Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso became the Acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) after Godwin Emefiele’s resignation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominated Cardoso, and he officially assumed the role on September 22, 2023.
On November 24, 2023, Cardoso delivered his inaugural speech, addressing corporate governance issues and emphasizing the importance of restoring the central bank’s autonomy.
Videos of Cardoso speaking at events like the Bankers’ Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and his Senate examination during the confirmation process are available online.
Meet Yemi Cardoso’s Wife, Abimbola Chima Cardoso
Yemi Cardoso’s spouse is Abimbola Chima Cardoso, a prominent financial advisor and entrepreneur. She was born in 1959 to an Igbo mother and a Yoruba father.
Who Is Abimbola Chima Cardoso?
Abimbola Chima Cardoso, a Nigerian financial adviser, gained recognition mainly as the wife of Olayemi Michael Cardoso, a notable figure in the finance industry.
Born on June 1, 1959, Abimbola Cardoso is the daughter of the late Otunba T.O.S. Benson, a former Minister of Information, and Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Benson, the first Igbo female doctor in Nigeria.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in managerial and administrative studies from Aston University, UK, and is the mother of five children—three sets of triplets and twins. Her husband, Olayemi Cardoso, is a highly regarded banker and financial sector leader.
He started his career with Howard Tilly & Co., Chartered Accountants in London, later moving to Citibank, where he eventually became the Chairman of the Board of Citibank Nigeria.
Olayemi Cardoso has held various positions throughout his career, including serving as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria since 2023.
Meet Yemi Cardoso’s Children and Grandchildren
Olayemi Michael Cardoso has five children, including a set of triplets and twins. He also has three grandchildren.
Get to Know Yemi Cardoso: Biography
Olayemi Michael “Yemi” Cardoso, born on July 11, 1957, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a 66-year-old Nigerian banker currently serving as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
His father, Felix Bankole Cardoso, was the first indigenous Accountant-General of the Federation of Nigeria in 1963. Olayemi Cardoso has Yoruba roots with Brazilian heritage, tracing back to his grandparents.
President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the Central Bank Governor in September 2023, and he was officially confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on September 23, 2023, for a five-year term.
Olayemi’s career spans various sectors, including banking, stockbroking, and consulting. He chaired the Board of Citibank Nigeria and was actively involved in initiatives like the Ehingbeti Summit, the Lagos State Economic Summit.
Educated at Corona School Ikoyi and St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, Olayemi Cardoso earned a Bachelor’s degree in Managerial and Administrative Studies from Aston University, UK, in 1980. Later, he pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in 2005.
In the banking sector, Olayemi worked with Citibank and Chase Merchant Bank, contributing significantly to Citibank’s expansion in Nigeria. He played a crucial role in setting up Citibank’s first branch outside Lagos in Kano.
Transitioning to public service in 1999, Cardoso became a Commissioner in Lagos State, overseeing the Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget. During this time, he chaired several committees focused on key areas like privatization, urban transport, and security.
Cardoso’s contributions also extend to development work. He founded the Africa Institute for Leadership and Public Administration (AILPA) and is involved in various advisory roles, including the Nigerian National Advisory Board on impact investing and the advisory board of Lagos Business School.
Olayemi Cardoso, with a net worth estimated between $5 million to $8 million USD, remains a prominent figure in Nigerian finance and public service.
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