Nestlé Nigeria PLC, a leading food and beverage company in the country, has announced the appointment of Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, MFR, as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors.
The appointment, effective from May 18, 2023, follows the retirement of Mr. David Ifezulike, who served as the Director and Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Oyebode, a highly accomplished legal professional, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
He was admitted as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 1980 and holds a Master of Laws degree.
Mr. Oyebode is also the co-founder of the prestigious law firm Aluko & Oyebode. His professional achievements include being a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and the Nigerian Leadership Initiative.
Additionally, he serves as the Chairman of Okomu Oil Palm PLC, Teach for All, and the African Philanthropy Forum.
He holds directorship positions in CFAO Nigeria and Lafarge Africa PLC, and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ford Foundation.
Having been appointed to the Board of Nestlé Nigeria PLC on February 24, 2014, Mr. Oyebode has played a vital role in the company’s success.
He has served on various committees, including the Statutory Audit Committee, Nomination, Governance and Remuneration Committee, and the Board Audit and Risk Management Committee.
His extensive experience and commitment to corporate governance make him an excellent choice for the position of Chairman.
The retirement of Mr. David Ifezulike marks the end of an era at Nestlé Nigeria PLC. With a Masters in Management Science and a Diploma from Imperial College, London, Mr. Ifezulike made significant contributions to the company during his tenure.
He joined Nestlé Nigeria PLC in 1980 and held various positions across different locations, gaining international exposure in Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Switzerland, and Ghana. Mr. Ifezulike served as the Factory Manager of Nestlé Ghana from May 1999 to April 2003 before retiring as the Executive Director, Industrial Development in October 2006.
The Board of Nestlé Nigeria PLC expressed gratitude to Mr. Ifezulike for his invaluable contributions to the growth and success of the company over the years.
They commended his dedication and meritorious service and wished him well in his future endeavors.
In light of Mr. Oyebode’s appointment, the Board of Nestlé Nigeria PLC expressed confidence in his abilities to further enhance the company’s development.
They believe his strategic insights and extensive experience will contribute significantly to Nestlé Nigeria PLC’s continued growth and success.
The Board extends their congratulations to Mr. Oyebode and wishes him personal fulfillment in his new role as Chairman of the Board.
