Dame Adetutu Oluwatobi Ogunnaike’s dual major in physiology and accounting provides an exciting and potentially beneficial combination of God’s mission, evangelism, and service to humanity. Dame Ogunnaike was born in Lagos on July 31st, 1954, to active Methodist parents attending Tinubu Methodist Church as it was known then. Dame Ogunnaike’s father, Mr Martin Adeoye Adesanya, was a Lay Preacher and Conference Legal Adviser. Her mother, Mrs. Victoria Oluwapamilerin Adesanya, was a Class Leader, Society Steward, Lay Preacher and President of the Women’s Fellowship. She was also the first Captain of the Girls’ Brigade in Tinubu Church.
Dame Ogunnaike had her secondary education at Queen’s School, Ibadan. Her first degree in Physiology was at the University of Ibadan. A few years later, she trained in the Peat, Marwick, Ani, Ogunde & Co. firm and qualified as a member and now a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, in record time. Subsequently, she was awarded the Fellowship at the same Institute. While living in Kano with her family, Dame Ogunnaike obtained her MBA from Bayero University, Kano, Northern Nigeria.
Dame Ogunnaike is a model of a diverse skill set. Physiology and accounting are two very different fields that each develop unique skills. Physiology, as a science of life, is the study of how the human body works. It describes the chemistry and physics behind essential body functions, from how molecules behave in cells to how systems of organs work together. Physiology is essential because it is the foundation upon which we build our knowledge of what “life” is, decision-making, how to treat disease, and how to cope with stresses imposed upon our bodies by different environments. Accounting, on the other hand, involves understanding financial principles, data analysis, and reporting. Dame Ogunnaike’s ability and grace to combine these two areas of profession and stewardship is a model of a diverse skill set that is valuable in various careers, including God’s mission and evangelism.
In the rapidly changing and troubled world and decline of Christianity, the demand for finance and medical professionals has never been greater. Dame Ogunnaike’s challenging and stimulating Physiology, Accounting and Finance profession equips her with a strong strategic outlook, ensuring that, as God’s steward, she gives information and advises management decision-making at the highest level of the Nigerian banking sector, the Central Bank of Nigeria and Methodist Church Nigeria.
With 25 years in the Central Bank and 15 years in External Audit and Administration of corporate bodies, Dame Ogunnaike operates at the top level in formulating policies for large institutions. She has sound judgement, a dispassionate analytical mind as a Chartered Accountant and a Forensic Accountant, as well as credibility and integrity that give courage to be innovative in leadership. She is meticulous, organized and painstaking.
Dame Ogunnaike is a result-oriented and highly motivated professional radiating confidence and optimism. She also has a wealth of experience in supporting micro, small, and medium-sized businesses and the rising middle class in developing and emerging nations, which has earned her membership in the Nigeria Microfinance Platform (NMP). She is currently a volunteer member of the NMP’s Advisory Board.
Dame Ogunnaike offers volunteer services as the Board Chair of the African Trust Fund for Entrepreneurial Development (AFOS INGO – the Nigerian arm of AFOS Foundation for Entrepreneurial Development Cooperation, Germany) and as an Independent Director on the Board of the Microfinance Learning and Development Centre (MLDC). She serves as an Independent Director in ASHA Microfinance Bank, a leading national microfinance bank in Nigeria, where she was, until recently, the Chairperson of the Board Audit Committee. She now chairs the same bank’s Board of Governance and Nomination Committee. An expert in microfinance and a seasoned facilitator in banking, regulation, and other professional training, Dame Ogunnaike is equipped to work with a range of partners and stakeholders. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in Nigeria and a Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria.
A practising Auditor and Management Consultant, Dame Ogunnaike retired at the Directorate level from the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2014 after 25 years of meritorious service. She is the Managing Partner of Tobi Ogunnaike & Co. Chartered Accountants and a member of the Society for Corporate Governance in Nigeria.
Dame Ogunnaike, at 70, is not tired. She is in Mediation and hopes to cap it off with an Arbitration course with the Lagos State Government. Mediation and Arbitration, also called alternative dispute resolution, are both means of resolving conflicts or legal issues outside of the courtroom. Dame Ogunnaike’s passion for promoting normal function within living creatures and peace as a good communicator remains a reference point for resolving interpersonal conflicts.
Dame Ogunnaike is a member of the Ladies Friendly Society, where she is currently the 2nd Vice President. She previously served as treasurer and financial secretary for the same society. She is a recipient of the Women’s Fellowship Susan Wesley Award and Captain of Girls’ Brigade 3rd Lagos Coy. (2013 to date). She is the Treasurer, Trinity Church Council; Member, Nelson Mandela Award Committee, MCN (Conference Level); Member, Women’s Work Board (Trinity Church Council); Fully Accredited Lay Preacher, Methodist Church Nigeria (1998); Circuit Treasurer, 2009 – 2015; Member, Trust Committee, 2009 – 2015; Secretary, Majeobaje Society; Patroness, Ladies & Girls’ Fellowship; Patroness, Council Youth Fellowship; Member, MCTT 50thAnniversary Planning Committee (was Chairperson, Finance Sub Committee); Member, Harvest Committee, 2012; Chairman, Circuit Harvest Committee, 2010 (The performance of the Committee remains a reference point till date); Member, Harvest Committee 2007, 2013 & 2019 (Ladies Friendly Society); Anchor Person, Youth & Juvenile Harvest during the 2019 Harvest (several innovations were introduced during that harvest); Member, 2018 Harvest Committee (Anchored by Men’s Improvement Society); Member, Organizing Committee 2016 Inter Arch Southwest Women’s Fellowship Conference (was Chairperson, Finance Sub Committee); Lecturer, Lay Preachers’ Class (2015); Chairman, Evangelical Committee, MCTT; Coordinator Catechumen and Confirmation Classes – MCN, Waje Circuit, Kano (1996 – 2001); Vice President, Methodist Evangelical Movement, MCN, Waje Circuit, Kano (1995 – 2001); Vice President, Ladies Christian Association, MCN, Waje Circuit, Kano (1994 – 2001); Member, Band of Love, MCN, Waje Circuit, Kano; Patroness, Egbe Irawo Owuro, MCN, Waje Circuit, Kano; Member, MCTT Church Council; Member, MCTT Church Development Committee; Member, MCTT Staff Audit Committee; Member, MCTT Scholarship Fund Committee; President, Ladies of Knights, Lagos Chapter (2022 to date).
Dame Ogunnaike was happily married to the Late Sir Babajide Ogunnaike, KCW, for 44 years. Their marriage was blessed with children and grandchildren. To God be the glory. Worthy is the Lamb!
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