Nigeria: Obi of Onitsha resigns as chairman of Unilever Nigeria Plc

Unilever Nigeria Plc’s Board of Directors has revealed the resignation of His Royal Majesty, Nnaemeka A. Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, from his role as a non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board.

The company’s notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) noted that the resignation will be effective starting from December 31, 2023.

The statement, signed by the Senior Counsel, and Company Secretary, Afolasade Olowe states that, “This is to notify the Nigerian Exchange Limited and investing public that the Board of Directors of Unilever Nigeria Plc has considered and approved the resignation of His Royal Majesty, Nnaemeka A. Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha, as a non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Board with effect from 31st December 2023.

The Board of Directors wishes His Royal Majesty all the very best in his retirement and would like to express their sincere gratitude to him for his leadership and the many valuable contributions he brought to the Board over the past two decades since his appointment in March 2003.

His Royal Majesty’s replacement on the Board of Directors of Unilever Nigeria will be announced in due course.”

Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe holds leadership roles in eight different companies. Currently, Mr. Achebe serves as Chairman of International Breweries Plc, Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Chairman of Tishona Ltd., and Non-Executive Chairman of Unilever Nigeria Plc. He is also a board member of Omak Petroleum Services, Coscharis Farms Ltd., the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, and holds the position of Chancellor at Ahmadu Bello University.

Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe held positions as Chairman of Universal Insurance Plc, Chairman of The Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers, Chairman of Diamond Bank Plc, Chairman of Intafact Beverages Ltd., and served as Chancellor at Kogi State University.

Mr. Achebe completed his undergraduate studies at Stanford University and earned an MBA from The Trustees of Columbia University in The City of New York.