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Citibank appoints Dr Shamsuddeen Usman new chairman
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Former Minister Finance, National Planning, and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman has been appointed the Chairman of the Board, Citibank Nigeria Limited effective July 20, 2022.
Kano Focus reports that this was contained in statement issued by the bank on Wednesday noting that Mr. Usman is the third Chairman of the bank in Nigeria since inception.
He served on the Board of Citibank Nigeria Limited as an Independent non-Executive Director since 2017.
According to the statement, he replaced Mr. Olayemi Cardoso who retired from the Board, after 12 years as Chairman.
It stated that as Chairman, Cardoso led with distinction and ensured the franchise maintained high standards during his tenure – a leadership style that it noted had been consistent over the course of a very distinguished career within Nigeria’s private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
Commenting on his retirement, it quoted Cardoso to have expressed gratitude to the shareholders, board, management and staff of Citibank Nigeria for their
“Dr. Usman’s exemplary leadership both within the private and public sector is well documented. I am convinced that his dedication to the pursuit of excellence will serve the bank well as it enters a new leadership phase.”
Usman is an erudite scholar with nearly four decades of professional experience in both public and private sectors, including banking, management consulting and economics advisory.
“As Chairman, Dr. Usman, together with the Board, will continue to provide oversight of the franchise’s leadership team and drive performance,” it added.
Speaking on his appointment, Usman was quoted to have expressed gratitude to Cardoso for his years of service.
“Mr. Cardoso’s selfless leadership has contributed significantly to the many milestones that the bank has achieved over the past 12 years.
“I want to thank the Board and shareholders for their support, as we continue to focus on consistently delivering excellence to our key stakeholders,” he added.
Usman, during his time in public service, was responsible for a number of significant national initiatives, including the development of Nigeria’s long-term development strategy, Nigeria Vision 2020 and Nigeria’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
On retirement from public service, Usman has been involved in providing financial and management advisory services.
Among many projects handled by his firm were the design of a short-medium term strategic plan for states in north-eastern Nigeria, as well as designing and implementing a comprehensive performance monitoring and evaluation system for the Lagos State Government.
He also conceptualized and inaugurated the Nigeria Electricity Market Summit Group (NEMSG) that brings key stakeholders regularly together to discuss critical issues in the Nigerian Electricity Market.
Usman has a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Economics. He is a past President and a fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society. He is also a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers and the Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria, among others.
Commenting on the appointment, the MD/CEO, Citibank Nigeria, Ireti Samuel-Ogbu said: “I would like to thank Mr. Cardoso for ensuring we maintained high standards as a franchise over the past 12 years.”
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has alerted Nigerians of the outbreak of meningitis in thirteen states of the country.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 13 states prone to meningitis according to the agency are; parts of Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno states.
The agency in its meningitis and heat stress watch released on Friday, stated that some parts of the country would also experience heat stress.
For meningitis, the agency stated: “There is an increased chance of outbreak of Meningococcal meningitis over the country.
This prospect is heightened with the fresh dust haze that came into the country early hours of 11th of April. Areas most prone to the outbreak includes Parts of Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna and Borno States.
The agency while stating that the most vulnerable groups include infants, young children, the aged, and those with weak immune systems, advised them to get vaccinated against meningitis, practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly and avoid close contact with those affected.
It called on relevant bodies responsible for public health to take note of the alert and take necessary preventive actions.
“This is coming after three consecutive days of rainfall over the country. Maximum temperatures over the north are within 40 ℃ . Clear skies and moisture will aid this heat and attendant discomfort.
“Discomfort levels should be highest over parts of Kano, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Benue states including the Federal Capital Territory”.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
A top-level team set up by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf left Kano on Thursday to probe the recent killings in Uromi, Edo State.
KANO FOCUS reports that the group, led by Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, aims to find facts and build peace.
Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor’s spokesperson, released a statement listing key members.
These include the Emir of Rano, Mohammad Isa Umar; Commissioners for Religious Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties, and Women Affairs; plus the Chairman of Bunkure Local Government Area, among others.
Before leaving Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Gwarzo spoke about their goals. “Our mandate is clear — to investigate, to consult, and to recommend sustainable solutions. This is not just a fact-finding mission, but a peace-building initiative aimed at restoring confidence and preventing further violence,” he said.
The killings last month sparked tension in Uromi. The team plans a week-long visit to meet Edo State Governor, security heads, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to ease unrest and seek answers.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Malam Ibrahim Zubair, a respected academic and dedicated public servant, who passed away recently.
KANO FOCUS reports that Malam Ibrahim Zubair was a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Northwest University, Kano, Centre Officer at Dawakin Tofa and prominent member of the Kwankwasiyya Scholars Assembly.
In a condolence message signed by his spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa the Governor described the late lecturer as a humble, hardworking, and principled individual who dedicated his life to teaching, mentorship, and community development.
“Kano has lost one of its finest intellectuals, a man who inspired many young minds and contributed significantly to our educational system,” the statement read.
The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues, students, and the entire academic community.
He prayed to Allah to forgive Malam Ibrahim Zubair’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and give his loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues and students, who described him as an approachable and passionate teacher, known for his depth of knowledge and unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
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