The Success Story Of Ebenezer Onyeagwu Group GMD of Zenith Bank 18 Accomplish Magazine
By Adebayo afolabi Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu is a highly accomplished and respected figure in the banking industry, serving as the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc. With over three decades of experience in the banking sector, Dr. Onyeagwu has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills throughout his career. Dr. Onyeagwu’s banking career took off in 1991 at the now-defunct Financial Merchant Bank. He later joined Citizens International Bank Limited until 2002, when he made a significant move to Zenith Bank. At Zenith Bank, he started as a senior manager in the internal control and audit unit. Over the years, he steadily climbed the ranks, holding various positions including Assistant General Manager, Deputy General Manager, and eventually General Manager of the bank from 2003 to 2005. During his 17-year tenure at Zenith Bank, Dr. Onyeagwu has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and contributed significantly to the bank’s growth. In 2013, he was appointed as an Executive Director of the bank and was entrusted with overseeing operations in Lagos and the South-South zones. He also served on the boards of Zenith Bank Ghana, Zenith Pensions Custodian Limited, Zenith Nominees Limited, and the African Finance Corporation (AFC). His journey began at Auchi Polytechnic, where he studied Accounting and obtained his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in 1984 and Higher National Diploma (HND) subsequently. During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he qualified as a chartered accountant in 1989, showcasing his early dedication and commitment to the field. To further enhance his knowledge, Dr. Onyeagwu pursued advanced education at prestigious institutions. He earned a post-graduate diploma from the University of Oxford in England and participated in executive-level programmes at renowned schools such as Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School at Columbia University, Harvard Business School at Harvard University, and Lagos Business School at the Pan Atlantic University. These educational pursuits equipped him with a broad perspective and a strong foundation in Business and Finance. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Dr. Onyeagwu has been recognized on numerous occasions for his exceptional leadership and contribution to the banking industry. The International Banker <strong>2023</strong> Banking Awards named him the ‘Best Banking CEO of the Year in Africa.’ This prestigious accolade, featured in the Spring <strong>2023</strong> issue of the International Banker Magazine, places Dr. Onyeagwu among the elite group of individuals and banks from the Middle East and Africa. One notable achievement in Dr. Onyeagwu’s distinguished career is the conferment of a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. This recognition highlights his expertise in the field of Business Administration, further solidifying his reputation. His list of awards continues to grow, reflecting his consistent excellence in the banking sector. Notably, he has been honoured as the Bank CEO of the Year in multiple years, including 2019 by Champion Newspaper, 2020, 2021, and 2022 by BusinessDay Newspaper, and 2020 and 2021 at the SERAS awards as CEO of the Year. In 2022, he was recognized as the CEO of the Year by Leadership Newspaper. These accolades underscore Dr. Onyeagwu’s exceptional leadership abilities and his commitment to driving Zenith Bank’s success. Under his guidance, Zenith Bank has continued to thrive and maintain its position as a leading financial institution. Dr. Onyeagwu’s strategic vision has played a significant role in the bank’s impressive performance and its ability to navigate the everevolving banking landscape. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Onyeagwu is known for his dedication to corporate social responsibility and giving back to society. He actively promotes initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the community. “ One notable achievement in Dr. Onyeagwu’s distinguished career is the conferment of a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Accomplish Magazine 19
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