‘There comes a time in life journey when you draw the curtain,’ FBN spokesperson, Folake Ani-Mumuney exits bank
The Global Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at First Bank Limited, Folake Ani-Mumuney, has retired having held the position for 14 years (since 2010).
Ani-Mumuney, simply known as Folake or FAM by friends and well-wishers, is a humble combination of beauty, brains and workaholism. Her intimidating professional footprint is not limited to the banking sector but spans other sectors including aviation, manufacturing, and oil and gas.
Described by many as an accomplisher, a visit to her Linkedin profile would leave you wondering how she was able to silently achieved such enviable feats.
In the testimonies of those who had been privileged to work with her or just come across her, Folake is a quintessential enigma, down to earth and full of respect.
In her valedictory speech to her colleagues and partners, Ani-Mumuney expressed confidence in the ability of her colleagues to carry on her good works in the bank and even surpass it.
“There comes a time in this journey called life when one draws a curtain on a particular phase or season. That time has come for me as I bow out of FirstBank.
“I wanted to take a moment to thank you especially for all your contributions towards the successes we may have recorded.
“As I reflect on the journey thus far, I am mindful that your partnership is what has enabled us to build a stronger brand and as I leave this iconic institution in much better shape than I found it I want to thank you for helping me finish well.
“I have no doubt that I leave the bank in very capable hands given the strong front bench I was proud to call colleagues. I can only ask that you continue to partner with and support them fully as they take the institution to even greater heights.
“On a personal note, I am particularly delighted that the 130th anniversary year of our Bank has been a milestone year for me on many fronts and it is therefore fitting that I draw the curtain with flourish, in thanksgiving, as I ask you to ‘come and join me sing hallelujah, Jehovah Jireh has done me well’.
“Do raise a glass in toast to …finishing well!”
Accolades to finishing well
Meanwhile, accolades have started pouring in for the corporate amazon as he formally exit the banking sector.
Gaia Africa, a private business club for Africa’s top female executives, in an Instagram post honoured her, describing her career as “a legacy that is both inspiring and profound.”
The organisation highlighted her advocacy for gender equity and her contributions to female leadership.
“We celebrate Folake Ani-Mumuney as she retires from her distinguished career at First Bank. FAM has carved a remarkable path, earning a stellar reputation for her diligence and unwavering support for other women, and for countless gender-related and female leadership initiatives.
“We celebrate a legacy that is both inspiring and profound and as you step into the next exciting chapter of her life, we at GAIA AFRICA extend our heartfelt wishes for continued impact and fulfillment. May this new adventure, be even more rewarding and impactful as your journey with FBN,” it wrote.
WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers), a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering and developing professional women across Nigeria and Africa, described her as an experienced C-suite executive with extensive global expertise.
Ani-Mumuney has held leadership roles in prestigious organisations such as British Airways and the Dangote Group, managing portfolios across Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom.
She serves as a former board member at WISCAR, where she contributed to advancing women’s careers in the workplace.
She is also a past president of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) and holds several esteemed titles, including honorary membership with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. Additionally, she is a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK) and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, as well as a Member of the Institute of Directors in Nigeria.
Her professional accomplishments have earned her numerous accolades, including three Lifetime Achievement Awards, both within Nigeria and internationally. A respected speaker, Ani-Mumuney remains committed to driving Africa’s growth and development.
She holds a first degree in Philosophy from the University of Lagos, a second degree in Law from the University of Buckingham, and a diploma in Business Computing Systems Analysis and Design.
She is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Programme and has attended executive education courses at leading global business schools.
