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Nonso Okpala (born December 20, 1979) is a Nigerian investor and fintech entrepreneur, serving as the Group Managing Director and founder of VFD Group Plc,[1] an investment firm listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange with operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and the United Kingdom. The company's portfolio spans sectors including banking, entertainment, capital markets, fintech, international remittance, real estate, and hospitality. He is also the co-founder of ARTSPLIT, a fintech company, offering lease auctions and co-owning possibilities for African works of art.[2]
In 2023 and 2024, Okpala was appointed as a Non-Executive Director at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX)[3] and the Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS[4]),[5][6] respectively. In 2022, he received the Anambra Most Inspiring Man of the Year award.[7] Beyond his business roles, he is engaged in philanthropy, supporting education and healthcare in Nigeria through the Chude and Ego Foundation[8].[9]
| Name | In use: Nonso Okpala | Given: Nonso Okpala Michael Okpala |
| Born: December 20, 1979 (Age 45) | Birth Location: Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State (South-East Nigeria) | Nationality: Nigerian |
| Education: Primary: Lydia Primary School, Benin City, Edo State | Secondary: Merit Brothers Juniorate, Uturu, Okigwe, Abia State | Tertiary: University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu |
| Occupation Category: Investor, Fintech, Innovator | Job: Group Managing Director, VFD Group Plc. | Additional: Founder, Chude and Ego Foundation |
| Years Active: 2004 – present | Known for: VFD Group Plc. |
Early Life and Education
editNonso Okpala was born in Uga,Aguata Anambra State, Nigeria. He grew up in a Catholic household influenced by his parents' work ethic and commitment to community service. His father, Chude Okpala, was a banker, and his mother, Ego Okpala, worked in education and entrepreneurship. Okpala attended Lydia Primary School in Benin City and Marist Brothers Juniorate in Abia State before earning a degree in Marketing from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he was the top student in his department. His training at KPMG, combined with his qualifications from ICAN and CAIA, provided a strong foundation in finance and accounting.
Career
editOkpala's career began during university when he launched his first business venture. After graduating, he joined KPMG Professional Services, advancing from Auditor to Senior Auditor. In 2008, he moved to BGL Plc in corporate finance, then later held a finance director role at Heirs Holdings
In 2016, Okpala took on the role of Group Managing Director at VFD Group Plc, a company he co-founded in 2009.[10] Originally intended as a banking venture, VFD Group expanded into an ecosystem of over 20 companies across various industries, with a portfolio valued at over ₦240 billion.[11] Key subsidiaries include VFD Microfinance Bank,[12] Abbey Mortgage Bank,[13] and Anchoria Asset Management.[14]
Investment Approach
editOkpala's investment strategy emphasizes greenfield opportunities and sectors with high growth potential. VFD Group, under his leadership, debuted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 2019[15] and acquired a stake in PiggyVest, a savings and investment platform. His approach to governance and transparency has positioned VFD Group as an established financial entity, earning it the "Listed Company of the Year" award at the 2023 Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Made of Africa Awards.[16] In 2022, Okpala co-founded ARTSPLIT,[17] a platform facilitating shared ownership of non-traditional assets like art, music, and real estate Wwith the aims to democratize access to these assets.
Philanthropy and Cultural Engagement
editThrough the Chude and Ego Foundation, Okpala supports education and healthcare in Nigeria, including the OSNON Academy,[18] which provides free education. The foundation also offers healthcare support for underserved communities.
Personal Life
editNonso Okpala is married to Okunwa Okpala, and they have three children. His interests include swimming and lawn tennis.
References
edit- ^ "vfd-group-plc-lists-on-nigerian-exchange-commemorates-with-closing-gong-ceremony". ngxgroup.COM.
- ^ "ARTSPLIT, an African Art Tech Platform, Launches an Art Co-Ownership and Lease Auction". thesoleadventurer.
- ^ https://businesspost.ng/jobs/vfd-groups-nonso-okpala-joins-ngx-group-board/
- ^ https://www.cscs.ng/
- ^ "VFD Group's Nonso Okpala Joins NGX Group Board". Businesspost.
- ^ "Nonso Okpala Joins Board Of CSCS". businesstodayng.
- ^ "Man of The Year Award: Nonso Okpala, Anambra's Rising Star – Africa's Oracle of Omaha". anambrapeople.
- ^ https://chudeandegofoundation.org/
- ^ "Chude & Ego Foundation launched to transform low-income communities". businessday.ng.
- ^ "A Business Revolution Dream Being Fulfilled". thisdaylive.
- ^ "VFD Group: From penny stock to high value investment firm". businessday.
- ^ https://vbank.ng/
- ^ https://www.abbeymortgagebank.com/
- ^ https://anchoriaam.com/
- ^ "NASD WELCOMES VFD GROUP PLC TO TRADE". nasdng.
- ^ "VFD Group Wins Award At NGX Made Of Africa Awards". nationaleconomy.
- ^ https://weareopensa.artsplit.com/
- ^ https://osnonacademy.org/