Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, whose ascent to the leadership of Zenith Bank Plc marked a significant shift within Nigeria’s banking sector, is the choice of the management of LEADERSHIP Newspapers as Banker Of The Year 2024.
Appointed in June 2024 as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Umeoji has already begun to make an impact. She harnesses her extensive experience and strategic mindset to steer Zenith Bank towards sustained growth and stability in a challenging economic landscape.
Her initiatives on strengthening digital banking, expanding access to financial services, and enhancing customer experience have kept the bank at the forefront of Nigeria’s financial industry.
Umeoji’s proven commitment to operational excellence and forward-thinking solutions makes her a critical player in Nigerian banking. As a transformational force, she continues to pave the way for greater financial inclusion and innovation, further solidifying her reputation among Nigeria’s top banking executives.
With over 30 years of banking experience, 26 of which were at Zenith Bank, Umeoji is an exemplary figure in Nigeria’s financial sector. Her hard work and philanthropy have propelled her to the forefront of banking and led one of Nigeria’s largest banks to surpass its profit targets, solidifying its position as an industry leader.
She has built an impressive career with a relentless focus on financial inclusion, strategic leadership, and ethical banking. As Deputy Managing Director since 2016, she has been pivotal in driving Zenith Bank’s strategic goals, focusing on expanding access to financial services for underserved demographics and raising the bank’s operational standards.
Following her appointment, Umeoji had targeted improving the bank’s profitability. A distinguished scholar and leader, Umeoji holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Business Administration, and has completed advanced management programs at Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, and MIT Sloan School of Management. She is a fellow of several professional bodies, such as the Chartered Banker Institute (UK) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, reflecting her dedication to professional excellence. She is also an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester, awarded by Pope Francis.
At the heart of her vision is an unwavering commitment to ethical banking and social impact. As founder of the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), Umeoji champions values-driven banking practices, aiming to bridge the gap between finance and social good.
Umeoji and 25 other distinguished individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions to governance, business, social impact, and public service in Nigeria were nominated by the LEADERSHIP Newspapers’ board of editors after extensive deliberations at a meeting held in November 2024 at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.
Umeoji and other nominees will be celebrated for their outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to national development at the LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards ceremony next year.
Alhaji Aliko Mohammad Dangote, Nigeria’s foremost industrialist and philanthropist, won the Person Of The Year Award for immensely contributing to the nation’s economy. His philanthropic efforts make him a deserving recipient of this highest honour.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, won the 2024 Quinquennial Award For Governance and Infrastructure, a rare recognition by the LEADERSHIP Group Limited.
Also, for 2024, six state governors were jointly nominated for the Governor of the Year award. They are Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno of Akwa Ibom, Mallam Umar A. Namadi of Jigawa State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, and Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke of Osun State.
The governors were recognised for driving sustainable growth, infrastructural development, and policy innovations in their respective states.
Alhaji Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), Comptroller-General of Customs, emerged as the Public Service Person of the Year for his exceptional leadership in improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s Customs Service (NCS).
Other remarkable business leaders, including the CEO of NORD Automobiles Ltd, Oluwatobi Ajayi, won the CEO of the Year award for the Private Sector) while Bamanga Usman Jada, MD/CEO of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority, clinched the CEO of the Year award for the Public Sector.
AVSATEL Communications Limited won the Company of the Year award in other award categories, while ARCO Engineering Limited is the Oil & Gas Local Content Champion of the Year.
The Social Impact Person of the Year award will be presented to Olori Ivie Atuwatse III for her tireless efforts in championing education and healthcare initiatives. OPAY won the Fintech Company of the Year award for promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. At the same time, Alternative Bank clinched the Most Innovative Bank of the Year award for its pioneering work in digital banking.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal will be honoured as Environmental Impact Person of the Year for his leadership in advancing environmental policies and addressing climate change.
The Outstanding Young Person of the Year 2024 award will go to the ENACTUS team from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. They are recognised for championing innovation and sustainability. Terra Cube will receive the Product of the Year award for its innovative solutions in sustainable living.
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