Dr. Benson Uwheru is a Proud Alumnus of the Delta State University, Department of Accounting where he obtained a B.sc (Second Class Upper); Masters of Science, Risk Management and Insurance, University of Lagos, Executive Masters in Project Management from the Project Management College, UK, an MBA, Strategy & Entrepreneurship Studies from the Doctorate Research Centre and University, California.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Financial Management from Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities and hallmarks of transformation.
He has acquired various Leadership Certifications from Harvard Business School, African Leadership Development Centre, (ALDC), South Africa, Global NextGen Program, USA etc. He is a Member of the University Governing Council of Michael & Cecilia Ibru University and sits on the Board of several Organisations.
He is the President & Founder of the Benson Uwheru Leadership & Empowerment Foundation (BULEF) dedicated to empowering people and demonstrating exemplary leadership using practical case studies and live experiences.
He is a Fellow, of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB). He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Financial Management, USA Fellow, Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals, Professional, Institute of Operational Risk Worldwide, USA and a Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP), USA
He was EY’s Corporate Governance Leader for West Africa, Banking & Capital Market Sector Leader for EY West Africa and is a seasoned facilitator with expertise in strategy, governance, business continuity and risk management across various industries, sectors and regions within and outside Nigeria.
Benson specializes in continuous education for Executive and Senior Management of the biggest organizations in Africa and Globally, and in the last year, has hosted over 50 Webinars on how state governments, organizations and industries can capitalize on the disruption introduced by COVID-19; navigating the upside of risk and leveraging opportunities for growth and development.
He is an industry facilitator and keynote speaker at many industry events such as the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Institute of Directors, IOD, the CBN, CIBN, RIMAN etc. He recently led the review of the governance frameworks and board operations for financial institutions across 30 countries globally highlighting the role of the Board in formulating business strategy and oversight of senior management activities.
He is the first DELSU Alumnus and youngest Deltan to be promoted to the position of Global Partner in Ernst & Young professional Services which is one of the Big 4 Accounting Firms in the World. He was also previously in Deloitte & Touche another Big 4 firm as well. He is one of our first among equals.
On July 5th 2022 Dr Benson Uwheru was announced as the MD/CEO of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution company by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to bring his vast professional acumen to restructure and prevent the Port Harcourt DISCO From imminent insolvency.
Since taking over the affairs of PHED, he has begun a transformation journey that has led the company to attain a major milestone in its collection history. His Leadership style of empowerment and trust has restored the confidence and commitment of the employees leading to high productivity and improved performance. He is an exemplary leader indeed.
He is happily married and blessed with children. He is from Uwheru in Ughelli North LGA.
