Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji is the first female GMD/CEO since the inception of the bank, and her appointment is consistent with the bank’s executive transition tradition, succession plan, and strategy of grooming leaders from within.
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive with effect from June 1, 2024, subject to approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
She takes over from Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose five-year term expires on May 31, 2024, after a very successful tenure.
Adaora Umeoji Biography
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji date of birth is not known to the public. She hails from Aguata in Anambra, a southeastern state of Nigeria. Her background instilled in her values of diligence, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that shaped her into who she is today
Despite the absence of specific details about her early life, Umeoji’s ascent to prominence attests to her tenacity, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.
Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in the banking industry serves as a testament to the transformative power of ambition, resilience, and dedication.
Education
While details about her secondary education remain elusive, it’s evident that Umeoji’s academic journey laid a solid foundation for her future accomplishments. Her pursuit of knowledge and excellence likely began in her formative years, propelled by a thirst for learning and a drive to succeed.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from the University of Jos, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a First-Class honors in Law from Baze University, Abuja.
Adaora holds a Master of Laws from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Calabar, and also has a doctorate in business administration from Apollos University, USA.
She holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management, USA. Adaora attended various management programmes in renowned Universities around the world including the strategic thinking and Management programme at Wharton Business School, USA.
She also attended the executive program in Strategic Management, and has a Certificate in Leading Global Business all from Harvard Business School, USA.
Adaora is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Harvard Business School, a graduate of the Global Banking Program from Columbia Business School and she holds a doctorate degree in Business Administration from Apollos University, USA.
Her dissertation was on inspirational leadership and her findings have been recognized as a major contribution to leadership and people management.
She attended the strategic thinking and management programme at Wharton Business School, USA, holds a Certificate in Economics for Business from the prestigious MIT Management Sloan School and a Certificate in Leading Global Businesses from Harvard Business School, USA.
Fellowships and professional memberships
- Chartered Banker Institute, UK
- Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Management
- Institute of Credit Administration
- Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria
- Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators
- Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria among others.
Career
Adaora’s career journey with Zenith Bank has been inspiring. She joined Zenith Bank in the 90’s as a youth corper when Zenith was a very small medium bank. After few months of joining the Bank, she executed a daring feat that exceeded both her pay grade and the capabilities of her peers at the time.
She got a Flour Mill of Nigeria business for Zenith Bank. She got Julius Berger, the biggest construction company in Nigeria at that time to open an account with Zenith Bank. Adaora got General Adisa, the powerful minister of works under Abacha’s government, to open a government account with Zenith Bank.
With over 20 years cognate banking and broad executive management experience, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON rose through the ranks to her current position.
Prior to this recent appointment, Dr. Umeoji has been the Deputy Managing Director of the bank since October 28, 2016 and has close to thirty (30) years cognate banking experience of which twenty-six (26) years has been with Zenith Bank.
She has presented lead papers at major academic conferences and symposia. Adaora was a keynote speaker at the Zenith Global Economic Forum held in New York City, USA where she delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Financing Growth Drivers in the Nigerian Economy.
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON has at different times participated in high-level Bankers’ meetings with impactful contributions towards the advancement of the banking industry, national economic growth and development. She has delivered several motivational speeches at strategic sessions aimed at mentoring youths and managers, especially banking professionals.
Beyond banking, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON supports research and learning on inspirational leadership, mentorship, talent development, collaboration, change and adaptability, strategic thinking, innovation and creativity, amongst others.
Adaora Umeoji Husband
While details about Dr. Adaora Umeoji’s family and personal life are relatively scarce. It’s known that she is married to Dr. Emmanuel Nwokoye, a medical doctor and businessman from Achalla in Akwa North, Anambra. Their union is blessed with children.
Read Also: Who is Folorunso Alakija, Nigeria’s Richest Woman?
Adaora and her husband are two wonderful people with great heart of charity, love and goodwill to humanity. So far, so many youths of Achalla community has benefitted immensely from their Jobs For The Youths Initiative. And so many other countless number of men and women have equally benefitted financially from them.
Adaora Umeoji Net Worth
It’s believed that Adaora Umeoji holds around 60 million shares in Zenith Bank, which is estimated to be around N3 billion. While another source holds that Adaora’s net worth estimated to surpass the $5 million mark. This figure underscores not only her professional accomplishments. But also her adept management of financial resources postioning her as one of the wealthiest women of Igbo extraction.
Philanthropic Activities
She is the founder of two organizations – Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and Adorable Foundation. The Pink Breath Cancer Care Foundation runs several healthcare programs every year across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
These programs aim to provide crucial medical care to people living with cancer and other illnesses. She also donates relief materials and offers free healthcare to internally displaced persons all over the country through various intervention initiatives.
In 2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honored Dr. Umeoji with Officer of the Order of the Niger. As a recognition of her contributions to nation building. She is a Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC).
She has impacted many lives through her philanthropic and humanitarian activities through her NGOs. Her contribution to humanity was recognized by the Sun Newspaper which recently bestowed on her the Humanitarian Service Icon Award for 2023.
Adaora Umeoji Religion
As a result of her passion for promoting professionalism in the banking industry and improving the well-being of the less privileged. Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON founded the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN). A platform she uses to promote ethical banking and service to humanity.
She is a Lady of the Order of Knights of St. John International (KSJI). And was awarded a Papal Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester by His Holiness Pope Francis.
Final Thought
Dame Adaora Umeoji stands as a shining example of empowerment and leadership. Her dedication to peace advocacy, coupled with her professional achievements, showcases her as a role model for aspiring individuals worldwide.
Despite her accomplishments, Adaora Umeoji remains a private figure, emphasizing the importance of humility and focus on one’s mission. As she continues to inspire others, her legacy is sure to endure for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Adaora Umeoji?
Adaora Umeoji is Nigeria’s 10th Female Bank CEO. Umeoji’s emergence as Zenith Bank CEO is another indication that women are here to stay in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Is Adaora Umeoji married?
Yes. She’s married to Dr. Emmanuel Nwokoye, a medical doctor and businessman from Achalla in Akwa North, Anambra.
Where is Adaora Umeoji from?
She hails from Aguata in Anambra, a southeastern state of Nigeria.
Who is Adaora Umeoji husband?
Dr. Emmanuel Nwokoye, a medical doctor and businessman from Achalla in Akwa North, Anambra. Their union is blessed with children.
Adaora and her husband are two wonderful people with great heart of charity, love and goodwill to humanity. So far, so many youths of Achalla community has benefitted immensely from their Jobs For The Youths Initiative and so many other countless number of men and women have equally benefitted financially from them.
How old is Adaora Umeoji?
Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji date of birth is not known to the public, so, one can’t tell how old she is. Despite the absence of specific details about her early life, Umeoji’s ascent to prominence attests to her tenacity, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth.
References:
![Biography of Tony Elumelu [Investor, Entrepreneur, & Philanthropist]](https://todayafrica.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Blue-Simple-Dad-Appreciation-Facebook-Post-1200-×-720-px-7-1.png)
