Lola Aworanti-Ekugo is a trailblazer in the tech industry, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space. As a digital and innovation expert with over 17 years of experience, she is known for driving technological advancement across various sectors, reshaping the future of businesses through digital transformation, and advocating for greater diversity. Lola has become an influential figure in empowering women to become digital leaders, positioning herself as a mentor and role model for aspiring female tech professionals. Lola’s career is marked by her pivotal role in modernizing two of Nigeria’s most prominent financial institutions into digitally led retail banks. At First Bank Nigeria, the nation’s oldest financial institution, she served as Head of Digital and Innovation Lab, leading a groundbreaking digital transformation. Her leadership enabled over 15 million customers and 16,000 employees to engage more seamlessly with the bank’s services, significantly advancing its technological infrastructure.
Currently, Lola serves as Chief Digital Officer at FBNQuest, part of FBN Holdings PLC, where she continues to push the boundaries of digital innovation. Recognized for her leadership, she has earned numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top 40 CEOs under 40 in Africa by the Young Entrepreneurs Summit in 2022. Her contribution to the fintech sector has also been celebrated, as she was recognized among Fintech Africa’s 30 leading women shaping the industry. Lola’s influence extends beyond corporate walls. In 2023, she was appointed a non-executive director for ICT and Innovation at TradeMark Africa, an organization dedicated to enhancing trade across Africa. Her expertise is helping to shape the future of African economies through the use of cutting-edge technology.
Her journey began in Nigeria, where she grew up under the guidance of parents who emphasized the importance of education and excellence. Her father’s career in the oil industry and her mother’s work as a teacher inspired her to aim high. Initially, she pursued a course in cell biology and genetics, but a timely intervention from her parents led to her enrollment in a computer science course at Middlesex University in London. It was here that Lola discovered her passion for technology, excelling in the subject and setting the stage for her future career. After earning her degree, Lola spent several years working in the UK, gaining invaluable experience at global institutions like BNP Paribas and Commerzbank. Eventually, she returned to Nigeria, driven by a desire to use her skills to transform industries back home. Yet, her thirst for knowledge led her back to London in 2017, where she pursued an MBA at Imperial College.
Throughout her career, Lola has been committed to building a diverse and inclusive tech ecosystem. At Union Bank, she led the launch of key digital products and established a digital academy that upskilled over 5,000 employees. Her efforts extended beyond the corporate sphere, with initiatives like the FirstBank Innov8 Hackathon and the Union X Start-up Accelerator program, which aimed to nurture tech-based businesses and empower start-ups. Lola’s passion for diversity also inspired her to mentor and support women entering the tech field. She is actively involved in initiatives like Digital 101 for Women by FintechNGR, Tech4Dev, Girl Code Academy, and She Leads Africa. She also serves as a mentor for Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) and sits on the Innovation and Tech Committee of the Osun State Development Association.
Recognizing the importance of personal and professional development, Lola launched the Closet of Opportunities initiative in 2023. The program, aimed at young women beginning their careers, provides one-on-one CV reviews, mock interviews, and access to professional clothing. This initiative, like much of Lola’s work, reflects her deep belief in the power of mentorship and her desire to shape the next generation of leaders.
