Chief Athan Nneji Achonu is a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur from Umunumo, Ehime-Mbano in Imo State. Born in 1959, he is widely recognized for his resilience, business acumen, and public service. Despite losing his right arm during the Nigerian Civil War, Achonu built a successful career in business, founding and managing several companies across engineering, agriculture, and finance, including Nejach Engineering Ltd. and Numo Microfinance Bank.

Often described as a man of vision and determination, Chief Achonu champions the “Aku Ruó Ulò” philosophy — encouraging investment and development in Igbo communities. Through his leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy for good governance, he continues to inspire many across Nigeria.

He hold’s a Bachelor in Science B.Sc First Class Honors in Civil Engineering from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, (Now Obafemi Awolowo University), Osun State. He has many professional qualifications; Fellow, Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCTI), Fellow and one time Governing Council, Institute of Credit Administrators, Member Nigerian Society of Engineers (MNSE), Hononary Senior Member, The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

In his Professional career, He has worked with many Banks; Reliance Bank Limited (Now Polaris Bank Plc), Savannah Bank of Nigeria Plc, Societe Generale Bank (Nig.) Ltd, Crystal Bank of Africa Ltd (Now UBA Plc), Guaranty Trust Bank, Midas Merchant Bank. He also has worked as Audit, Tax and Management Consults with Arthur Andersen & Co (Now KPMG Professional Services). He also runs a Professional Consulting; George Michael & Associates, Irechukwu & Co. Audit and Advisory Services Managing Partner.

In Imo state government, He was one time the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Finance, Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of works, Housing and Transportation, Special Adviser, Budget and Planning.

He holds HND in Banking and Finance from the Federal Polytechnic, Oko Anambra State and MBA (Business Administration) from the University of Calabar. He is a member Project Management Professional (PMP), a Fellow Member, Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria (FCILRM), Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (Chartered) (AMNIM). Founder/founding member, Capital Sportiff Football Club, Abuja, Secretary General, Orient Club, Abuja.

Victus is a seasoned professional banker. His professional career started as NYSC intern in Central Bank of Nigeria (C.B.N.) since 1998 and has worked across and in several units of the Central Bank of Nigeria (C.B.N.) and retired as an Executive Director in CBN in 2023.

A forward thinking financial and project management professional exceptional leadership quality who thrives in dynamic environments. His experience in banking industry has honed his ability to adapt to evolving market conditions and regulatory landscapes. He is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and results-driven work culture that empowers individuals, organizations and teams to excel.

His passion for financial excellence, management, zero tolerance in corruption and coupled with strategic mind-set, positions him as a strong candidate, as a consultant in top financial institutions where he can make a significant impact on the organization’s growth, profitability, ensuring proper adherence to the regulatory bodies framework to achieve zero tolerance.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree (B.Sc.) in Estate Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, an MBA Finance from the University of Lagos, Lagos State. An investment banker and Leadership development professional with over three decades experience in Leadership development, Human Resource advisory and financial services.

Broad Financial markets leadership experience spanning Corporate Banking, Market/Price Risk management, and Corporate finance. He spent most of his career with Citibank N.A (National bank) where he left as a Vice President in 2002 to lead the resuscitation and recapitalization of Liberty Bank as Managing Director.

Pioneer Managing director of Diamond Capital ( investment banking subsidiary of Diamond bank plc), Technical consultant to the Nigerian Presidential Adviser on Budget and founding partner of Nima Capital Advisory Partners – a boutique financial advisory practice.

Director of Landmark Africa, a leading pan Africa real estate and property development company and also Chairman and founding partner of Kimberly Ryan Limited, a leading trans African Human Resources firm.

Currently Managing partner of Stanton Chase Lagos- An International Executive Search and Leadership development firm. He is experienced in managing diverse crops of talented teams transversing multiple sectors across Africa.

His core competencies include; Leadership Advisory and Executive Search, Financial markets Leadership, Treasury and Liquidity management, Investment, Fund raising and Capital Markets, Consumer and Retail banking, Corporate Banking and Real Estate.

A graduate of Economics (Bsc) from Abia State University, Uturu Abia State. He holds a Master’s (Msc) in Economics from University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State with doctorate degree(Doctor of Philosophy PhD) in Monetary and Development Economics from Imo State University.

He is acquitted with professional exposure in basic accounting, public lecturing, business development, Monitoring and Evaluation, Marketing, general administration and economic management consultancy with excellent communication and inter personal skills. Specialized in economic and financial analysis and data management.

He has achieved many professional qualifications. He is a Fellow Chartered Economist, Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN), Fellow, Institute of Professional Managers and Administrators of Nigeria (IPMAN), Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria (IMC-N), Certified Management Consultant (CMC).

He is the Director of Administration Mathan Nigeria Limited. He has also worked with Mater Green Globe Foundation, Port Harcourt, Hephzibah Integrated Services, Port Harcourt, UNDP Census Payment Monitor.

He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Madonna University Okija. He hold’s a Master of Science degree in Economics and a Microfinance Certified Member (MCIB) credential, Doctor of Philosophy - PhD in View, Economics.

He commenced his professional career in 2011 as NYSC intern with Diamond bank Plc where he distinguished himself and was employed as an Executive Trainee after NYSC. Have over 10 years of experience in banking, insurance, entrepreneurship, and management consulting.

He started as a Senior Manager and the Group Head of Credit and Marketing at Numo Microfinance Bank in December, 2022. Presently the Ag MD/CEO of the Bank. Leads a team of professionals who are passionate about providing accessible and affordable financial services to underserved and unbanked segments of the Nigerian population.

Core competencies include customer relationship management, analytical skills, financial risk management, project management and implementation, venture capital, real estate and property development, investment and wealth management, and business management. He has successfully managed and grown the SME portfolio of Numo Microfinance Bank, assisting with trade finance services, product and service offerings, and business advisory. Have also contributed to the bank's financial inclusion strategy, leveraging his expertise in enterprise design thinking and customer-centric innovation with a mission to empower SMEs and individuals with the financial tools and knowledge they need to thrive and achieve their goals.