PROFILE: Dere Otubu — The Silent Power Behind Nigeria’s Boardrooms

Even for those who prefer to stay away from the public eye, wealth and success often bring their own spotlight. In a country where doing business is no small feat — Nigeria currently ranks 146th on the Global Ease of Doing Business Index — success stories are worth celebrating.

Among the country’s many entrepreneurs, Oritsedere Samuel Otubu stands tall. Born in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta state, the man fondly called Dere has built an empire spanning banking, insurance, power, property development, oil and gas, and fast food.

Over a career that has spanned more than 25 years, Otubu has earned a reputation for resilience, foresight and flawless execution. He was among the early board members of Zenith Bank and later served for a decade as a director at Access Bank. His footprints in Nigeria’s insurance industry include his tenure as chairman of STACO Insurance and his role in founding Senforce Insurance.

Armed with a background in accounting and finance from Houston Baptist University, Texas, where he obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Otubu has also pursued executive education at Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School and INSEAD — a testament to his belief in lifelong learning.

As an investor, he is known for well-timed decisions. He became a shareholder in Access Bank before the banking consolidation era and was a core investor in the power sector’s privatisation, helping to establish Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko Disco). He also serves as a director at Food Emporium, owners of Barcelos.

Beyond boardrooms, Otubu is a mentor and philanthropist who devotes time and resources to nurturing young entrepreneurs and supporting charitable causes. Away from business, he is an avid sportsman, a member of the Ikoyi Club, Polo Club and Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, and a former chairman of the Delta Football Association.

For Dere Otubu, success has never been just about profit — it’s about impact, integrity and a drive to keep building.