IT was a rain of accolades for the outgoing Group Managing Director/CEO of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, in Lagos recently as captains of industry and leading voices of Nigerian society witnessed the launch of a book in his honour.
The book entitled “Dynamics of the Nigerian Financial System” edited by Prof. Michael M. Ogbeide is a compilation of essays on the Nigerian financial system in honour of Oduoza, who retires at the end of July, having completed his two terms of three years each at the helms of the pan African financial institution.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of Best Foods Limited, who was the chairman of the book launch, Emmanuel Ijewere said Oduoza was worth celebrating because “he has proven himself to be a worthy banker, an authority in the banking industry, and an administrator who has traversed the banking and financial landscape without blemish. A special brand dedicated to excel.”
Chairman of UBA, Tony O. Elumelu, in his remarks, commended Oduoza for sustaining the growth trajectory of the bank in the last six years.
“Oduoza is a man with a very cerebral mind, very diligent, loyal and astute. A man retiring in two days, who still works like he just resumed. During the period we worked together at UBA, he was a wonderful big brother. A man who loves and encourages progress and a man who always works for the best of everything,” Elumelu said.
Alex Otti, former CEO of Diamond Bank Plc, praised Oduoza for his extra-ordinary talent and management skills, noting that he was leaving the banking industry with his integrity intact.
He urged Oduoza to ensure that he puts his wealth of experience in the banking industry to the benefit of the country.
Also speaking on the occasion, the editor of the book, Prof. Ogbeide of the University of Lagos, described the book as a worthy testimony of Oduoza’s sterling contributions to an industry he reached its zenith by scoring many firsts.