AKANINYENE MFON ESSIEN

AKANINYENE MFON ESSIEN

REGIONAL MANAGER · EKONDO MICROFINANCE BANK LIMITED

Fully booked
Career Development Banking Edo 16+ yrs exp BSc
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Sessions
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Mentees
Guided
16
Years
Experience
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About AKANINYENE

How I help mentees

With over fifteen years of progressive experience in the Nigerian microfinance sector, I can provide strong value to mentees by sharing practical insights drawn from my leadership roles across credit management, business development, and regional operations. My exposure to managing a ₦1.2 billion portfolio and leading multiple branches has equipped me to mentor professionals on balancing institutional growth with sound risk management and ethical lending practices — critical foundations for long-term success in the industry.

I have also designed and implemented innovative financial products such as the Ekondo Agric Loan, Ekondo WASH Loan, and Renewable Energy (Green Financing) Product, all of which expanded access to finance and promoted sustainable banking solutions. Through this experience, I can guide mentees on product development processes, from identifying market needs to executing and monitoring new financial offerings that drive both profitability and inclusion.

Beyond technical expertise, I bring a deep passion for capacity building and leadership development. Having supervised and coached diverse teams as a Regional Manager, Branch Manager, and Divisional Head, I understand the importance of people management, performance coaching, and professional ethics. My goal as a mentor is to help emerging professionals cultivate strategic thinking, operational discipline, and innovative approaches that will strengthen the microfinance industry and advance financial inclusion.

Key accomplishments

I currently serve as a Regional Manager at Ekondo Microfinance Bank Limited, where I provide strategic leadership across multiple branches and oversee a loan portfolio in excess of ₦1.2 billion. My role encompasses business growth, credit quality assurance, staff supervision, and the implementation of strategies that align with the bank’s overall objectives. I coordinate the activities of Branch Managers within the region to ensure the achievement of key performance indicators relating to deposit mobilization, asset quality, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

In this capacity, I have successfully led the design and introduction of innovative loan products such as the Ekondo Agric Loan, Ekondo WASH Loan, and Ekondo Renewable Energy (Green Financing) Product. These initiatives led to a 15% increase in the bank’s lending portfolio within twelve months and promoted sustainable financial solutions for households and SMEs. I also spearheaded recovery drives that resulted in a 20% reduction in delinquency levels, while simultaneously growing the region’s deposit base and loan uptake by 20%.

Prior to this, I served as a Group Loan Supervisor at the same institution, where I expanded the group lending portfolio across multiple branches, achieving a 25% growth rate in one year. I developed and conducted structured training for field officers, strengthened compliance with standard operating procedures, and enhanced portfolio quality through effective pre- and post-disbursement monitoring.

As a Branch Manager, I demonstrated strong leadership in driving business development, improving customer engagement, and maintaining excellent service delivery standards. Under my supervision, the branch recorded a 40% increase in profitability through aggressive marketing and improved operational efficiency.

Before joining Ekondo Microfinance Bank, I held several leadership positions at Pillars of Community Development, including Regional Head and Divisional Head, where I provided oversight for multiple branches across Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River States. During this period, I achieved a 35% expansion of the regional loan portfolio, maintained a portfolio-at-risk (PAR) consistently below 10%, and implemented measures that enhanced staff performance and operational effectiveness. I also served as Training Coordinator, where I conducted training needs assessments, designed capacity-building programs, and improved employee competence across various departments.

With over fifteen years of progressive experience in the Nigerian microfinance sector, I have developed deep expertise in credit risk management, business development, strategic product design, regulatory compliance, and staff leadership. My career achievements reflect a consistent commitment to institutional growth, financial inclusion, and the delivery of sustainable banking services that positively impact both the organization and the communities we serve.

Areas of Expertise
Career Development Banking Sales & Marketing
Current Mentees
2 / 2
Abdulgafar Abiodun Adeniji
Abdulgafar Abiodun Adeniji
Lagos
OO
OLAMIYO OBAMESO
Lagos
Upcoming Sessions

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