Emmanuel Osigbeme Ikazoboh is a highly respected Nigerian business leader and expert in corporate governance. Born on April 30, 1949, in Kano, Nigeria, he has built an impressive career spanning over 40 years, holding senior positions across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and South Africa. As of July 2025, he serves as the Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc and is recognized as a key figure in advancing corporate governance and capital market reforms in Africa.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Emmanuel Osigbeme Ikazoboh |
| Date of Birth | April 30, 1949 |
| Place of Birth | Kano, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Edo State (Agenebode, Etsako East LGA) |
| Partner | Caroline OmoLawale (married 1976, deceased 2017) |
| Children | One son and one daughter |
| Occupations | Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Business Executive, Corporate Governance Expert, Management Consultant |
| Net Worth | N/A |
Early Life and Education
Ikazoboh was born in Kano to parents from Agenebode in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State. He attended St. Thomas Catholic Primary School in Kano (1956–1962) and Western Boys High School in Benin City (1963–1967).
He then studied Finance and Accounting at Yaba College of Technology (1968–1973) in Lagos, followed by earning his MBA in Financial Management and Marketing from Manchester University Business School in 1979.
He holds several professional certifications, including UK Certified Accountant, Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Taxation (FNIT).
Career
Ikazoboh started his career at Akintola Williams Deloitte, where he quickly rose to become Managing Partner for Deloitte’s Francophone offices in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. Later, he became Managing Partner for Deloitte West and Central Africa and served as Chairman and CEO from 2007 to 2009.
In 2010, he was appointed Interim Administrator by the Securities and Exchange Commission to lead comprehensive reforms at the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Central Securities Clearing System.
His leadership helped restore investor confidence and restructure key governance and operational frameworks, elevating the Nigerian capital market’s stature.
Between 2014 and 2020, Ikazoboh was Group Chairman of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, a leading Pan-African financial institution.
As of 2025, he holds prominent positions including Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Tizeti Network Limited, and ARM Pensions Managers Limited.
He also serves as International Vice Chairman at the International Institute for Sustainable Development in Canada and as an independent director for Nampak Packaging Limited in South Africa.
He also contributed as a member of the Presidential Committee focused on restructuring Nigerian government agencies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Personal Life
Ikazoboh married Caroline OmoLawale in 1976. Their bond began in youth through a national scholarship competition.
After over 40 years of marriage, Caroline passed away in 2017. She was a devoted mother of their two children (a son and daughter) and a committed philanthropist and religious convert to Catholicism, deeply involved with Opus Dei.
Emmanuel Ikazoboh Net Worth
Although Emmanuel Ikazoboh’s exact net worth is not publicly available, his extensive leadership roles across major African businesses indicate substantial wealth.
He is not listed among billionaire rankings but is considered among Nigeria’s affluent corporate leaders. His wealth is largely derived from his executive and board roles, including as Chairman of Hedonmark Management Services Limited.
Awards and Recognitions
Ikazoboh has received numerous honors, including appointment to the International Institute for Sustainable Development’s board, fellowship in key professional accounting bodies, and recognition for his transformative impact on Nigeria’s capital markets.
He is also anticipated to receive an honorary doctorate from Ambrose Alli University. His recent appointment as Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc marks a career pinnacle.
