Obinnia Abajue: A Visionary Leader in Finance and Healthcare

Obinnia Abajue is a strategic business leader, independent director, and board committee chair with over 25 years of experience in the financial and healthcare industries. With a solid academic foundation in Actuarial science from the University of Lagos and an esteemed MBA from Imperial College London, He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB), and of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria (FCS). Obinnia is passionate about contributing to the development and transformation of the financial sector in Africa and creating value for the stakeholders of the companies he serves and has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen throughout his professional journey. 

Currently serving as an Independent Director at Falcon Corporation Limited, ValuAlliance Asset Management Limited, and Page Financials, Obinnia plays a pivotal role in shaping the governance and strategic direction of these renowned organizations. At Falcon Corporation, he not only serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director but also chairs the Board Audit and Risk Management Committees, ensuring the implementation of rigorous governance and compliance standards. Similarly, at ValuAlliance, his leadership extends to chairing the Board Audit Committee and the Board Remuneration and Nomination Committee, reflecting his multifaceted expertise in risk management and corporate governance. Furthermore, his role as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Page Financials underscores his commitment to driving innovation and sustainable growth in the financial sector.

Obinnia’s core competencies include investment management, risk management, banking, sales management, and insurance. He has held various leadership positions throughout his career, including Chief Executive Officer, Regional Director, and Senior Manager at various organizations. He has a proven track record of delivering sustainable growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, and optimizing operational efficiency.

Before his current roles, Obinnia served as the Chief Executive Officer of Hygeia HMO, the leading HMO in Nigeria, from November 2016 to December 2022. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative initiatives that propelled the company to new heights, solidifying its reputation for providing first-class healthcare services. His strategic vision and extensive experience in banking and financial services, acquired during his tenure at Standard Bank Group and Stanbic IBTC Bank, have been instrumental in steering Hygeia HMO towards achieving its strategic objectives. Before joining Hygeia HMO, he was based in South Africa and was in charge of Business Transformation for Standard Bank’s Personal and Business Banking business in Africa. He also served as Executive Director and Head of Personal and Business Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, and was Acting Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited and Head of Wealth Management for Stanbic IBTC.

Hygeia HMO, which provides first-class healthcare services to individuals, families, groups, and companies, has been at the forefront of providing quality managed care for the past 30 years. The company is part of the Hygeia Group, which is owned by a consortium comprising IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, IFHA-II Cooperatief U.A. (IFHA-II), a private equity fund focused on investing in the healthcare sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, Swiss Re, the global reinsurance company, and Ciel Healthcare Limited, a Pan-African healthcare company.

Obinnia's academic achievements, coupled with his professional accolades, underscore his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. As a Fellow of prestigious institutions such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria, he upholds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in his work.

In conclusion, Obinnia Abajue's journey from a seasoned executive in the banking sector to a visionary leader in healthcare exemplifies the power of resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight. Through his unwavering commitment to excellence and his relentless pursuit of innovation, Obinnia continues to leave an indelible mark on the organizations he serves and the communities he impacts.