Emmanuel Nnorom: A Symbol of Corporate Loyalty

During the week, a huge announcement was made by UBA Plc. The mercurial Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, was stepping down after 12 meritorious years and was being replaced by Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom, a non-executive director of the bank.

I was immediately filled with excitement, and my reason was simple. Mr Nnorom had spent 22 years in the system. In these days of “abutata” career where people jump from one boat to the other for the flimsiest reason, this man stayed in one place for 22 years, and that system rewarded him for his loyalty with the chairmanship. I am not saying that the only thing Nnorom is bringing to the table was loyalty o. His brilliance, intelligence and legendary attention to detail, coupled with his unusually high integrity, all combined to make him that valuable corner piece with which Tony built his fortress.

I remember dealing with Mr. Nnorom as a rookie stockbroker at BGL. He was something – not very high up at the Standard Trust Bank, and when I had issues, I would sashay to his table. He would calm my hot blood, call his people, listen very diligently and solve the problem.

More recently, one of his officials annoyed me again – kai, small thing can vex me –  so I shouted at her, “I will crush this your fly with sledge hammer,” I swear. I sent a message to Nnorom, and he immediately called me, gently stroked my brittle ego and sorted the matter.  I said to him, “My brother, if you continue like this, you will soon be chairman.”

Today, he is chairman, and this shows nothing but Mr. Elumelu’s uncanny brilliance in not only identifying brains but also in nurturing and empowering them to the point that the institution benefits tremendously.

Congrats to both men, because they did this together and well done to the UBA Group.