Appointment of Mrs. Jelilat Kareem as Executive Director
CRC Credit Bureau Limited has made a significant move by appointing Mrs. Jelilat Kareem as its first Executive Director. This decision has been officially confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s history.
The Chairman of the Board, Mr. Joel Owoade, expressed his approval of the appointment, highlighting that the Board places a strong emphasis on corporate governance. He noted that Mrs. Kareem’s elevation aligns with the company’s succession planning policy. In a statement, he mentioned that the appointment would enhance the company’s management structure and boost the morale of both Mrs. Kareem and the entire staff. He described the choice as well-deserved and expressed confidence that it would motivate her to continue delivering exceptional performance.
The Managing Director of CRC Credit Bureau, Dr. ‘Tunde Popoola, also praised the appointment, calling it historic. As the first of its kind for the prestigious institution, he emphasized that Mrs. Kareem truly deserves her position on the Board. Having been part of the company since its establishment in 2008, she has contributed significantly to its status as the industry leader and the largest single-unit private credit bureau in Africa. Popoola highlighted that her appointment is a reward for hard work, diligence, and outstanding performance, reflecting CRC’s commitment to recognizing and empowering talent from within.
He further stated that the company is confident that her appointment will strengthen the organization and support its mission of promoting access to credit, driving financial inclusion, and advancing Nigeria’s economic growth.
Leadership and Contributions
Mrs. Jelilat Kareem has played a crucial role in shaping CRC’s success over the years. She joined the company in 2008 as Head of Finance and Corporate Services, and through her outstanding contributions, she rose to become Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she oversaw Finance, Enterprise-Wide Services, Operations, and Technology functions. Her leadership has strengthened governance, enhanced efficiency, and deepened the quality of the company’s service delivery.
With over 24 years of experience spanning finance, risk, strategy, and governance, Jelilat brings a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering passion for excellence to this new role. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, and a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos. She is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and an alumna of both the Lagos Business School and the Wharton Business School.
CRC Credit Bureau: A Leader in Credit Information Services
CRC Credit Bureau has remained a pioneer and leader in Nigeria’s credit information services industry. The company has built a strong reputation as a trusted institution guided by integrity and excellence. It helps lenders and businesses make informed financial choices while fostering a stronger credit culture across the nation.
CRC continues to distinguish itself as a vital partner in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem by ensuring that businesses and individuals have access to accurate and timely credit information. Its services have enhanced financial discipline and deepened access to credit, contributing to the growth of small and medium-scale enterprises and the broader Nigerian economy.
Through visionary leadership and sustained innovation, CRC Credit Bureau has demonstrated an enduring commitment to transparency, professionalism, and customer satisfaction. The appointment of Mrs. Jelilat Kareem as the company’s first Executive Director further reinforces its culture of excellence, its dedication to inclusiveness, and its readiness to nurture capable leaders from within.