By: [Oladipo Emmanuel]
Issue: July 2025 Edition
INTRODUCTION: THE RISE OF A UNITED FORCE
In a world where success often wears the mask of individuality, it is refreshing and inspiring to witness a partnership that not only defies this norm but thrives in harmony. Mr. Walter and Mrs. Winifred Akpani, the force behind Providus Bank and Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, have emerged as Nigeria’s most formidable power couple, proving that unity in marriage can lead to uncommon prosperity. This is not just a love story; it's a blueprint for legacy.
Their story is not just one of wealth or business success—it is a masterclass in mutual respect, shared dreams, collaborative efforts, and national contribution. Together, they have demonstrated that when two walk in agreement, even mountains must move.
BEGINNING IN HUMILITY: THE NORTHWEST PETROLEUM STORY
In 1997, Mrs. Winifred Akpani, a Chartered Accountant with bold dreams, took a courageous leap by resigning from her job in the oil and gas industry. With a vision to start something of her own, she embarked on what would later become Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited.
At that time, her husband, Mr. Walter Akpani, a finance professional, backed her dream by contributing to her startup capital of just ₦200,000. That modest investment, driven by shared belief and trust, became the foundation of one of Nigeria’s most thriving indigenous oil companies.
The company began humbly—supplying diesel in 200-liter drums to homes, churches, and local businesses. Winifred’s tenacity and diligence expanded her clientele to include hotels and manufacturing companies. Soon, she was not just a supplier but a major distributor, eventually leasing petrol stations and entering the bulk buying space.
Today, Northwest Petroleum is a multi-million-dollar operation involved in downstream, midstream, and upstream oil trading—handling international deals and commanding a significant place in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
FROM SUPPORT TO SYNERGY: THE PROVIDUS BANK STORY
As the years rolled by and Northwest flourished, the tides turned.
Mr. Walter Akpani, now leading United Mortgage Bank, sought to elevate his dream by applying for a full commercial banking license. Who stood by him? His wife. Mrs. Akpani didn’t just offer emotional support—she invested significantly in his vision.
Today, Providus Bank is a testimony of that support, where Northwest Petroleum is the largest shareholder with over 34% equity, and Mr. Walter Akpani serves as the pioneer CEO. Their joint commitment gave birth to a thriving financial institution renowned for innovation, customer excellence, and corporate strength.
THE BEAUTY OF BALANCE: CAREER, FAMILY, AND VALUES
- What makes the Akpanis stand out isn't just their accomplishments—it's how they achieved them.
- They never saw success as a competition between them.
- They invested in one another.
- They respected the unique roles each played in building their collective legacy.
- They stayed away from the limelight, letting results speak for them.
Their marriage is a blueprint for balance between career and family, without sacrificing one for the other. Winifred often acknowledges the importance of family support, while Walter emphasizes the strength that comes from a trusted partner who understands vision.
They embody the biblical principle: “Two are better than one… for if one falls, the other will lift him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
NATIONAL IMPACT: BEYOND BUSINESS
Both Northwest Petroleum and Providus Bank contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy. From job creation to energy security and financial inclusion, the Akpanis’ enterprises are pillars in the private sector.
Northwest Petroleum supports hundreds of direct and indirect jobs, while also contributing to local content development in the oil industry.
Providus Bank provides SME funding, innovative banking services, and has impacted the fintech space through partnerships and support for Nigerian startups.
Together, they are part of Nigeria’s nation-building team, quietly shaping critical sectors with integrity and efficiency.
WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT: THE AKPANI ADVANTAGE
Several factors stand the Akpanis out amidst their peers:
1. Mutual Empowerment: Instead of rivalry, they chose reinforcement.
2. Strategic Sacrifice: They took turns supporting each other’s dreams, never chasing everything at once.
3. Long-Term Vision: They built with foresight, not just short-term gain.
4. Discretion and Integrity: They avoided flamboyance, staying grounded despite their success.
5. Shared Values: They aligned spiritually and morally, anchoring their success on faith, honesty, and hard work.
ADVICE TO YOUNG & PROSPECTIVE COUPLES
In a world that often promotes independence above interdependence, the Akpanis stand as a rare example that:
Marriage is a multiplier when built on trust, not competition.
Investing in your partner is an investment in your future.
Don’t despise small beginnings—great empires often rise from seeds sown in faith and patience.
Support doesn’t always mean stepping aside—it can mean stepping up together.
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
“I didn’t build Northwest alone; my husband’s early belief in me was the catalyst. We built everything on trust.” – Mrs. Winifred Akpani
“Providus Bank would have been a dream unfulfilled without my wife’s support. Her backing gave me the push I needed.” – Mr. Walter Akpani
CONCLUSION: THE FUTURE OF COUPLE-POWERED NATION BUILDING
The story of Walter and Winifred Akpani isn’t just theirs—it is ours. It is a Nigerian story. A story of grit, unity, faith, and vision.
As Nigeria navigates new frontiers, the need for visionary couples who build together, lead with integrity, and contribute to national growth has never been greater.
The Akpanis have proven that behind every thriving institution can be a thriving union—and that when two agree, even heaven responds.
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