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about Our People

Meet The Team

Team Member

Idika Uma Kalu

MD/CEO

Idika Uma Kalu is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of extensive experience in the fields of stockbroking and funds/portfolio management. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Gabs Financial Services Limited, where he applies his vast industry knowledge to drive the company’s strategic initiatives and growth. He possesses a solid academic foundation with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Finance, complemented by a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Public Administration with a focus on Financial Management. This educational background equips him with both the theoretical and practical skills necessary for navigating the complexities of the financial sector. Throughout his career, Idika has held various pivotal roles in a multitude of prestigious financial institutions, allowing him to gain a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and investment strategies. His expertise has led him to consult for significant governmental bodies, including the Senate and the House of Representatives Joint Committees on Capital Markets & Institutions, as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). One of his notable achievements includes leading the development of Nigeria's first comprehensive Handbook on Fixed-Income Securities, a landmark project that has provided critical insights and guidelines for investors and financial practitioners in the country. His contributions to the field have positioned him as a thought leader and an influential figure in the Nigerian financial landscape.

Team Member

Oyelowo Ayodeji

Head of Compliance

Oyelowo Ayodeji is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the fields of internal control, treasury management, and compliance. His comprehensive background allows him to effectively oversee financial operations and ensure adherence to regulatory standards. He holds a degree in Accounting Education from Olabisi Onabanjo University, which has equipped him with a solid foundation in both accounting principles and educational methodologies. In addition to his formal education, Oyelowo is actively involved in several professional organizations. He is a member of the Associate Accounting Technician Scheme of West Africa (ATSWA), which underscores his commitment to the accounting profession and continuous professional development. Furthermore, he is affiliated with the Nigerian Institute of Management (IM), where he engages with best practices in management and leadership. Oyelowo is also a member of the Nigerian Capital Market Institute (NCMI), reflecting his expertise and interest in the capital markets and financial regulations within Nigeria. His dedication to his fields of expertise is evident in his ongoing professional growth and contributions to the finance and management sectors.

Team Member

Stella Tinuola Yakubu

Head, Legal & Company Secretariat

Stella Tinuola Yakubu is a highly accomplished legal professional renowned for her extensive expertise in corporate law, public policy, and investment law. With a solid background in finance, investment, and real estate, she is adept at delivering comprehensive legal counsel while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards. In her role as Head of Legal and Human Resources at Gabs Financial Services Limited, Stella plays a pivotal role in managing both the legal and HR functions of the organization. She leverages her strong foundation in corporate governance to guide the company through complex legal landscapes, helping to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the ever-evolving financial sector. Stella is an esteemed alumna of the University of Benin and the prestigious Lagos Business School, where she honed her skills and knowledge. As a dedicated member of the Nigeria Bar Association and the Society for Corporate Governance of Nigeria, she actively contributes to the advancement of legal practice and corporate governance standards in the country. Her commitment to excellence and her passion for her field make her a respected figure among her peers and clients alike.

Team Member

Florence Balogun Davids

Chief People and Corporate Officer

Florence holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Calabar and an Advanced Diploma in Human Resources Management from the London Academy of Business School. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Economists of Nigeria, a Student Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, and a Certified British Project Management Professional (PMEC – Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Control) from the Project Management College, United Kingdom. She is currently pursuing an MBA with a specialization in Human Resources at Ahmadu Bello University. With a decade of progressive experience in administration and human capital management, she has successfully advanced in her career and has a proven track record of managing over 200 employees cumulatively. Before joining GABS Financial Services Limited as Chief People and Corporate Officer, she held key roles including Head of Corporate Services at Pirotti Group, Lead Consultant-People & Culture at Fiombas Nigeria Limited, and HR Generalist at Jamub Group. She also served as a Consulting HR Analyst with Beconomics Consulting for HR audit and review of all the MDAs in one of the states of the Federation, and contributed to the reintegration of combatant programs at Mission Alert International. Her expertise spans Talent Acquisition, Employer Branding, Talent Management, Corporate Communication, Change Management, Organizational Design, Policy Development, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Collaboration, and Business Acumen. She is a results-driven professional with a strong work ethic and a service-oriented mindset, committed to contributing meaningfully to national development through impactful leadership.

Team Member

Esther Owolabi

Head of FINCON

Esther Owolabi is a highly accomplished finance professional, holding a prestigious degree in Finance from the University of Ilorin, known for its rigorous academic standards. Beyond her academic achievements, she has further solidified her expertise by becoming a qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA). Additionally, Esther is an active member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), where she engages with other professionals to stay up to date on industry standards and best practices. With several years of practical experience, Esther has meticulously developed her skills, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the field. Esther’s expertise extends to financial analysis, where her analytical mindset allows her to dissect complex data sets, identify trends, and uncover insights that inform strategic decision-making. Her ability to interpret financial metrics helps organizations optimize performance and achieve their financial goals. In addition to her analytical skills, she possesses a keen understanding of the intricacies involved in assessing financial risks and creditworthiness, enabling the organizations she works with to implement effective strategies that mitigate potential financial challenges. Esther's dedication to her craft, coupled with her extensive knowledge and experience, positions her as an invaluable asset to any organization in the finance sector.

Team Member

Francis Idowu Adedeji

Head of Research & Product Analysis

Francis Idowu Adedeji is a dynamic and accomplished professional with extensive experience in relationship building, research, project management, and strategic design. As an economist, he has developed diverse skill sets, allowing him to adapt to various industries and business environments effectively. Throughout his career, Francis has demonstrated a strong ability to foster and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels, which has been pivotal to his success in project implementation and management. He combines rigorous research techniques with practical insights to inform strategy development, ensuring that projects are not only well-planned but also aligned with market demands and organizational goals. As a member of the Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria, Francis is well-versed in risk assessment and management practices. His expertise extends to effective communication, where he conveys complex information clearly and persuasively to audiences. In addition, Francis is equipped with strong analytical skills that aid in decision-making and problem-solving. His deep product knowledge enhances his ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet customer needs. He thrives in teamwork settings, collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve common objectives. Overall, Francis Idowu Adedeji stands out as a resourceful professional, committed to driving success through strategic initiatives and effective project execution in a variety of challenging environments.

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