Jumai Ahmadu writes that the appointment of Adaora Umeoji as Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank is a reflection of hard work and excellence
There are three pathways to greatness in William Shakespeare’s play, Twelfth Night: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them”.
All things considered, the subject of this piece, fits into the second category. Zenith Bank’s Mrs. Adaora Umeoji Nwokoye was recently announced as the first woman Group Managing Director and CEO of the bank.
In an arena of male prevalence, she is a woman who shot to limelight by hard work, discipline, and the abundant grace of God. Her immense capacity, knack for diligent execution of tasks and the content of her character proves that it is not just enough to be intelligent, but equally as crucial is the ability to manage men and resources which is key in generating value for any organization.
The mother of set of twins is from Aguata , Anambra State. Adaora who joined the bank over two decades ago was at a time an Executive Director, as well as General Manager Abuja and later the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank.
Umeoji had been the Deputy Managing Director of the bank since Oct. 28, 2016, with close to 30 years cognate banking experience of which 26 years had been with Zenith Bank.
She did not rise to this new position overnight, neither was it a bed of roses all along. She has the scars of battles she has weathered through and, far beyond societal expectations. Today fate has chosen her and so she has reasons to thank God for His blessings.
Already an accomplished woman career wise with a very intimidating profile, she combined beauty plus brain, a very cerebral woman with all the knowledge, skills and experience.
Mrs. Umeoji holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Jos. An alma mater of the Class of ’96 like this writer, our paths crossed again at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Abuja.
She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a first-class honours in Law from Baze University, Abuja. She also holds a Master of Law from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration from the University of Calabar and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA.
Mrs. Adaora Umeoji Nwokoye has, by confronting the inertia of societal norms, and with a disdain for superficiality, demonstrated with life’s trajectory that education and politics can fundamentally address transformation of society and the human condition for good. With maturity and experience, she has acquitted herself as deserving of this office.
As the chief executor who supervises the execution of policy and the administrative drive of the Zenith Bank, Adaora, easy going and unassuming but frank to a fault, doesn’t suffer fools for nothing as many have taken to social media to write despicable and unprintable articles against a revered and outstanding woman.
Rightly said, her elevation to a new calling in this new office is “reward for industry and excellence.” It is sad at the same time that whenever a Nigerian woman makes the news as having been appointed to a high position, it ruffles a lot of feathers in male chauvinists who see such success as a threat and not an opportunity.
With unshaken resolve, it therefore becomes a matter of responsibility to recognize the contributions of a patriot, distinguished and decent Nigerian, who, aiming for a higher purpose, has distanced herself by transcending the trivial and continued to give her all in the service to fatherland.
By becoming beacons of hope and inspiring others, it is our collective prayer that Adaora Umeoji’s years of cumulative experience in banking practices in Nigeria will, amidst daunting challenges, help reposition the nation’s banking sector on the path of transparency, profitability, efficiency, innovation, and count in keeping the financial sector on purposeful path.
Dr. Ahmadu, an Ag. Director, FCTA, is Founder, Helpline Social Support Initiative, Abuja
