DIAMOND BANK’S OMO ONILE OF LAGOS, AS I KNEW HIM!

Interviewing Mr Ezenwoko during the donation of a library to a public Primary at Ojodu

From a distance, I formed a mental opinion of Mr. Victor Ezenwoko, Executive Director, Lagos Businesses Diamond Bank Plc, after interacting with him at various events of the bank. I saw great measure of simplicity in him and that was what qualified him to be the ‘Omo Onile of Lagos’ as described by Bovi, the Brand Ambassador of the bank.

Mr Ezenwoko while inspecting the library

The first interaction that I had with him was at the donation of library by Diamond Bank Plc to a public primary school at Ojodu in Lagos. He spoke passionately about the need to develop children so that they can become responsible citizens of the nation despite the financial incapacitation of the parents. Mrs Gbolahan Daodu, Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) was present at this event to receive with pride the donation of the bank. I learnt this salient fact from his speech, ‘Be passionate about what concerns other people too.’

I was with him on different occasions championing child development again during the press conferences of the Vision of a Child and the grand finale. I remembered Professor Wole Soyinka made a very short remark during one of the events and when it was Mr. Ezenwoko’s turn, all he said very short. He joked saying, if Professor Soyinka made a few remarks; then he should not utter a word. This attitude showed that one should learn from the elders at the slightest opportunity.

During the commissioning of the flagship branch

The commissioning of the flagship branch of Diamond Bank on Ajose Adeogun Street was a phenomenal feat for Mr Ezenwoko’s career because the bank was able to get a space on a street that was almost turning red due to Zenith Bank’s domineering presence on the street. Mr Ezenwoko did not take the shineas the ED of Lagos Businesses; he allowed his boss, Dr Alex Otti to own the day after his welcoming greetings. This also meant that one should let his boss shine to the delight of all.

Mr Ezenwoko during the donation to Adejoke Oorelope-Adefulire Deputy Governor of Lagos State,

One of the unique Corporate Services Programme of Diamond Bank Plc, is the Employee Volunteering Programme. Mr Ezenwoko led some staff of the bank to the Deputy Governor’s residence at Ikoyi. He made it clear that Diamond Bank had a sense of responsibility to Lagos as the bank is doing business in the state. Mrs. Adejoke Oorelope- Adefulire, erstwhile Deputy Governor and the current Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals spoke zealously about the efforts of the state at ensuring that people are empowered to become self-sustaining. I can deduce this meaning from his words, don’t think you operate in a vacuum; some people have prepared the ground for you.

The tentacles of Lagos Businesses under him extended to some part of Ogun State, it was gratifying to see the youthful brand of Diamond Bank reach out to the students of Covenant University by donating an ICT Centre. Mr Ezenwoko was so happy that day taking the new GMD/CEO, Mr Uzoma Dozie round the facility. He was able to work under two bosses and they both believed in him.

Summarily, Mr Ezenwoko can be called a social entrepreneur. He saw the need to improve others at the slightest opportunity. He was philanthropic with the support of the bank. He was such a simple boss that attracted people unto himself. Even in our mourning, we should remember he passed away on Good Friday and we all look forward to encountering him on the resurrection morning.

Adieu, Mr Victor Ezenwoko!