Advisory Board

Femi
Olubanwo

Femi Olubanwo is recognized as one of the foremost intellectual property practitioners in Nigeria, with a commercial practice that addresses all dimensions of intellectual property, including – trademarks, copyright, patents, industrial designs, and other related areas such as Technology and Entertainment & Media. His professional portfolio also includes significant experience in Banking and Corporate Finance, Project Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Restructuring, and Mining.

He graduated with a LL.B (honors) degree in law in 1981 and was subsequently admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1982. He is a founding partner of Banwo & Ighodalo, one of top law firms in Nigeria and heads the Intellectual Property and Technology practice. He serves as a director on the boards of numerous companies, and he’s often consulted by the Nigerian government regarding intellectual property policies and reforms. He was the former President of the Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria (IPLAN).

He is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); the Institute of Trademark Attorneys (ITMA); the International Trademark Association (INTA); Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA); and World Trade Course of Nigeria Femi Olubanwo's exceptional commitment to excellence and client satisfaction sets him apart in his field. His vast experience in domestic and international financing transactions, along with his steadfast dedication to perfection, assures successful outcomes in all his endeavors.

Mohammed
Garuba

Mohammed Garuba is one of the founding partners of CardinalStone Partners Limited, where he oversees the Asset Management and Real Estate Divisions. With a background in equity trading and sales, he has played pivotal roles in driving strategic initiatives in various financial institutions. He was a member of the ministerial committee set up to review the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, with the aim of aligning it with international best practices governing capital market operations.

Mohammed earned his MBA from the London Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Insurance from the University of Lagos. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria as well as The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers of Nigeria. He is also an Associate of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment in the UK and an alumnus of Yale University and Harvard Kennedy School.

With a robust background in investment banking, Mohammed is dedicated to advancing the capital market's regulatory framework. He is a board member of the Nigerian Chapter of Africa 2.0, a Pan-African advocacy group that seeks to bring together like-minded individuals and organizations committed to a shared vision for Africa and to the pursuit of sustainable solutions that will significantly advance the continent's development.