Meet Urum Kalu Eke's Wife And Children

Urum Kalu Eke, nominated for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Board of Directors, turned down the appointment because it conflicted with his role as a consultant for the World Bank and other international financial institutions.

This came to light during the Senate’s confirmation process when Eke didn’t attend the screening, leading Senator Adetokunbo Abiru to note his absence. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu clarified that Eke declined the appointment proactively to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Eke’s decision underscores the importance of balancing public service roles with private sector engagements, emphasizing the need to prevent conflicts of interest in crucial positions that demand undivided attention and integrity.

The swift confirmation of other nominees by the Senate demonstrates their commitment to appointing qualified individuals to contribute to Nigeria’s economic policies and financial stability.

Urum Kalu Eke’s refusal to join the CBN board raises questions about managing national and international financial duties, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of global finance and national economic policy.

Despite Eke’s decline, the confirmation of four new directors indicates a potential positive direction for the CBN, possibly leading to innovative policies shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape in the future.

Meet Urum Kalu Eke’s Wife and Children

Urum Kalu Eke is wedded to Dr. Uganze Eke, a pharmacist, and they have four daughters. Eke’s commitment to family is evident in his advocacy for education scholarships, women’s empowerment, clergy training, mentoring, and capacity building through the Elder (Chief) K.U.

Eke Memorial Foundation. His values, shaped by his ethnic roots and upbringing in Abiriba, Abia State, mirror his enterprising and industrious nature. Eke’s triumphs in the corporate realm are supported by his family’s stability.

His close-knit circle of friends, shared values, Christian elder spirituality, and numerous accolades contribute to his esteemed position as a corporate boardroom expert.

Get to Know Urum Kalu Eke: Biography

Born on November 20, 1964, Eke attended the Comprehensive Secondary School, Aba, and later, Government College, Umuahia, the state capital, for his West African School Certificate and Higher School Certificate, respectively.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos in 1985. Following this, Eke pursued his Master’s in Business Administration in Projects Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, completing it in 2008.

At 59, he stands as an Alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School and the Wharton Business School, among others. Notably, Eke is a recipient of Nigeria’s National Order of Merit and the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic.

Eke commenced his professional journey in 1986 at Deloitte Haskins & Sells International, serving as a senior auditor until 1991. Subsequently, he held the position of Executive Director at Diamond Bank Plc for 19 years, spanning from 1992 to 2011.

A seasoned financial services expert, Eke further held the role of Group Managing Director at First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc. Additionally, he contributed as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of FBN Limited and FBN Merchant Bank Limited.

In 2017, Eke joined the board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (Sovereign Wealth Fund), concluding his term in 2021. Presently, Eke serves as the Executive Chairman of Fairchild Group, overseeing entities like Fairchild Capital Ltd, Fairchild Base Investment Ltd, and Fairchild Ventures Ltd.

Moreover, he holds the position of Chairman on the Board of Directors of NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, a leading cancer treatment facility in West Africa. With over 35 years of experience in financial services, Eke has expertise in auditing, business assurance, consulting, and more.

In a recent Thursday plenary session, the Senate initiated the confirmation process for CBN Board of Directors nominees. Notably, the Senate confirmed the appointments of four members, namely Robert Agbede, Ado Yakubu Wanka, Professor Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Mrs. Muslimat Olanike Aliyu.

However, Urum Eke, a World Bank consultant, declined President Bola Tinubu’s nomination to serve on the CBN Board of Directors. Tinubu had submitted Eke’s name, along with four others, for confirmation on February 13.

During the confirmation process, Senator Orji Kalu revealed that Eke, his constituent, had rejected the offer, citing a conflict with his current role at the World Bank.