Elumelu, UBA Chair Showers Praises On UBA Outgoing CEO/GMD

Tony Elumelu, chairman, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has expressed delight with the performances of the outgoing group managing director and Chief executive officer, of the Bank, Phillips Oduoza.

Speaking through his official social media account, Elumelu, who doubles as the Chairman, Tony Elumelu Foundation  (TEF), said, "It gives me great joy to celebrate and support our outgoing CEO/GMD of UBA Group, Phillips Oduoza, as we mark the release of a compilation of essays titled "Dynamics of the Nigerian financial system" written in his honour.

Though he exits UBA soon, Phillips' unwavering passion for his job demonstrates that at 54, he is far from slowing down. Here's a man retiring in two days who still works like it's his first day at the bank!

"Last night (Wednesday), he had just flown back from the United States when I called him to brainstorm and go through some ideas. He readily made himself available and we were together up until midnight strategizing and refining these ideas.

"PO, as I fondly call him, has a highly cerebral mind. Our working together dates back to Standard Trust Bank in 2004.  He never applied for a job.  I called him myself and encouraged him to join us at STB after he completed his Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. During the period we worked together at UBA, he was not only a colleague, but a friend. He is a man who loves, encourages and uplifts others; a man who works to achieve the best for everyone and everything.

He is diligent in his work, loyal to his friends and an astute leader and businessman. I recall the period of the merger between STB and UBA. He and Kennedy played a critical role in managing the day to day operations of STB , allowing me focus exclusively on the intricacies of the merger. Its eventual success was due to me having such a reliable pair to temporary hand over the reins to.

UBA's stellar performance today - financial and in terms of brand equity (management) - is attributable to PO and the hardworking team he has put together.

"It's impossible to fully celebrate Phillips without commending his wife for her constant support on the matrimonial end. Like I always say, when your family life is going well, corporate success is easier to attain.

"Congratulations, Phillips. I celebrate you now and always. Hooray!

Oduoza, has been the GMD/CEO of UBA since August 1, 2010.

He served as Deputy Managing Director at United Bank for Africa Plc until August 1, 2010.

The outgoing GMD once served as Deputy Managing Director of UBA Nigeria South of United Bank for Africa Plc from 2005.

He served as Executive Director of Retail Financial Services at United Bank for Africa Plc.

He has over two decades of experience having worked with several banks.

Oduoza served as Chairman and Director of ValuCard Nigeria Plc until 2011.

He has been an Executive Director of United Bank for Africa Plc since August 1, 2005.

He serves as an Executive Director of Standard Trust Bank. He served as a Director of UBA Capital Plc. He served as a Director of InterSwitch Limited.

He is Alumnus of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program and an honorary senior member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. Mr. Oduoza holds an MBA (Finance) and a first class BSc degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos.