Nigerian banker Wale Jubril named interim chair of FTN Cocoa 4 months after predecessor’s death

Nigerian banker and capital markets executive Wale Jubril has been appointed interim chairman of FTN Cocoa Processors Plc, four months after the death of the company’s former chairman, High Chief Sir Simeon Olusola Oguntimehin.

FTN Cocoa Processors, a Lagos-based cocoa processing company listed on the Nigerian Exchange, announced Jubril’s appointment in a notice dated August 18, 2026. The appointment took effect on July 21 following a board meeting held the same day.

Jubril will serve as interim chairman pending the appointment of a substantive chairman in accordance with the company’s articles of association and applicable regulatory requirements.

Jubril steps into FTN Cocoa leadership

Oguntimehin, who served as chairman of FTN Cocoa’s board, died on March 30, 2026. The company said his contributions to its growth and development, as well as his leadership of the board, would be remembered and appreciated.

Following his death, the board appointed Jubril to provide continuity in the company’s leadership and governance while it begins the process of selecting a permanent successor.

Wale Jubril is not new to FTN Cocoa. He has served as a non-executive director of the company since 2015, giving him more than a decade of experience on its board.

Three decades across banking and capital markets

Wale Jubril brings more than three decades of experience spanning banking, capital markets, finance and corporate governance.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations from the University of Lagos, obtained in 1988, followed by master’s degrees in Marketing in 1993, International Law and Diplomacy in 1998, and Economics in 1999, all from the same institution.

He qualified as an authorised dealing clerk of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1992 and became a chartered stockbroker that same year.

Jubril subsequently built a career across banking and capital markets before joining Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria Plc in 2009 as executive director of finance.

In that role, he was responsible for financial planning, project appraisal, pricing and negotiations, including engagements involving major oil and gas companies such as Chevron, Nigeria LNG and Total.

He also contributed to strategic planning, policy development, departmental restructuring and financial management, while serving on the company’s board planning and policy-making committee.

Float Securities executive joins FTN Cocoa’s leadership

In 2021, Jubril joined Float Securities Ltd., where he currently serves as managing director and chief executive officer.

His career has also extended into financial-sector governance. In November 2022, he was appointed an independent non-executive director of Gateway Mortgage Bank, a mortgage bank wholly owned by the Ogun State Government.

Jubril’s professional affiliations include Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Member of the Chartered Institute of Directors, Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria.

He is also registered as a capital market operator with Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission.

FTN Cocoa turns to experienced banker for continuity

Jubril’s appointment comes as FTN Cocoa seeks to maintain board continuity following the death of Oguntimehin.

The company said his experience in banking, capital markets, financial management, corporate governance and strategic leadership would strengthen the board during the transition.

The interim appointment also places a familiar board member at the centre of FTN Cocoa’s leadership as the company works toward appointing a substantive chairman.

FTN Cocoa Processors, which operates a cocoa processing factory in Ibadan, is part of Nigeria’s agricultural and food-processing industry, with its operations focused on cocoa processing and related products.

Jubril is expected to provide interim leadership while the company completes the governance process required to appoint Oguntimehin’s permanent successor.