IFEANYI MICHAEL OKAFOR honored with Project Management Excellence Award

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Ifeanyi Michael Okafor is a distinguished leader in project management, recognized for his leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence. With over 12 years of experience in strategic management, project execution, and organizational transformation, Ifeanyi has played a key role in shaping impactful initiatives at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). His work in portfolio management, strategic alignment, and performance optimization has made him a deserving recipient of the Project Management Excellence Award.

Ifeanyi’s journey into project management began with a solid academic foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology and a Master of Science in Project Management from Teesside University, UK. His professional career started at AVO Consultants, where he worked on the Enugu Road Rehabilitation Project, gaining valuable experience in project scope, technical supervision, and cost estimation. He later transitioned into power system operations with CHARNEL Engineering as an Electrical Engineer and further honed his skills in operational efficiency at Glanbia Nutritional in the UK.

However, it was his tenure at the Central Bank of Nigeria that truly set Ifeanyi apart. Joining CBN in 2012 as a Strategy Analyst, he quickly rose to become the Portfolio Analyst Manager in the Strategy Management Department. In this role, Ifeanyi is responsible for aligning over 29 departments’ projects with the Bank’s corporate strategy. His ability to align key initiatives has been critical to the successful execution of projects in digital banking, regulatory reform, and financial inclusion.

A key strength of Ifeanyi’s leadership is his expertise in change management. He played an instrumental role in the Strategy Awareness Program, which aligned CBN employees with the Bank’s evolving strategic goals. Ifeanyi’s strong communication and collaboration skills have enabled him to manage complex stakeholder relationships, ensuring that senior leadership, project teams, and external partners work cohesively toward shared objectives.

Ifeanyi’s expertise in monitoring and evaluation has further contributed to the success of CBN’s strategic projects. He led the development of the Project Portfolio Dashboard, a real-time tool that provides leadership with insights into project progress, risks, and performance. This tool has enhanced decision-makingu and enabled the Bank to optimize its project portfolio, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to high-priority initiatives.

One of Ifeanyi’s major accomplishments was his role in creating the Enterprise Portfolio, Programme & Project Management (EPPPM) Policy and Handbook, which has become the CBN’s standard for managing projects. This policy streamlined processes and improved consistency and efficiency across the Bank. Additionally, Ifeanyi played a key role in the development of the Strategy Portal, a digital platform that consolidates the Bank’s strategic goals, project plans, and performance data in one place, improving the CBN’s ability to track and align strategic projects.

Ifeanyi has also been a driving force behind significant initiatives in financial inclusion and regulatory reform, positioning CBN as a leader in banking innovation. His contributions were crucial in shaping the CBN 2024-2028 Corporate Strategy, which focuses on sustainable growth and operational efficiency. His leadership has contributed to the Bank’s ability to drive impactful reforms and innovations in the Nigerian banking sector.

Beyond his achievements at CBN, Ifeanyi is a strong advocate for modern project management methodologies. He has championed the use of PRINCE2®, Agile, and Scrum within CBN, equipping project teams with the best tools and techniques for efficient project delivery. His certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), PRINCE2® Foundation, and Professional Scrum Master (PSM1), reflect his commitment to continuous professional development.

Ifeanyi’s career exemplifies his unwavering dedication to excellence in project management. His leadership, innovative solutions, and focus on continuous improvement have made a significant impact on the Central Bank of Nigeria and the broader project management community. His work has set high standards for project managers, demonstrating that dedication, collaboration, and strategic vision lead to remarkable results.

The Institute of Professional Managers & Administrators of Nigeria (IPMA) Excellence Award recognizes Ifeanyi Michael Okafor’s outstanding contributions to project management. His legacy continues to inspire future leaders in the field, and his work will undoubtedly influence the profession for many years to come.