Opunimi Akinkugbe, fondly known as Nimi, has worn many hats as banker, entrepreneur, diplomat, author, mentor, and advocate for financial literacy. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has built a legacy at the intersection of finance, governance, diplomacy, and education. From boardrooms in Lagos to diplomatic circles in Athens, Nimi has consistently broken barriers, setting standards for leadership and impact.
She describes her world as one shaped by multiple passions. “My journey intertwines financial literacy and inclusion, family, gardening, music, and travel,” she says. “Through every engagement, I aim to educate, empower, and inspire others.”
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Nimi’s professional journey began in the banking sector, where she spent 23 years building expertise in wealth management and private banking. She rose through the ranks to become General Manager and Head of Private Banking at Stanbic IBTC Plc, and later served as Regional Director for Barclays Bank West Africa. She capped her banking career as Chief Country Officer for Nigeria, a role that placed her at the heart of global banking operations. Her years in the industry gave her a deep understanding of money, risk, and governance, but also revealed a critical gap: most people lacked the knowledge to make sound financial decisions. That realization sparked the next chapter of her career.
Determined to demystify finance for ordinary people, Nimi transitioned into entrepreneurship. She founded Bestman Games Ltd, the African distributor of customized editions of Monopoly. The flagship Lagos edition was not just a board game; it was an educational tool that introduced financial literacy to homes, schools, and corporate spaces in a fun and accessible way.
She also became the voice behind “Money Matters with Nimi,” a widely followed column, platform, and speaking brand that translates complex financial concepts into simple, practical lessons. Her bestselling book, A-Z of Personal Finance, is regarded as one of the most comprehensive resources for personal financial management in Nigeria. “For me, financial literacy is about agency,” she explains. “When people understand how money works, they gain the freedom to make better choices, to plan, and to live with dignity.”
In 2021, Nimi was appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Greece, making history as the country’s first female envoy to Athens. For two years, she championed Nigeria’s diplomatic, cultural, and economic interests, strengthening bilateral ties and creating platforms for collaboration between Nigeria and Greece. Her diplomatic tenure highlighted her versatility as a leader. Drawing on her financial expertise, governance experience, and communication skills, she became a bridge-builder on the international stage. “Serving as Ambassador was a privilege and a responsibility,” she notes. “It was about showcasing the best of Nigeria while ensuring our interests were advanced.”
Beyond her executive and diplomatic roles, Nimi has become a leading voice in corporate governance. She has served on the boards of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Financial Derivatives Ltd, Letshego Microfinance Bank, House of Tara International, and the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc. Her contributions extend to policy and social impact. She was part of the inaugural Selection Committee of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program, helping shape opportunities for Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs. As a member of the Lagos State Economic Advisory Committee, she has influenced state-level policy. And as a board member of RecyclePoints, she advocates for sustainability and environmental stewardship. Nimi is also a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, underscoring her commitment to high standards of governance and leadership.
For Nimi, wealth is not defined merely by money. Her philosophy is holistic, shaped by values that go beyond the balance sheet. “True wealth is about health, relationships, experiences, and giving back,” she says. “It is about freedom, the ability to design your life with intention and discipline.” Her personal pursuits, gardening, music, travel, and family reflect a life lived with balance and depth. “It’s not about performance for others,” she insists. “It’s about alignment with your priorities.”
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Currently, Nimi is exploring new board and advisory opportunities, with a focus on organizations that prioritize sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth. With her rare blend of financial expertise, entrepreneurial insight, and diplomatic experience, she is uniquely positioned to continue shaping conversations on governance, business, and development in Nigeria and beyond.
From her early days in banking to her groundbreaking role as Nigeria’s first female Ambassador to Greece, Nimi Akinkugbe has shown what it means to lead with courage, clarity, and purpose. Her journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention, but above all, to the power of using knowledge as a tool for empowerment. “My goal has always been simple,” she reflects. “To empower people to make better choices in finance, in leadership, and in life.”
Disclaimer: EnterpriseCEO does not claim ownership of the original content or conversation. This feature article is a transcription and editorial adaptation of an exclusive episode of the NairaLife Conference, hosted by Big Cabal Media’s Finance Director, Temitayo Ishola, in conversation with Ambassador Nimi Akinkugbe, Former Nigerian Ambassador to Greece. All insights and quotes are drawn from the interview as shared during the NairaLife Conference. Full credit is duly accorded to Temitayo Ishola and the Big Cabal Media team.
