Penpushing member, Tunde Lemo bags honorary degree of doctor of divinity

A prominent member of Penpushing Platform Rev Tunde Lemo was on Friday bestowed with the award of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) by the Crowther Graduate Theological Seminar of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion in affiliation with Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.

Penpushing reports that the ceremony by the institute in collaboration with Bethhany International University, Singapore was held during the graduation ceremony of new graduates held at the campus located within premises of former Abeokuta Grammar School, Isale Igbein, Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

The awardee was accompanied by members of the Penpushing platform which include Dr Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji (Founder), Prof Jendele Hungbo and Tunde Oluwasola, as well as Pastors from Foursquare Gospel Church

Penpushing further reports that the management of the institute said the faculty and Senate have heard so much about antecedents of Lemo and support for Christian causes in the Church of God, adding that his contribution to human development and emancipation is immensely remarkable while his love for all Christians is immeasurable.

‘We appreciate your contributions to the growth and development of justice, ministerial work, equity, peace and human development particularly in Abeokuta, Ogun State and the entire country. We have the pleasure to confer you degree of Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa)’, the management emphasized.

Penpushing also reports that Lemo is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and fellow of the Institute of Directors, with significant leadership and top management experience in both the public and private sectors spanning almost 40 years.

The awardee was born on December 28, 1959 and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy (first class division) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1984 where he won seven academic laurels, including the Best overall graduating student in the faculty.

Penpushing reports that in 1985, Lemo started his career in Arthur Andersen and Co Chartered Accountants and over the years, he held various other positions in Finance and Control as well as providing significant leadership and top management training both in the public and private sectors.

The renowned Nigerian attended Advanced Management Programme (AMP) at the Wharton College, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, U.S.A in 2002 as well as executive training programmes in world-class institutions including Harvard University, INSEAD, Fontainbleau, France, Brandies University, Boston among others.

Penpushing further reports that he served as Deputy Governor in charge of Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in which role he drove the industry-wide shared services initiative towards achieving efficient banking services with 30% cost savings for the Nigerian banking industry and greater penetration of banking services.

The awardee equally provided strategic direction and supervises five departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria including Reserve Management, Banking and Payments System, Currency Operations, Branch Operations and Information Technology departments. Prior to this, he was Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Surveillance.

Penpushing also reports that he is an experienced and versatile public officer and financial manager, while his contributions to public policy include the implementation of the Banking Sector Consolidation, formulation and implementation of the Microfinance Policy and Supervisory Framework both under the supervision of the Governor.

The renowned banker equally led the restructuring of Abuja Security and Commodities Exchange and Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM), as the Chairman of both institutions, and as Vice Chairman Technical Committee for the establishment of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), he participated actively in the establishment of the Pan-African investment institution where he served as a Director.

Penpushing reports that prior to his appointment as Deputy Governor, he had led the transformation of Wema Bank Ple as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer between 2000 and 2003 resulting in the bank’s superlative performance which made it rank as one of the top ten most profitable commercial banks in Nigeria in 2023

The profile has it that his major strengths are his passion for excellence, ability to transform challenges into opportunities, integrity and exceptional people-management and problem-solving skills. His capacity to do more and impact others, is why he serves in some Nigerian Universities: Member, Governing Council of Crawford University

Penpushing further reports that he is a member, Board of Trustees of the Redeemers University Chairman, Board of Trustees of McPherson University President, Tai Solarin University of Education Foundation, as well as an awardee of 2 Doctoral Honorary Degrees from Crawford University, Igbesa and Tai-Solarin University of Education.

The awardee leverages his diverse exposure and works effectively with people of different backgrounds in the private and public sectors, served as the Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Titan Trust Bank, Flutterwave Payment Solutions and Lambeth Capital Limited.

Penpushing also reports that Lemo currently serves as the Chairman of Lambeth Capital Limited, Bamboo Systems Technology Limited and Leadforte Gate Group of Schools, and on the boards of many companies, including ARM Holding Company, CBC Emea and the Brook Finance Company Limited and was awarded the prestigious National Honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in November 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The clergyman gave his live to Christ as a university undergraduate in October 1981, having received the Holy Spirit Baptism in 1984, and thereafter joined Foursquare Gospel Church in 1986 and worshipped at the National Headquarters Church at Akinwunmi Street, Yaba,Lagos

Penpushing reports that he joined the pioneering team at Foursquare Gospel Church Ojota in 1994 and took up many roles including CFM President, Council Member and Minister in charge of marriage counselling.

The awardee was ordained a Deacon in 1998 by Rev G.O Farombi, while he was inducted as a Pastor in 2004 and became an ordained Minister in November 2008, and as an Assisting Minister at Ojota church, he played a key role in the pioneering of many churches which include Saki, Oyo State, Zuru, Kebbi State and  Erunwen Church, Ikorodu Lagos State.

Penpushing further reports that others are Aladelola Church, Ishawo Road, Ikorodu Lagos State, Mart’K Church, Ishawo, Ikorodu Lagos State, Ewu-Elepe Church, Ikorodu Lagos State, Ogudu Ori-Oke, Ogudu, Lagos State and Ajibade Church, Ojota, Lagos State.

The cleric equally established the Success Academy – A monthly Financial Literacy Master- Class and was the main facilitator, later transferred his services to Foursquare Gospel Church Ikoyi in June 2024 and has remained an Assisting Minister since then with direct oversight of the Church Choir as well as the Business Venture.

Penpushing also reports that Lemo was appointed by the General Overseer (Rev Dr Sam Aboyeji) to the National Board of the Foursquare Gospel Church in November 2019 and serves till date.

The awardee is married to Pastor (Mrs) Yemi Lemo, a school Proprietress and they are blessed with three children and grandchildren, while he is the Chairman of the Foursquare Board of Schools as well as Investment Committee of the board

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