Godwin Eseiwi Ehigiamusoe is an acknowledged microfinance practitioner and social entrepreneur. His impactful works have significantly expanded the frontiers of finance. In the late 1980s, Dr. Ehigiamusoe founded Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO) a poverty-focused development organization, in response to the spike in poverty; a fall-out of the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme.
LAPO has evolved into a network of mutually reinforcing institutions in microfinance, micro-insurance, micro-leasing, healthcare, and education meeting the needs of millions in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
In 2010, Dr. Ehigiamusoe led the establishment of LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited, a premium microfinance bank in Nigeria, and LAPO Microfinance Company Limited in Sierra Leone. He served as the pioneer Managing Director of LAPO Microfinance Bank expanding its reach across the country prior to his stepping down in 2020. In 2019, he spearheaded the establishment of Goxi Microinsurance Company Limited, Nigeria’s first licensed microinsurance provider, offering innovative policies to low-income persons and their small and medium businesses.
Dr. Ehigiamusoe contributed to the development of microfinance sector in Nigeria and beyond; he was actively involved in the formulation of Nigeria’s Microfinance Policy and Regulatory Framework and as well as in building capacity for key actors in the sector.
He earned a doctorate degree in policy and development studies with emphasis on policy instruments and financial inclusion. He is a certified microfinance banker and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. In 2008, he won the FATE Foundation’s Model Entrepreneur, and Prof Schwab Foundation’s Outstanding Social Entrepreneur – Africa-2010. In 2014, has won the Distinguished Alumni Award of the Lagos Business School. In 2016, he was honoured by the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, his alma mater, with D.Sc. (honoris causa).
He has authored books on non-profit, microfinance and enterprise development.
