Asue Ighodalo, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nigerian Breweries Plc, has resigned from his position effective December 31, 2023.
This announcement comes as Mr. Ighodalo, the alleged preferred candidate of Governor Godwin Obaseki, prepares to launch his gubernatorial campaign for Edo State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a corporate filing with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the company confirmed Mr. Ighodalo’s resignation and outlined a transition plan. Uaboi Agbebaku, Nigerian Breweries’ Secretary, stated that Mr. Ighodalo’s decision to pursue public service necessitates his departure from the board.
Sijbe Hiemstra, the longest-serving director, will be interim Chairman starting January 1, 2024. The company added that the board will utilise this time to appoint a permanent successor.
“Mr. Ighodalo informed the board of his decision to offer himself for public service,” said Mr. Agbebaku. “Therefore, he will resign from the board and as Chairman on December 31, 2023, to dedicate his full attention to this new endeavour.”
Mr. Hiemstra previously served on Nigerian Breweries’ governance and statutory audit committees. He joined the board in August 2011.
The company also announced Ndidi Nwuneli’s decision to step down as an independent non-executive director.