A financial expert and chairperson of the Board of Doje Microfinance Bank, Olamiposi Alao, has said that exceptional leadership was one of the major ways the nation’s financial sector can prosper.
Alao premised her opinion on her experience, saying being a transformative force, leveraging strategic financial leadership and practical technology solutions, she was able to revolutionise the bank’s operations and significantly enhance access to financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are the major economic backbone of the Nigerian economy.
Speaking with journalists, Olamiposi highlighted how her innovative style of leadership drove the bank’s growth and development.
She said as chairperson of the Board, she championed the implementation of advanced financial systems tailored to the Nigerian context, saying the strategic initiatives led to a huge improvement in financial reporting accuracy and reduction in operational costs. By driving the integration of AI-driven credit scoring, she improved SME loan approvals by 80% and significantly reduced processing times, underscoring her commitment to operational efficiency and innovation, traits which are rare in the nation’s financial landscape.
She went further to say that under her leadership, the Microfinance Bank expanded its market reach and market base, demonstrating her exceptional capacity to navigate complex financial landscapes and drive sustainable growth.
Highlighting some viable initiatives, she said the “One Local Government One Product” project, had significantly contributed to local economic development, enhancing the bank’s community impact within the Ogun state capital, Ibadan and in other local governments within the state such as ogbomosho, Saki, Iseyin, Oyo and others.
She said her expertise in governance and compliance has been instrumental in achieving a total compliance rate with new financial regulations from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Employing her skills in crisis management, according to her, reduced operational recovery times by 60%, ensuring resilience and stability during the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many Nigerian commercial and microfinance banks stranded and in debt.
Through strategic planning and commitment to sustainable practices, Olamiposi said she has set new standards for financial services, supporting significant investments in SME growth and economic diversity.
She told journalists that her innovative leadership at Doje Microfinance Bank was a testament to her exceptional ability to drive innovation, foster community development, and promote financial inclusion.
