Today Let talk about Emmanuel Ikazoboh Biography. Emmanuel Ikazoboh is a renowned Nigerian business executive, chartered accountant, and corporate reformer. He is widely celebrated for his role in transforming West Africa’s financial and capital markets. He has held influential positions, including Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Interim Administrator of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and as of 2025, Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Africa’s leading cement producer. With decades of experience in auditing, finance, corporate governance, and leadership, Ikazoboh has left a lasting mark on the African financial sector.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Biography
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Age
Full Name: Emmanuel Osigbeme Ikazoboh. Date of Birth: April 30, 1949, in Kano, Nigeria, Current Age: 76 years old (as of 2025) Age Timeline: 24 April 1999: turned 50, 24 April 2019: turned 70, 30 April 2025: turned 76.
Place of Origin: Originally from Agenebode, Etsako East LGA, Edo State (though born and partially raised in Kano)
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Early Life and Background
Emmanuel Ikazoboh was born on April 30, 1949, in Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. His roots are deeply tied to Edo’s industrious heritage, shaping his work ethic and drive for excellence.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Educational Background
Education played a key role in Emmanuel Ikazoboh’s early foundation:
Yaba College of Technology, Lagos Studied Accounting and Finance.
University of Manchester Business School, United Kingdom – Obtained an MBA in Financial Management and Marketing in 1979.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh is also a:
UK Certified Chartered Accountant
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria
These certifications established his international credibility in accounting, audit, and governance.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Professional Career Journey
Deloitte & Touche – International Finance Leadership
Ikazoboh’s career began at Akintola Williams Deloitte, one of Nigeria’s top accounting firms. His professional growth led him to become:
Managing Partner in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire
Chairman/CEO of Deloitte West and Central Africa
Partner at Deloitte & Touche UK (Dartford office)
He managed multi-national audits, regional business development, and strategic planning for top-tier clients across West and Central Africa.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Capital Market Reforms – Nigerian Stock Exchange
In 2010, Ikazoboh was appointed Interim Administrator of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh spearheaded major reforms in:
Corporate governance
Market transparency
Broker regulations
Leadership transition of NSE and CSCS
These changes helped restore investor confidence and laid the groundwork for the NSE’s modernization.
Chairman of Ecobank Group (ETI)
From 2014 to 2020, Emmanuel Ikazoboh served as Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, a pan-African banking group with operations in over 30 African countries.
His leadership focused on:
Corporate governance enhancement
Cross-border regulatory compliance
Strengthening of internal control systems
Board and Executive Roles
Emmanuel Ikazoboh holds several prestigious positions on corporate boards across Africa and beyond:
Chairman, Tizeti Network Limited – A leading solar-powered internet provider in West Africa
Chairman, ARM Pensions Managers Limited
Independent Non-Executive Director, Dangote Cement Plc (since 2014)
Director, Dangote Industries Limited
Vice Chair, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), Canada
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Chairman of Dangote Cement (2025)
In July 2025, Aliko Dangote, the founder of Dangote Cement, retired as Board Chairman. Emmanuel Ikazoboh was appointed as his successor.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh As Chairman of Dangote Cement, he is expected to:
Drive operational efficiency
Emphasize innovation and sustainability
Expand the company’s reach across Africa and beyond
Focus on green energy, cost reduction, and digital transformation
His appointment marks a new chapter for the company as it deepens its dominance in Africa’s construction and infrastructure space.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Legacy and Impact
Emmanuel Ikazoboh is celebrated as:
A champion of transparency and corporate governance
A key architect of African financial system reform
A mentor and leader in the accounting and business community
He is often described as one of Africa’s most trusted technocrats in boardroom leadership.
(FAQ)
What is Emmanuel Ikazoboh known for?
He is known for his leadership at Deloitte, Ecobank, Nigerian Stock Exchange, and currently as Chairman of Dangote Cement.
Where is Emmanuel Ikazoboh from?
He hails from Etsako East, Edo State, Nigeria.
What is Emmanuel Ikazoboh’s educational background?
He holds an MBA from the University of Manchester and is a certified accountant in both the UK and Nigeria.
When did he become Chairman of Dangote Cement?
He was appointed Chairman of the Board of Dangote Cement Plc in July 2025, succeeding Aliko Dangote.
What reforms did he make at the Nigerian Stock Exchange?
He restructured governance systems, broker practices, and compliance standards during his interim leadership in 2010.
Has Emmanuel Ikazoboh worked internationally?
Yes. He worked at Deloitte UK, and managed operations across Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and other West/Central African countries.
Conclusion
Emmanuel Ikazoboh stands as a beacon of excellence in African finance and corporate governance. With a remarkable career across international borders, he has earned a legacy of transformation, trust, and transparency. His current leadership role at Dangote Cement Plc underscores his commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and strategic influence in Africa’s economic landscape.
From the corridors of Deloitte to boardrooms of multinational giants, Emmanuel Ikazoboh exemplifies what it means to be a visionary African leader in the global business space.
