April 2026
Deutsche Partners Holding (DPH), a leading development finance institution, has announced the appointment of three distinguished Nigerians to its Board as Non-Executive Independent Directors. The newly appointed board members are Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, High Chief Higgins Peters, and Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, a seasoned economist.
The appointments form part of the company’s strategic effort to strengthen its governance structure and position the institution for expansion in line with its long-term vision of driving infrastructure financing and economic development across Africa.
DPH serves as the holding company for several subsidiaries licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including Deutsche Capital Limited, Deutsche Assets Management Limited, Deutsche Securities Limited, and Deutsche Private Equity Limited, among others.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Partner of DPH, Dr. Onuoha I. Nnachi, noted that the appointments reflect the organization’s commitment to institutional growth and global competitiveness.
“We are pleased to welcome three highly respected Nigerians to the Board of Deutsche Partners Holding. Their diverse experience, leadership depth, and strategic insight will play a critical role as we advance our global mandate in infrastructure financing and economic development,” he said.
Strengthening Strategic Direction
According to Dr. Nnachi, the new board members will provide high-level strategic oversight, support global repositioning efforts, and enhance stakeholder confidence in the institution.
Profiles of the New Directors
Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi is the leader of the Tijaniyyah Sufi Order in Nigeria. He was born on 13 February 1966 in Bauchi State and has a legacy of service. An Islamic scholar, Sheikh Bauchi, is highly respected for his insights into management, development and leadership. He is notable for his humility, transformative leadership, and selfless service. He is regarded by millions as a guardian of faith, keeper of knowledge, and beacon of divine light.
“His appointment to the board will help guide the company into Islamic financing and build sustainable investment relationships with the Gulf nations. Sheikh Bauchi is a globally active business and faith leader with extensive travels across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe where he engages with investors, global business leaders, heads of state, and spiritual leaders while promoting peace, inter-community harmony, and the preservation of classical Islamic scholarship. He is a living bridge between a storied past and a vibrant future and continues to guide millions with wisdom, humility, and profound faith,” Nnachi said.
High Chief Peters is a distinguished Nigerian statesman, accomplished entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose life reflects a rare blend of visionary business leadership, selfless public service, and profound community commitment. Born in Okpoma, Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, he is one of Nigeria’s most respected and globally connected business leaders, sophisticated, urbane, and widely travelled.
According to Nnachi, “Peters is a bold strategist with decades of experience. He served as Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of several major enterprises, including Opal Global Communications, Opal Networks Ltd, Opal Projects, Eleven Fifty-Nine Enterprise, and April XXI. He is Chairman of Green Clean Innovation Hub Ltd. His most notable achievement came between 2007 and 2015, when he served as the Nigerian Chairman of Huawei. He also played a pivotal role in modernizing Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, connecting millions of citizens and powering critical sectors of the national economy.”
Mr. Ugwu-Oju is listed as a distinguished Nigerian economist, entrepreneur, and nation builder whose career bridges rigorous academic training with practical enterprise leadership. He began his career as a professional banker, and later became an advocate for private sector-led growth and import substitution.
According to Dr Nnachi, Ugwu-Oju, “also serves as Chairman of the board of South-East/South-South Professionals of Nigeria
(SESSPN), championing regional equity and infrastructure development. His reform agenda spans aviation, energy, and oil sectors, emphasizing governance, affordability, and sustainable transition. Beyond economics, Ugwu-Oju is a strong advocate for constitutional reform, believing that Nigeria’s progress depends on strong institutions as much as visionary leadership. His work embodies a relentless commitment to transforming Nigeria’s economic and civic future. He is currently the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nesh Foundation.”
