Olamide Obe, a staff member of Zenith Bank, shared a heartwarming account of Adaora Umeoji‘s remarkable journey to becoming the first female Group CEO of Zenith Bank.
Adaora’s appointment, announced on Tuesday, March 19, marked a significant milestone in the banking industry.
Adaora’s career trajectory at Zenith Bank began as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, where she completed her one-year service. During her time at the bank, she demonstrated exceptional skills by securing a N1 billion cheque for Zenith Bank’s founder, Jim James Ovia. This achievement played a pivotal role in her career advancement within the bank.
Her appointment as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer signifies her dedication and contributions to Zenith Bank, where she had served as the Deputy Managing Director since October 28, 2016. Adaora Umeoji’s success story has inspired many, and her leadership role adds to the growing number of top female CEOs in Nigeria’s banking sector.
He narrates, “During my nysc days at Zenith Bank as my PPA in 2008, our branch head then would always use Adaora to ginger us.”
“He would tell us that Adaora came to this bank as a youth corper and she brought a ₦1bn cheque to Jim, and a space had to be created for her at the table.”
“He would further say we can also jump from being a youth corper to a non-executive director if we can increase our DDA by ₦1bn and people would be demoted if necessary just to create space for us at the table.”
“Adaora was someone every corper, ET & EA in Zenith bank looked up to as role model those days. It’s so pleasant hearing that she has been appointed as the new MD of Zenith Bank. I wish her a successful tenure.”
Checkout the post below:
During my nysc days at Zenith Bank as my PPA in 2008, our branch head then would always use Adaora to ginger us. He would tell us that Adaora came to this bank as a youth corper and she brought a ₦1bn cheque to Jim, and a space had to be created for her at the table. He would… pic.twitter.com/ZPuz0UDT42
— Olamide Obe (@olajideobe) March 19, 2024
Adaora Umeoji’s impressive credentials and contributions to society highlight her exceptional leadership and dedication. Born in Anambra, she has had a distinguished career in the banking sector, notably serving as Zenith Bank’s Deputy Managing Director since October 28, 2016.
Adaora’s extensive educational background includes completing the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School and earning certificates from Columbia Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. She holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting and Law with first-class honors from Baze University, Abuja, a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar, and a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA.
Her professional development also includes attending programs at Wharton Business School and Harvard Business School, where she obtained certificates in strategic management and global business leadership.
Adaora’s achievements extend beyond her professional success. In 2022, she was honored by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the Officer of the Order of the Niger award for her contributions to nation-building. Additionally, she is a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC) and is actively involved in philanthropic and humanitarian initiatives through her NGOs, the Pink Breath Cancer Foundation, and the Adorable Foundation, focusing on cancer patient support and educating indigent children, particularly the Girl-Child. Her dedication to both business excellence and social impact serves as an inspiration to many.