD), Nigeria.
Celebrating companies and organisations that have institutionalised sound governance structures and practices.
A leading Nigerian financial services group offering integrated solutions across banking, investment, pension, insurance, and fintech. Member of Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest financial services organization by assets.
Investment; Corporate and investment banking services
Banking; Comprehensive personal and business banking solutions
Fintech; Digital financial services and innovation
Pension; Retirement planning and pension management
Insurance; Comprehensive insurance and risk management
Seplat Energy Plc A leading Nigerian independent energy company established in 2009, dual-listed on Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE). Formed through partnership between Shebah Petroleum and Platform Petroleum Joint Ventures.
Core Operations
Oil and gas exploration, development, and production with strategic interests in Niger Delta oil mining leases.
Midstream Business
Integrated gas processing facilities at Oben, ANOH, and Sapele supplying Nigeria’s power and industrial sectors.
Future Focus
Balancing traditional operations with cleaner energy solutions for sustainable energy transition
Strategic Growth: Recent major acquisitions from international oil companies have significantly boosted production capacity and reserves, positioning Seplat as a key player in Nigeria’s energy future
Comprehensive Banking Solutions
Prominent commercial bank offering wide array of personal, business, and commercial banking solutions including savings, current accounts, cards, mortgages, and SME lending.
Digital Innovation
Operates through nationwide branch network supported by digital channels: internet banking, mobile banking, and *909# mobile money service.
Strong Asset Growth
Substantial growth in asset base and customer deposits
Improved Efficiency Better cost-to-income ratio and risk management
Focus Inclusion Financial inclusion and sustainable banking practices
As core part of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, the bank works closely with group subsidiaries to offer integrated financial services, serving diverse client segments from individuals to large corporations with tailored solutions.
Excellence in Corporate Governance
These award beneficiaries represent the pinnacle of corporate governance excellence in Nigeria. Through their leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to best practices, they continue to shape the future of business in Africa.
Impact Creating lasting positive change in Nigeria’s corporate landscape
