About Ola Belgore

Ola Belgore: A Legacy of Discipline, Vision, and Leadership in Nigeria’s Financial Sector

Full Name: Isiaka Olarongbe Belgore
Date of Birth: June 24, 1974
Place of Birth: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Parents: Retired ACP Eyitayo Saidu Belgore and Alhaja Modupe Belgore
Nationality: Nigerian
Current Role: Managing Director, Utica Capital Limited

Early Life and Family Background

Born into the respected Belgore family of Ilorin, Kwara State, Isiaka Olarongbe Belgore, fondly known as Ola Belgore, grew up within a family defined by integrity, faith, and public service. His father, Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Eyitayo Saidu Belgore, and his mother, Alhaja Modupe Belgore, instilled in him discipline, humility, and a strong sense of community — values that would later define his professional journey and leadership philosophy.

Ola’s childhood was shaped by both Ilorin’s deep-rooted Islamic and Yoruba traditions and his father’s professional postings across Nigeria. He began his early years in Isale Ajanaku, off Emir Road, Ilorin, surrounded by extended family and cultural heritage that emphasized respect, education, and family unity.

Education: Foundations of Excellence

Ola began his formal education in 1980 at Ansarul Islam Primary School, Oke-Aluko, Ilorin, and later continued at Okesuna Primary School. In 1982, following his father’s transfer to Benue State, he attended Ekan Primary School, Makurdi. Two years later, another transfer brought the family to Lagos, where he joined Mate Nursery and Primary School, Ketu. His academic brilliance earned him a double promotion to Primary 5, but his parents, valuing maturity alongside intellect, encouraged him to complete Primary 6 at New City Nursery and Primary School, Ketu, where he graduated with distinction.

For secondary education, Ola attended Apostolic Church Grammar School (Apolo), Ketu, before moving to Patigi Secondary School (PSS) in Kwara State, due to another of his father’s postings. At PSS, he displayed remarkable leadership, culminating in his appointment as Head Boy (Senior Prefect) before graduating in 1994.

He proceeded to the University of Lagos, Akoka, enrolling in the Pre-Degree Program in 1997 and gaining admission into the Department of Microbiology in 1998. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Microbiology in 2003. His quest for global business understanding led him to pursue an MBA in International Business at Lincoln University, Oakland, California, USA, which he completed in 2010.

Early Career and Professional Growth

Ola began his professional career in 2003 as an Intern at TRW Stockbrokers Limited, where he learned the fundamentals of investment analysis, portfolio management, and client relations. During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, he served as a Tutor at the Ondo State School of Nursing, Akure, where he also distinguished himself as the President of the NYSC/NDLEA Drug-Free Club (DFC), leading campaigns on youth discipline and public health awareness — an early reflection of his leadership and social consciousness.

Upon completing NYSC in 2006, Ola returned to TRW Stockbrokers Limited as a Marketer, managing both institutional and retail investment portfolios. Later that year, he joined Meristem Securities Limited as an Investment Advisor, marking a major step in his professional ascent.

Career Achievements and Leadership Journey

At Meristem, Ola’s innovative approach and deep understanding of client needs saw him rise rapidly through the ranks. He played a key role in the establishment of Meristem Wealth Management Limited, becoming its Pioneer Head of Wealth Management. His leadership helped institutionalize structured portfolio management and bespoke investment solutions for high-net-worth clients.

He was later appointed Head of Group Business Development, where he coordinated revenue generation across the group’s subsidiaries and established the Meristem Business Associates (MBA) initiative — a referral and partnership network that significantly deepened the company’s market presence.

In May 2014, Ola was appointed Managing Director of Afrinvest Asset Management Limited, one of Nigeria’s foremost investment firms. During his tenure, he grew the company’s Assets under Management (AuM) from ₦2 billion to ₦29 billion within 20 months, an unprecedented achievement in the Nigerian asset management space. He successfully launched and managed several mutual funds, including the Afrinvest Plutus Fund and the Nigeria International Debt Fund, establishing a reputation for innovation, integrity, and strong governance.

Utica Capital Limited: A Vision Realized

In September 2020, Ola Belgore embarked on a bold entrepreneurial journey by founding Utica Capital Limited, a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered fund and portfolio management firm headquartered in Lagos. Under his leadership, Utica Capital has become one of the fastest-growing boutique asset managers in Nigeria, earning an A- credit rating within three years — a rare accomplishment for a young firm.

Ola also serves as the Fund Manager of the Utica Custodian Assured Fixed Income Fund, Nigeria’s first blended investment and insurance fixed income fund approved by the SEC. His approach at Utica reflects his guiding philosophy: combining financial innovation with ethical leadership and long-term value creation.

In 2025, he championed the creation of the Utica Film Fund, a pioneering initiative designed to channel institutional investment into the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood). The fund bridges the gap between finance and creative arts, empowering filmmakers, promoting authentic African storytelling, and diversifying Nigeria’s investment landscape.

Professional Affiliations and Recognitions

Ola Belgore’s professional credentials are extensive, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and ethical finance. He is:

A Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM) – American Academy of Financial Management
An Associate Chartered Stockbroker (ACS) – Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers
A Fellow, Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers (IAPM)
A Council Member, Association of Corporate and Individual Investment Advisers (CIIA)
An Honorary Senior Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)
A member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments (CISI, UK)
A member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria
A member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM)
A member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (UK)
A member of the Commodity Brokers Association of Nigeria
An Authorized Dealing Clerk of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX)

His professional excellence has earned him numerous recognitions, including:

Best in Asset Management (2014) – Wealth & Finance International, UK
Honorary Senior Membership (2017) – Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria

Personal Life and Interests

Ola Belgore is known for his humility, warmth, and devotion to family and community. A proud son of Ilorin, he remains deeply connected to his cultural and religious roots. Outside his professional life, he enjoys football, Scrabble, and music, balancing intellectual engagement with relaxation and creativity. He is passionate about mentorship, ethical investing, and youth empowerment, and continues to support initiatives that promote leadership and discipline among young professionals.

Legacy and Outlook

Through more than two decades in Nigeria’s financial markets, Ola Belgore has built a reputation as a strategic thinker, transformative leader, and ethical innovator. His journey — from Ilorin’s humble family house to leading one of Nigeria’s most dynamic investment firms — embodies resilience, vision, and purpose.

Today, as Managing Director of Utica Capital Limited, Ola continues to inspire a new generation of financial professionals to believe in integrity, creativity, and excellence. To many, he represents not just a success story, but a living testament to Nigeria’s potential when tradition, faith, and innovation converge.