Distinguished guests, members of Council, the Registrar, fellows, members, partners, ladies and gentlemen.
Today, with deep humility, profound gratitude, and an unwavering sense of duty, I stand before you as President and Chairman of Council of the National Institute of Credit Administration, Chartered. I accept this responsibility not as a privilege, but as a sacred trust — a call to serve, to strengthen, and to lead this great Institute into its next era of impact and national relevance.
NICA was born from vision — the bold and foresighted vision of our Founder, Professor Chris Onalo, who’s pioneering leadership established credit as a professional discipline. Today, we honour his legacy, his courage, and his enduring contribution. We also recognise all past Presidents, Council members, and dedicated professionals whose collective efforts have built the strong institution we proudly lead today.
As I assume office, I do so at a defining time for our nation — a time when access to responsible credit, financial inclusion, risk governance, and institutional integrity will shape Nigeria’s economic future. NICA must therefore rise beyond tradition into greater national relevance — not only as a professional body, but as a strategic force in advancing sustainable economic progress.
In demonstration of this responsibility, we recently signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI). This partnership affirms the growing national recognition that structured, ethical, and inclusive credit is central to empowering citizens, strengthening enterprises, and advancing national development. NICA will continue to stand at the forefront of this transformation.
During my tenure, we will elevate professional standards, deepen credit education, embrace digital innovation in credit practice, and reinforce ethical discipline across the industry. We will strengthen our institutional voice, expand our national impact, invest in the next generation, and ensure that credit in Nigeria becomes a tool for productivity, opportunity, and sustainable growth — never a pathway to distress.
Leadership is stewardship. It is the duty to build trust, inspire confidence, and leave institutions stronger than we met them. I draw strength from the wisdom of Council, the commitment of our fellows and members, and the partnership of stakeholders across government, industry, and society. Together, we will write the next chapter of NICA — stronger, bolder, and more impactful.
On a personal note, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my husband for his unwavering love, encouragement, and quiet strength. His steadfast support has been a constant pillar throughout this journey of service, and I am truly grateful for the sacrifice, patience, and belief that have sustained me.
Let me assure you today: I will serve with integrity. I will lead with courage. I will act with purpose. And by the grace of God, we will deliver enduring value to our profession and to our nation.
“The future of credit in Nigeria will not be shaped by chance, but by discipline, vision, and leadership — and NICA will lead that future”
Thank you.
NO. 44
