Business
Encomiums as Okodu Bows Out Of NCC
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
Sponsored by: H&H
Importantly, Okodu’s humility and affable disposition easily endear him to everyone.
So, expectedly, last Friday, April 8, 2022, staff of NCC gathered at the imposing auditorium of the Commission’s Head Office Annex at Mbora District, Abuja, to honour Okodu, also known as “Baba Naira”, as he bowed out of NCC having reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years and after 28 years of meritorious service.
Okudu began his career at the Commission in July 1994, as a cashier on transfer from the erstwhile Ministry of Communications, where he was headhunted by a former director of the Commission, Felicia Onwuegbuchulam. From then on, he had risen through the ranks, before eventually retiring as a Principal Manager, Projects, at NCC.
At the well-attended valedictory session, staff, friends, and well-wishers of Okudu, paid glowing tributes in torrents to the man who can aptly be described as man of the people.
Many were nostalgic and poignant while others were joyous, optimistic and tellingly introspective that Okodu would thrive in the next phase of his life.
In her remark, the NCC’s Director, Projects, Iyabode Solanke, who is Okodu’s last supervisor before his retirement, and who was Okodu’s head of Department while they both worked at the Commission’s Department of Financial Services, extolled the retiree for his dedication, as well as his dressing code and excellent work ethics, which she said are worthy of emulation. Sholanke was represented by a Deputy Director in the department, Philip Eretan, who also attended the valedictory session in his own capacity as a friend of Okodu.
In the same vein, NCC’s Director, Zonal Operations, Amina Shehu, in her goodwill message, stated that in every interaction she had with Okodu, she had observed his stellar qualities, such as empathy, kindness, and gentleness. She added that he was also consistent in everything he did.
For Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, who also attended the valedictory party, anyone would be easily impressed by Okodu’s level of dedication to duty, which has become a mark of Okodu’s outings and career at the Commission.
Adinde said that Okodu was not merely ever-present whenever he was needed most, he also, every so often, displays emotional intelligence, and never lost his temper no matter the level of provocation. “I am also impressed by Okodu’s social networking skills which had enabled him to remain connected with every staff,” Adinde emphasised.
The Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, at the Commission, Ephraim Nwokonneya, profoundly recalled the attributes exhibited by Okodu that are so quite distinctive when he had the opportunity of working with Okodu in the Financial Services Department of the Commission.
Nwokonneya said when he was assigned to the Department of Financial Services of the Commission as a Principal Manager, he had worked closely with Okodu, who characteristically was full of zeal and energy. He said Okodu was very efficient and easily endeared himself to everyone.
Nwokonneya encouraged him to look at retirement as a time of rejuvenation, reflection and prosperity.
A longtime companion and friend of Okodu, who was so evidently elated at Okodu’s befitting retirement, Olatokunbo Oyeleye, a Deputy Director at the New Media and Information Security Department of the Commission, said Okodu made her beginnings at the Commission a wonderful experience.
To Oyeleye, Okodu is more than a colleague, “he is a brother,” she said and proceeded to recall with gratitude when she joined the Commission as a fresh graduate, “Okodu and his wife accommodated me, taking me under their wings”.
This humane side of Okudu was underscored by Hafsat Lawal, Head, Consumer Policy Development and Monitoring, who asserted that Okudu was a mentor and a friend in need.
“He is reliable and dependable, exuding high level of understanding in all matters and he would go out of his way to ensure everyone was comfortable,” Lawal said.
Former staff of the Commission were also not left out of the celebration. Among them, who attended and poured encomiums on Okodu, are Felicia Onwuegbuchulam, who retired from NCC as Director Consumer Affairs two years ago, and Abubakar Yakubu, a former Director at the Commission who voluntarily retired in 2019.
Onwuegbuchulam, a noted friend and confidant of Okodu who influenced Okodu to join the Commission 28 years ago, said she had no regrets in recommending Okudu to the Management of the Commission at the time.
She said she was gratified that Okodu did not only had a chequered career at the Commission, he also excelled remarkably.
Yakubu, in a goodwill message he sent to the valedictory programme which was read on his behalf, praised Okodu for his dedication to the Commission.
He declared that Okodu was one of the few staff who would work long hours, and would even work at home.
He added that Okodu’s commitment and relentlessness to delivering on his assigned duties were total and spectacular.
Okudu, who spoke at the end of the speeches, thanked the audience and all those who had honoured him with their presence and kind words.
Reflecting on the occasion with philosophical calmness and thanksgiving to God, Okodu said there had to be an end to every beginning but he thanked God for the privilege to witness his retirement day alive.
While expressing delight over all the goodwill messages received, he enjoined the younger staff who would be taking over the baton, to be hardworking.
He also advised that Commission can only thrive if staff remain hardworking in a consistent manner, and are dedicated and loyal to the Commission.
Other contributors at the event included Ajoke Atte, Head, Procurement; Solomon Igbayue, Assistant Director, Policy Competition and Economic Analysis; Emeka Nnama, Senior Manager, Zonal Operations; and Anthony Bassey, Senior Manager, Administration, all staff of the Commission who extolled Okodu’s distinctive virtues and dedication to the aspirations of the Commission.
They all wished Okodu a life of grace and bliss in retirement.
Business
ACCESS BANK (SL) LTD STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH KEY BOARD APPOINTMENTS, NAMES NEW CHAIRMAN
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd (‘Access Bank (SL) Ltd’) has announced the appointment of new executives to its Board of Directors (‘the Board’), further strengthening its leadership team and advancing the implementation of its growth and transformation strategy.
These appointments also reflect the Bank’s commitment to fostering growth and development while maintaining the highest standards of governance and stewardship.
Joining the Board as Non-Executive Directors are Maurice Nathaniel Cole, Nsikak N. Usoro, Michala Mackay, Ibrahim Khalil Lamin, and Kolawole Augustine Ajimoko.
The appointees boast a wealth of expertise from diverse sectors, including banking, telecommunications, corporate governance, compliance, and finance. Their combined experience and vision will contribute to shaping the future trajectory of Access Bank (SL) Ltd.
Cole will serve as Chairman, following the exit of Alice Marie Onomake and will bring his experience to the fore as Access Bank (SL) Ltd works to consolidate its market position and deliver value for all its stakeholders.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new executives to Access Bank (SL) Ltd,” said Ganiyu Sanni, Country Managing Director, Access Bank Sierra Leone Ltd. “Their leadership and vision will be invaluable as we navigate through challenges and pursue sustained success. We extend our gratitude to outgoing Chairman, Alice Marie Onomake, and Non-Executive Director, Aminata B. Dumbuya, for their dedicated service and contributions to the Bank.”
Access Bank (SL) Ltd remains committed to excellence, transparency, and accountability as it embarks on this exciting new chapter. The Bank looks forward to leveraging the collective expertise of its leadership team to drive innovation, foster growth, and create lasting impact for its customers and communities.
Business
Access Holdings Vests 23.8 million Units of Shares on Senior Executives
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
In line with the disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Exchange Limited, Access Holdings Plc , Africa’s leading financial services group, has announced the award of 23.8 million ordinary shares to some of its senior executives and executives of Access Bank, its flagship subsidiary.
This is in pursuant of the terms of its shareholders approved Employees Performance Share Plan.
Bolaji Agbede, the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Roosevelt Ogbonna, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, and six others were vested with 23,883,790 units of the Group’s shares, worth a combined N427.13 million.
This was disclosed via notices duly filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday.
According to the filings, Ogbonna got the highest amount of shares totalling 12,345,679 units and worth N220.37 million, having been traded at N17.85 per share.
Agbede was vested with 2,216,992 units of shares, valued at N39.795 million.
Other directors, who had shares vested include Seyi Kumapayi, Executive Director, African Subsidiaries, Access Bank, with 1,234,568 worth N22.16 million; Iyabo Soji-Okusanya, Executive Director, Commercial and Investment Banking Division, Access Bank, with 1,691,308 at N17.95 per share.
Her vested shares are valued at N30.36 million, and Chizoma Okoli, Access Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Retail South, who got 1,728,395 units valued at N30.85 million.
Dr Gregory Jobome, Executive Director, Risk Management, and Hadiza Ambursa, Executive Director, Commercial Banking, were each vested with 1,728,395 valued at N30.85 and N31.02m respectively.
Access Holdings’ Company Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, was vested with 1,210,058 units of the Group’s shares worth N21.72m.
The shares were vested on May 3rd and May 6th.
The vesting of the shares is not a purchase or sale transaction in the context of the Exchange’s Rules.
Business
Owen Omogiafo, Transcorp Group President Makes MIPAD’s Global Top 100 List, As Company Posts Impressive Q1 Results
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, OON President/GCEO of Transcorp Group, has been recognized as one of the most influential people of African descent (MIPAD)’s Global Top 100 Futurist & Innovators List.
The list recognises individuals who have made remarkable contributions to shaping the future and pioneering innovative solutions within their respective fields.
The announcement of the recognition comes as Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) released its Q1 2024 results, which showed impressive growth on all indices. Profit before tax (PBT) grew year-on-year (YoY) by 1,475 percent to N45.7 billion in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1’24) from N2.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2023.
The company also reported a 173 percent YoY growth in revenue to N88.6 billion in Q1’24 from N32.4 billion in Q1’ 23.
The Company’s continuous growth and impressive results year after year are testament to Omogiafo’s visionary leadership.
Transcorp Group has experienced significant growth and expansion under Omogiafo’s leadership having taken up leadership during a difficult time, as the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, she has led the Group and its subsidiaries, including Transcorp Power, Transafam Power and Transcorp Hotels Plc back to the path of exponential growth and profitability.
Transcorp Group’s shares ended 2023 as one of the best-performing stocks of the year. The impressive growth has continued in 2024.
Dr. Owen Omogiafo’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility has made a positive impact on the lives of millions of people across Africa, in line with Transcorp Group’s purpose of improving lives and transforming Africa.
The MIPAD recognition, is therefore, timely, as Omogiafo’s Transcorp releases another impressive result, reinforcing the Company’s position as a leading conglomerate in the country, and highlighting Owen Omogiafo’s transformational leadership.
The MIPAD recognition is a global initiative that identifies and celebrates outstanding individuals of African descent who are making a positive impact in their communities and the world at large. Dr. Omogiafo’s inclusion in this prestigious list is a well-deserved honour, acknowledging her tireless efforts to drive economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability in Africa.
The Transcorp President has been recognised by many local and international bodies for her contributions to Nigeria and Africa’s socio-economic growth, including a national award which was bestowed on her by the Federal Government of Nigeria last year.
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