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INTERVIEW
initiative code-named Project UBA-D(NA).
Subsequently, my role evolved into HR with add-on
oversight for on-boarding and induction, under UBA
Academy.
In 2012, I requested to be reassigned to a Marketing
role as I wanted to become an all-round banker,
and this saw my move to Corporate Banking
as Relationship Manager, Aviation. I had to take
another year off following a medical procedure after
which I returned to work in Personal Banking before
my resignation in April 2016.
Interesting! Tell us about your experience at
the bank?
Intense! There was a lot of pressure to perform
and to deliver, but I saw it as an opportunity to
prove myself and discover my strengths. I saw
that you have two choices – either be mediocre
and do the barest minimum to get the pay check
at the end of the month, or put in your best and
remain passionate. I chose the latter; I chose to see
challenges as stepping stones and opportunities
for growth. I saw that being ready to put in the work,
definitely yields results. I won’t say it was easy, there
Photocredits: Tobi james Candid were times I didn’t think I could go on, but every
time I completed a seemingly difficult task and saw
the impact, I forgot the pain and was hungry for the
15 years with an organisation is quite next challenge.
commendable. How did your career at UBA
go? I was fortunate to have worked with an MD/CEO
who saw potential in me and was willing to support
Well, it was an interesting journey. I joined the bank and ensure that I thrived. Like I always say, when
in January 1999 as an Operations Staff and worked working with Tony Elumelu, you have no choice
in different roles for 6 years at Standard Trust Bank, but to eradicate ‘impossible’ from your vocabulary.
Kaduna. In 2005, I became motivated to achieve As far as he was concerned, that word did not
more and travelled to England for my Masters in exist. I imbibed his ‘can-do’ spirit and developed
Business Administration (MBA). a little appetite for excuses. It also helped that I
had amazing and supportive Directorate Heads all
A year after, I was back at the office and through.
resumed work with the Brand Management and
Communications Directorate at the Head Office. Whilst at UBA, I learnt very quickly that building
After almost 3 years in my role, I was appointed relationships with colleagues was an essential
to champion the Culture Change Transformation success parameter. TOE was a warm leader, I
26 | The Lion King | Jan - Mar 2021
