Ayomide Kashim Ibrahim: Redefining Global Finance Through Inclusion and Innovation

By Boniface Ihiasota

In the fast-evolving world of finance, where precision meets pressure and profitability often overshadows purpose, Ayomide Kashim Ibrahim, FCA, CFE, stands as a rare visionary redefining what financial leadership means in the 21st century.

A Finance & Tax Strategist, CEO, Board Member, Scholar, and Community Builder, Ibrahim has spent over two decades crafting a legacy built on innovation, integrity, and impact. From Nigeria to Washington D.C., his story is one of professional mastery fused with deep commitment to social empowerment, using finance not just as a tool for business growth, but as a vehicle for nation-building and generational transformation.

Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of FinServe Pro, a U.S.-based financial advisory firm headquartered in Lanham, Maryland, Ibrahim leads a mission-driven organization at the forefront of inclusive finance.

Under his leadership, FinServe Pro has grown into a multi-service financial hub offering tax, accounting, audit, and insurance advisory, specifically designed to meet the needs of immigrant entrepreneurs, small businesses, and families navigating the complexities of the U.S. financial system.

In 2025, FinServe Pro received the NIBAD “Financial Services Company for Immigrants” Award, recognizing its pioneering approach to financial inclusion and culturally responsive client engagement.

The firm’s success was also spotlighted in The African Journal, which profiled Ibrahim as one of the leading voices advancing financial access for the African diaspora in North America.

“Finance should not intimidate; it should inspire,” Ibrahim says while speaking to Diaspora Watch Newspapers.

“My goal is to make financial systems accessible, equitable, and empowering especially for communities that have historically been left out.”

As CEO, Ibrahim has led strategic expansion and capital acquisition, securing partnerships across sectors while building a high-performance team anchored on integrity, innovation, and measurable impact.

Professional Footprint and Global Influence

Ibrahim’s professional experience spans both the corporate and public sectors, reflecting a diverse understanding of global finance systems.

He currently holds executive roles in multiple organizations, including:

– Legacy Global Business Network – Vice President, Finance (Dec 2023–Present)

Oversees financial strategy, budgetary management, and ERP integration across multiple departments. Ensures GAAP compliance and fiscal transparency for board-level and regulatory reporting.

– Cloud Solutions Technology – Financial Controller (Oct 2023–Present)

Designs robust internal control frameworks and automated financial reporting systems to ensure sustainable growth.

– Smart Electric Power Alliance – Manager, Accounting & Finance (Mar 2022–Present)

Leads audit, grant management, and accounting operations. Develops advanced financial dashboards and forecasting tools that guide executive decision-making.

– Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (USA District) – Board Member (Jun 2022–Jun 2025)

Promotes professional excellence among accountants in the diaspora. Spearheads cross-border programs connecting Nigerian professionals to global networks, investment opportunities, and capacity-building platforms.

Prior to his U.S. leadership journey, Ibrahim served in several strategic finance roles, including Principal Accountant at Lagos State University (2010–2017), where he directed IPSAS-aligned accounting across multiple campuses and introduced modern fiscal control frameworks.

Earlier in his career, he interned at KPMG Nigeria (2009), supporting statutory audits and control documentation for corporate clients, a formative experience that shaped his career-long commitment to financial governance and accountability.

A product of Olabisi Onabanjo University, where he earned his B.Sc. in Accounting, Ibrahim has continuously strengthened his technical foundation through global certifications and advanced professional designations.

He is a Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) QuickBooks Online & Payroll Certified Professional

This rare combination of credentials positions him as a holistic strategist, one who understands the interplay between finance, risk management, and technology in shaping modern organizations.

Beyond boardrooms and balance sheets, Ibrahim is an accomplished scholar and prolific thought leader whose works bridge the gap between financial theory and policy-driven transformation. His publications span key areas such as fiscal governance, crisis preparedness, and sustainable development.

His recent works include: Leveraging Data Science for Fiscal Governance (2024), De-Risking Development Finance (2023), Conceptual Framework for Crisis Preparedness (2023), Connecting Facility Management to Smart City Development (2021), Conceptual Framework for Building Information Modelling Adoption in Sustainable Project Delivery Systems (2021), Advanced Financial Modeling Techniques for SMEs (2020), Advanced Financial Modeling Techniques for Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (2020) and Conceptual Model for Assessing Political Risks in Cross-Border Investments (2019)

These publications, widely referenced across academic and policy platforms, reinforce his commitment to integrating data-driven insights into real-world financial strategy.

Ibrahim’s professional excellence and community impact have earned him numerous accolades, including the A.D. King Young Professionals’ Iconic Award for Excellence in Financial Leadership.

He is also a recognized Key Community Leader and Advocate, having mobilized several financial literacy and empowerment programs across African and immigrant communities in the U.S. and abroad.

Through his leadership, FinServe Pro and the FinServe Pro Foundation have become vehicles for impact, reaching youth, families, and professionals with practical tools for financial management, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation.

The Foundation’s ongoing initiatives at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and community centers continue to inspire financial confidence among next-generation leaders.

Beyond his corporate portfolio, Ayomide Kashim Ibrahim is also known as a SidePreneur Coach — a mentor dedicated to helping professionals turn skills into sustainable business ventures.

His mentorship programs emphasize clarity, structure, and long-term financial independence, empowering individuals to transition from employment to enterprise with confidence.

“The goal isn’t just to earn more, but to build systems that sustain wealth and create freedom,” Ibrahim explains. “Financial independence begins with knowledge and discipline.”

His mentorship has inspired hundreds of professionals across the African diaspora to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to empowerment and legacy building.

With over 20 years of professional experience, Ayomide Kashim Ibrahim represents a new generation of African executives bridging continents, industries, and ideas. His approach to finance is transformational rather than transactional, blending innovation with inclusion, and strategy with service.

He envisions a world where finance drives equity and access where the African diaspora not only participates in the global economy but shapes it.

“Africa’s greatest export is its people — their resilience, intellect, and creativity,” Ibrahim says.

“My mission is to connect that strength to global systems that promote innovation, inclusion, and generational wealth.”

As FinServe Pro expands its reach and its foundation deepens its impact, Ibrahim’s philosophy remains constant: finance must serve humanity.

Through every boardroom decision, every publication, and every mentorship session, Ayomide Kashim Ibrahim is doing more than managing numbers — he’s building bridges, shaping futures, and redefining what financial leadership means in a globalized, inclusive world.

Zenith Bank Celebrates 35 Years of Excellence, Honours Pioneer Customers, Staff

Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has marked its 35th anniversary with a grand celebration at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, held on Friday, August 15, 2025, brought together top dignitaries, partners, customers, and staff to celebrate the bank’s journey of over three decades of innovation, stability, and trusted service in the Nigerian banking industry.

In a symbolic gesture, Zenith Bank honoured its pioneer customers and long-serving employees whose loyalty and dedication have contributed significantly to the institution’s remarkable growth trajectory.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, in her remarks, paid tribute to the customers and staff whose trust and commitment have been the foundation of the bank’s success.

“Our success has been built on the trust of our customers and the dedication of our staff. Today, we not only celebrate 35 years of growth and excellence, but also the people who made this possible,” she said.

Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, also lauded the bank’s resilience and consistent performance, noting that its reputation for excellence has remained unshaken since inception.

The ceremony attracted an array of eminent personalities including the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among other notable guests.

Highlights of the celebration included keynote addresses, awards presentations, and live musical performances, which added glamour to the occasion.

Established in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s foremost financial powerhouses, renowned for innovation, reliable service delivery, and commitment to excellence in banking.

County Executive, Ambassadors, Others in Attendance as DMV Chapter of Obizi USA Holds Convention in Washington

The DMV Chapter of Obizi USA has hosted its convention that brought together members of the Obizi community and dignitaries in Washington D.C.

The event, held under the leadership of Mr. Anthony Ukadilonu, Chairman of the Obizi Improvement Union, was a showcase of the community’s commitment to philanthropy and cultural exchange.

Diaspora Watch reports that the convention kicked off with donations to support the Obizi community, including two Starlink internet devices with an initial one-year subscription by the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Jude Onyegbado.

This initiative aims to provide internet access to the community, bridging the digital divide and opening up new opportunities for education, economic growth, and global connectivity.

Additionally, a team of medical professionals will be visiting the Obizi community to provide medical attention, replacing the annual medical mission. This initiative is expected to improve the health and wellbeing of community members.

The Special Guest of Honor, Hon. Aisha Braveboy, Council Executive and Chief Security Officer of Prince George’s County, was decorated with a traditional Obizi royal women’s uniform and presented with Obizi citizenship.

This gesture symbolizes her endorsement as a daughter of the Obizi soil and recognizes her commitment to improving the lives of community members.

In her remarks, Hon. Braveboy thanked the Obizi community for the recognition and assured them that she would continue to provide exceptional leadership focused on improving the wellbeing of all county residents.

She also promised to support the Nigerian diaspora community and provide grants to support Obizi USA’s community efforts.

Other notable dignitaries in attendance included Ambassador Amara Sowa of Sierra Leone to the USA and his wife, Lady Ono Achale, CEO of Serenity Health Care LLC. Spiritual leaders, including Rt. Rev’d Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo, Bishop of Ahiara Mbaise Diocese, and Chief Sir and Mrs. SOS Echendu, were also present.

Former President of Mbaise USA, Chief (Ezeji) Alozie A. Aguwa, and the National President of Mbaise USA were among the notable attendees who added to the significance of the event.

The convention was chaired by Dr. Jude Onyegbado, who delivered opening remarks and thanked everyone for their support.

Dr. Joy Onyegbado played a key role in ushering Hon. Aisha Braveboy into the Obizi women’s membership.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the President of Obizi USA expressed gratitude to the hosting Chairman, Mr. Anthony Ukadilonu, and the Obizi Improvement Union of Washington D.C. for their impressive work in organizing the event.

He noted the importance of unity and community among Obizi people, citing the motto “Obizi onye aghala nwanneya” as a guiding principle.

The President noted that Obizi USA has three branches across the US, including Southern California, Houston, and Washington, D.C., with over 150 members.

He called on members in Michigan and nearby states to come together and form a branch, and expressed hope that a branch would be established in New York before the next convention in Houston in 2027.

The convention is a celebration of Obizi culture and heritage, with a focus on promoting unity and community among Obizi people.

The President emphasized the importance of preserving Obizi culture and traditions, and encouraged members to participate in the convention’s activities.

The convention features various activities, including cultural performances, keynote speeches among others.

The event provides a platform for Obizi people to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and successes.

One of the key initiatives highlighted during the convention was the medical mission project. The President thanked Dr. Tonna Alimole and other medical personnel for their exceptional work during the recent medical mission.

He noted that the medical mission was a success, and that it served as a call for young adults to engage with the Obizi USA community to improve the lives of Obizi people.

The President also mentioned the importance of healthcare initiatives in Obizi, and noted that Obizi USA is working to improve healthcare services in the community.

He thanked the medical personnel and youths who participated in the medical mission, and expressed gratitude to Mbaise USA for their collaboration and support.

The convention also focused on education and infrastructure development in Obizi. The President stressed the importance of education in promoting the development of the community, and noted that Obizi USA is working to improve education in Obizi.

He thanked the Education Development and Infrastructure Committee (EDIC) Chairman, Oke Nze Spencer Izuwa, and all the members for their incredible work in rebuilding public schools in Obizi.

The President noted that the proceeds from the convention would go towards remodeling or constructing new buildings for the four primary public/government schools in the community.

He also acknowledged the scholarship program initiated by the Obizi Youth Organization, led by Mr. Onyeakachi Anosike and Dr. Christian Nwadinhu.

He expressed gratitude to the Obizi Youth Organization for their efforts in promoting education in Obizi, and noted that the scholarship program is one of the main reasons why Obizi USA is gathered in Washington, D.C.

The President called on members and guests to support the scholarship program, and to contribute to the development of education in Obizi.

He said that education is key to the development of the community, and that Obizi USA is committed to promoting education in Obizi.

The President made a passionate call for support for the Obizi community’s development projects.

He urged members and guests to contribute financially and otherwise to support the initiatives, and noted that the proceeds from the convention would go towards rebuilding public schools and healthcare infrastructure in Obizi.

The President expressed gratitude to Chief Dr. Ebenezer Obonna and the National Convention Planning Committee for their fantastic work in organizing the convention.

He also thanked the traditional leaders and President Generals for their great services to the Obizi community.