Evans Woherem, a tech trailblazer born in Port Harcourt, and an indigene of Rumuokwuta, ObiorAkpor LGA, Aparra Kingdom, Rivers State on August 8, 1957, has made significant contributions to the field of technology, education, and business.
His journey to becoming a revered leader in the tech industry began with his primary education at St. Paul’s School Diobu, secondary education at Saint Pius X College and Baptist High School, followed by his university education at the University of La Verne, the University of Warwick, and the University of Manchester.
After completing his doctorate in expert systems a branch of Artificial Intelligence, Woherem embarked on a distinguished career in academia and the corporate sector. He served as a research fellow, lecturer, and senior consultant at leading institutions around the world, including the University of Strathclyde, Manchester Polytechnic, ABSA Bank, and FSB International Bank Plc.
In 1996, Woherem returned to Nigeria with a vision to transform the nation’s technology landscape. He joined FSB International Bank Plc. as General Manager, where he spearheaded initiatives to promote IT literacy, develop internal applications, and advocate for process improvement.
Woherem’s leadership in the banking sector continued as he became the Executive Director of IT & Electronic Banking at First Bank of Nigeria in 2001. In this capacity, he oversaw significant initiatives such as the establishment of online branches, data centers, and electronic banking products. He also served as the pioneer Chairman of Interswitch Limited, a leading electronic payment processing company.
Evans Woherem is a Nigerian IT expert who served as Deputy Managing Director of First Interstate Bank (later part of Unity Bank Plc.) from 2005 to 2011. He also served as Group Executive Director of Information Technology and Operations at Unity Bank during that time. In this role, he played a key role in integrating the technology systems and processes of nine financial institutions that had merged to form Unity Bank. He also improved the bank’s IT security and disaster recovery capabilities. Woherem’s work at Unity Bank helped it become one of the leading financial institutions in Nigeria.
Woherem’s passion for technology and innovation transcended the corporate sector. He served on the board of directors of Gamzaki Ltd, a tech startup, and he contributed to the economic landscape of Rivers State as a member of the Rivers State Economic Advisory Council. He also held positions as the former Chairman of Rivers State Microfinance Agency, ChamsAccess Limited, and Caranda Management Services Limited.
Woherem’s contributions to the field of technology have been widely recognized. He has been awarded the Champion of Digital Identity award at the 2019 Digital Heroes Award in Lagos, and he has been conferred with the chieftaincy titles of EzeIwhneZinumba1 of Apara Kingdom and EzeOmenmaOha 1 of Rumuokwuta Clan, ObioAkpor, Ikwerre, Rivers State.
Happily married to Mrs. Margaret Woherem (nee Watts), Evans Woherem is a true pioneer in the field of technology, and his impact on Nigeria’s digital future is undeniable. He is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and innovators everywhere.
