Olufunso "Funso" Sobande is an accomplished financial consultant, veteran banker, and dedicated "Sickle Cell Champion." With over 24 years of high-level experience in the Nigerian and international financial sectors, Mr. Sobande brings a unique blend of strategic fiscal expertise and deep personal commitment to the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN).
Throughout his career, Mr. Sobande has held several prestigious leadership positions, including serving as the Executive Director at First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited and as the Chief Dealer at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). His influence in the financial markets is further marked by his tenure as President of the Money Market Association of Nigeria (now the Financial Markets Dealers Association - FMDA). Beyond Nigeria, he has rendered strategic financial consultancy to the Central Bank of Liberia and managed treasury operations for the Flour Mills of Nigeria group.
Living with Sickle Cell Disorder (Hb SS), Mr. Sobande serves as a powerful role model for the "warrior" community. He is a vocal advocate for work-life balance, frequently speaking on how individuals with the disorder can achieve professional excellence by understanding their physical limits and effectively communicating their needs to employers. His leadership on the SCFN Board is instrumental in advancing life-changing initiatives, including the landmark SCFN/LUTH Bone Marrow Transplant Centre, which offers a cure to many living with the condition in West Africa.
A British Chevening Scholar, Mr. Sobande holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ibadan and a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. He remains active in national policy, having served on the SEC Technical Committee and the Attorney General’s committee reviewing financial laws. He is happily married with two children.