Personality in Focus
The Boss Editor, Eric Elezuo, Wins Journalist of the Year Award
By Morakinyo Ajibade
It was an evening of multiple applause from veterans and achievers across the Nigerian media industry as Eric Elezuo, a seasoned journalist, whose impacts and jaw-dropping contributions were recognized by the Momentous Prestigious Annual Magazine and Personality Award, MOPA, won the Journalist of the Year award for 2023. Undeniably, it was a well-deserving award for the UNILAG alumnus.
With almost two decades of unwavering tenacity and consistency in the media profession, his long years track record of professionalism has once again been recognized in Lagos. Eric, as he is fondly called, in November 2023 stepped into the shoes of the Editor of Nigeria’s foremost celebrity magazine, Ovation International Magazine, owned by Chief Dele Momodu, after the former editor, Mr. Michael Effiong, who had meritoriously served the organization, was appointed by the Akwa Ibom State Government as Senior Special Assistant (SSA).
Prior to this, he served, and still serving as the Editor of the newspaper arm of Ovation Media Group, and has countless times been praised by management as a vibrant and dedicated editor whose leadership has kept the newspapers afloat for unimaginable numbers of years.
In one of the moments of celebration, the Publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, had acknowledged him as a masterpiece writer.
Cascading to becoming a masterpiece writer, Eric after graduating from the Department of English from the prestigious University of Lagos found his way into the media profession as a reporter. He has since risen to the position of Editor, and even as a former Editorial Executive at Blue magazine.
Eric is no doubt an invaluable asset to any organization beyond the media space as his wealth of resume portrays. He proved this as a tutor of English Language at Hopebay College, Evangel College, Mason College, and many more.
He is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, LBS, and has, over the years attended a myriad of seminars and workshops that attested to his drive for self-development even in the face of obvious achievements and successful career.
Many might easily identify with him as an unbeatable journalist, but little did anyone know that he has built his biceps in International Diplomacy.
After his first degree in English, he proceeded to acquire his second degree at the same University of Lagos. Here, he acquired his Master’s in International Diplomacy (MILD).
He is fondly called “a one-man riot squad” by his colleagues. This came after he single-handedly produced The Boss Newspaper weekly of Ovation Media Group. Under his editorial leadership of the newspaper, the paper has indeed become a The Boss.
He has attended several courses in Leadership and Citizenship Training, at Shere Hills, Jos and Sea School Lagos. He is an alumus of Shaddaiville Leadership Academy. The former Sub-Editor with Newswatch Newspapers has in the decades of his career tranverse both in private establishments and several media houses.
He was the Marketing Manager for Belgush Nigeria Limited, where through his leadership the brand sales equivocally skyrocketed to a huge percentage.
Over the years, he became the General Manager of Clayfield and Harrow – a facilities management company that combines a wide range of skills and competencies, appropriate technology, and a customer focus strategy to help meet the facilities objectives you have set for your organization, residential community and/or household.
Also, he once served as the Manager of DHB Construction Limited, Senior Correspondent of National Mirror, Senior Correspondent of Ovation International Magazine, and in several capacities.
Eric, who is presently the National Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), and married with four amazing children, is indeed a resource of high quality in the media industry and business world.
Undoubtedly, the Momentous Prestigious Annual Magazine and Personality Award to Eric Elezuo as the Journalist of the Year 2023 is a timely award given to a well-deserving journalist for his unbending focus, high-level skill, integrity, and professionalism displayed in the calendar year.
Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.
In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.
One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.
Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.
Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.
He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.
“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.
The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.
As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.
Personality in Focus
UBA Appoints Henrietta Ugboh Independent Non-Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from Group Board
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.
UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”
Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).
Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”
The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.
During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.
On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.
Personality in Focus
Tinubu Hails FirstBank’s Immediately Past CEO, Adeduntan on Exceptional Service
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the bank holds a splendid Sendforth party on his behalf for a meritorious service.
The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads in full:
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.
In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.
President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.
These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.
President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.
President Tinubu wishes Dr Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavours.
