Atedo Peterside
'''Atedo Nari Atowari Peterside''' CON (born July 1955), commonly known as '''Atedo Peterside''', is a Nigerian entrepreneur, investment banker, economist, and public policy advocate. Widely regarded as a pioneer of modern investment banking in Nigeria, he founded Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and has shaped the nation's financial sector through innovative leadership and ethical practices. As Founder and President of the Atedo N. A. Peterside Foundation (Anap Foundation) since 2003, Peterside has championed good governance, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. His consistent advocacy for the rule of law, electoral integrity, and the eradication of electoral malpractices has positioned him as a vocal critic of institutional failures, urging non-partisan civic engagement to fortify Nigeria's democracy. As of October 2025, Peterside continues to influence public discourse through op-eds, media appearances, and foundation initiatives, emphasizing transparency and accountability amid ongoing economic and political challenges.
| Born | Atedo Nari Atowari Peterside July 1955 (age 70) Nigeria |
|---|---|
| Alma Mater | City University, London (B.Sc. Economics, 1976) London School of Economics (M.Sc. Economics, 1977) Harvard Business School (Owner/President Management Program, 1991–1993) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, investment banker, economist, advocate |
| Known For | Founding Stanbic IBTC Bank; Anap Foundation; electoral reform advocacy |
| Spouse | Dudun Peterside (née Pearce) |
| Children | 3 (Tokini, Atowari, Tariye) |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON, 2010) Lifetime Achievement Award, African Banker Awards (2022) Honorary Doctor of Science, University of Port Harcourt Honorary Fellow, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (2019) |
| Traditional Title | Arusibidabo of Opobo Kingdom |
Early Life
Atedo Peterside was born in July 1955 into a prominent family in Rivers State, Nigeria. His father, Chief Michael Clement Atowari Peterside (Sunju IX, 1918–2016), was a distinguished ophthalmologist and retired Controller of Medical Services in the old Rivers State, serving as head chief of the Sunju Peterside chieftaincy family of Opobo. His mother, Patricia Awune Gboloba Bob-Manuel, hailed from the royal family of Abonnema. Raised in a milieu of public service and intellectual rigor, Peterside attended King's College, Lagos, for secondary education, gaining admission at age 10. This early exposure to excellence fostered his lifelong commitment to meritocracy and ethical leadership. He holds the traditional title Arusibidabo of the Opobo Kingdom, reflecting his deep ties to Niger Delta heritage.
Education
Peterside pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, earning a B.Sc. in Economics from City University, London (1973–1976), followed by an M.Sc. in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1977. His academic foundation in economic theory equipped him for a career in finance and policy. He later enhanced his executive acumen through the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School (1991–1993). In recognition of his contributions, he received an honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Port Harcourt and was elected an Honorary Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers on 1 April 2019.
Career
Peterside's professional journey exemplifies entrepreneurial resilience in Nigeria's evolving financial landscape. He began in banking but quickly pivoted to innovation, founding the Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited (IBTC) in February 1989 at age 33. As CEO until 2007, he transformed IBTC from a modest firm into a leading investment bank, navigating the 2005 Central Bank recapitalization by raising capital and acquiring Chartered Bank Plc and Regent Bank Plc, rebranding as IBTC Chartered Bank Plc. In 2007, it merged with Stanbic Bank Nigeria to form Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, where he served as Chairman until 2017.
His boardroom influence extended to multinationals: Non-Executive Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc (2010–2020), and directorates at Nigerian Breweries, Unilever Nigeria Plc (until 2020), and Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. Internationally, he sat on the boards of Standard Bank of South Africa and Standard Bank Group Limited (2014–2024). From 2017 to 2023, he chaired Endeavour High Impact Entrepreneurship Ltd/Gte. In 2015, he launched Anap Business Jets Limited (Anap Jets), a private aviation firm, where he remains Chairman of Anap Jets FZE.
Peterside served on Nigeria's National Economic Management Team (2007–2015) and National Council on Privatization (2010–2015), chairing its Technical Committee and spearheading power sector reforms. He co-chaired the Steering Committee for Nigeria's National Development Plan (2020) and the National Steering Committee for Agenda 2050 (2020–2023). In 2020, he resigned from several Nigerian boards to prioritize Anap Foundation.
Achievements
Peterside's accolades underscore his transformative impact on finance and governance. He received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2010 for national service. In May 2022, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Banker Awards in Accra, Ghana, for pioneering ethical banking and fostering a shared mission at Stanbic IBTC. Under his stewardship, IBTC grew into a multi-billion-dollar institution, setting benchmarks for corporate governance through the 2003 Code of Best Practices for Public Companies, which he helped draft as Chairman of the SEC's Committee on Corporate Governance.
His advisory roles advanced economic reforms: As honorary adviser to Rivers State Governor (2007–2011), he influenced fiscal policies; at the 2014 National Conference, his speeches addressed economic hurdles. Philanthropically, Anap Foundation's COVID-19 Think Tank (2020) mobilized experts for pandemic response, issuing multilingual alerts and a "Name and Shame" initiative against protocol violators. In aviation, Anap Jets commenced operations in 2015, enhancing Nigeria's private sector capabilities.
Advocacy
Atedo Peterside's advocacy is a cornerstone of his legacy, marked by unwavering commitment to the rule of law, democratic integrity, and youth empowerment. A co-convener of the 1993 Concerned Professionals group, he mobilized against the annulment of the June 12 elections, advocating for democracy's restoration amid military rule. His critiques consistently target institutional lapses, emphasizing accountability without partisan bias.
On electoral malpractices, Peterside has been a relentless voice since the 2010s. In late 2021, he penned "2023 Elections: Hitting Rock Bottom, Finding a Way Up," decrying systemic flaws like vote-buying and result manipulation. As convener of the GoNigeria Initiative (launched December 2021 by Anap Foundation), he spearheaded a non-partisan campaign to boost youth voter registration and participation in the 2023 elections. Partnering with advocates like Aisha Yesufu, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and Falz, the initiative ran poetry, rap, and comedy challenges with N2 million prizes to encourage PVC collection. Post-2023 polls, he highlighted irregularities—falsified INEC result sheets and voter suppression—on Arise TV (March 2023), arguing against premature congratulations amid petitions, and attributing youth turnout gains to such efforts.
His rule of law advocacy intensified during crises. In March 2020, he boycotted a Central Bank forum over the dethronement and exile of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, deeming it a violation of legal norms. Following the #EndSARS Lekki Toll Gate massacre (October 2020), he condemned President Buhari's address and the blocking of protesters' accounts on Arise TV, urging youth political activism. In April 2025, he praised police for withdrawing a summons to Emir Sanusi, questioning overreach in traditional matters. On the 2024 Edo election, he stressed the judiciary's role in upholding integrity, viewing the petition as a litmus test for the new Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Peterside's op-eds and media interventions—such as 2012 calls to scrap the N1.3 trillion fuel subsidy and 2017's eleven-point economic recovery plan—consistently prioritize transparency. In May 2024, he criticized the N90 billion Hajj subsidy as fiscally irresponsible and an affront to equity. Through Anap Foundation, he promotes civic education, warning that youth disengagement cedes power to flawed leaders. His efforts have spurred higher youth involvement in 2023, fostering a culture of principled governance.
Philanthropy
The Anap Foundation, established in 2003, embodies Peterside's vision for equitable development. Focused on good governance, it supports education, health, and economic inclusion. During COVID-19, its Think Tank (18 experts, 2020) issued alerts and collaborated on enforcement. The foundation drives GoNigeria and other initiatives, emphasizing non-violent civic participation.
Personal Life
Peterside is married to Dudun Peterside (née Pearce), and they have three children: Tokini (founder of ART X Lagos), Atowari, and Tariye. He resides in Nigeria, enjoying boating, polo, reading, and travel. A non-partisan figure, he advises without seeking office, prioritizing impact over titles.
Legacy
Atedo Peterside's legacy lies in bridging finance, policy, and advocacy to build resilient institutions. By modernizing banking and amplifying calls for rule of law, he has empowered generations to demand accountability. His work on electoral reforms, especially via GoNigeria, has heightened youth agency, potentially reshaping Nigeria's democracy. As of 2025, his influence endures through Anap Foundation and public commentary, inspiring ethical leadership amid challenges.
See Also
- Stanbic IBTC Bank
- Anap Foundation
- GoNigeria Initiative
- June 12, 1993 elections
References
Synthesized from sources as of October 2025