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Amb. Nimi Akinkugbe
Former Banker, Director, Bestman Games Ltd, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Greece (2021-2023)
Nimi Akinkugbe had the honour of serving as Nigeria’s first female Ambassador to Greece from June 2021 to October 2023. With a solid background in the private sector, she was able to bring her wealth of experience and expertise to her diplomatic role.
Prior to her appointment as Nigerian Ambassador, she served as and Independent Non-Executive Director on the board of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria. She was also appointed to the board of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc and held positions as a Non-Executive Director at reputable private sector organisations, including Financial Derivatives Ltd, Letshego Microfinance Bank, The Daisy Management Centre, and House of Tara Ltd.
Nimi’s career began in the banking sector, at IBTC Bank Plc where she rose to the position of General Manager and Head, Private Banking at Stanbic IBTC. She served as a Director at Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Ltd. She subsequently joined Barclays Bank Plc as Regional Director for the Wealth & Investment Management Division and Chief Country Officer for Nigeria.
In 2012, Nimi founded Bestman Games Ltd, the African distributor of customized editions of the iconic Monopoly boardgame. She introduced the popular City of Lagos Edition of Monopoly in December 2012, the first-ever African city edition of the game.
Her passion for financial education and empowerment led Nimi to establish the brand "Money Matters with Nimi." Through speaking engagements, seminars, television, radio, articles, gaming, social media, and her first book “A – Z of Personal Finance,” she creates greater awareness of personal finance and wealth management issues.
Bestman Games Initiatives the social impact arm of Bestman Games has established over 100 financial literacy extra-curricular school clubs in schools in Lagos State.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Opunimi has been involved in various organizations and committees. She was an inaugural member of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program’s Selection Committee and served on Lagos State Economic Advisory Committee. She is a member of the Advisory Board of Recyclepoints.
Nimi holds a BSc Economics with a specialization in International Relations from the London School of Economics (LSE), and an MBA from IESE. She also obtained a Piano Teaching Diploma (ARCM) from The Royal College of Music, London.
An accomplished pianist, she is a member of the Artistes Committee of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), and Honorary Assistant Organist at Our Saviours Church, TBS, Lagos.
Nimi’s unique journey is characterized by successful transitions from a fulfilling banking career to pursuing her entrepreneurial dream in financial education and gaming. Most recently as a public servant, she represented Nigeria as a distinguished diplomat on the world stage.
Nimi is married to Yinka Akinkugbe and they have three children and two grandchildren.
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