Sterling Financial names Makoju, Oni to boards amid strong 2025 profit rise

Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc announced on July 9, 2026 the appointment of Ms. Olubisi Makoju as an Independent Non-Executive Director of the holding company and Mr. Olayinka Oni as a Non-Executive Director of Sterling Bank Limited. The appointments, disclosed in a corporate filing signed by Company Secretary Sunny Kanabe, have received Central Bank of Nigeria approval.

Makoju brings over 25 years of experience across oil and gas, consulting, information technology and financial services. She is currently CFO of Smart Grid Development Limited and founder of Earthwise Capital, formerly Executive Director and COO of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority. Oni brings deep digital and technology expertise; he is an Executive Director at Sterling Financial Holdings, previously Chief Digital Officer at Sterling Bank, CTO at Microsoft Nigeria, and has held senior IT roles at Wema Bank and Accenture Nigeria.

The appointments come as the group posted strong 2025 results: profit before tax rose 89.19% to N86.78 billion, profit after tax climbed 74.74% to N76.33 billion, and gross earnings increased 44.37% to N486.80 billion. These gains reflect sustained earnings growth despite higher operating costs and loan impairment charges.

What should investors and stakeholders note? The strengthened board signals a focus on governance and digital expansion as Sterling pursues further growth. Watch how these appointees shape strategy, and consider the group’s solid financial base alongside its ongoing cost and risk challenges.

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/07/10/sterling-holdco-appoints-olubisi-makoju-olayinka-oni-to-board/