Posted by By SEUN ADESIDA on
Oceanic Bank International Plc has won the 2007 Nigerian Bank of the Year Award. At an impressive awards ceremony organised by The Banker magazine, a subsidiary of the Financial Times of London held on Wednesday, in London, Oceanic Bank was adjudged the Nigerian Bank of the Year for the second time running. The bank had earlier won the Nigerian Banker of the Year award in 2006.
Oceanic Bank International Plc has won the 2007 Nigerian Bank of the Year Award. At an impressive awards ceremony organised by The Banker magazine, a subsidiary of the Financial Times of London held on Wednesday, in London, Oceanic Bank was adjudged the Nigerian Bank of the Year for the second time running. The bank had earlier won the Nigerian Banker of the Year award in 2006.
A delighted Dr. Mrs Cecilia Ibru, managing director of the bank, said she was dedicating the award to all the staff of Oceanic Bank.
According to her, 'I am deeply blessed and honoured to be working with such talented, dedicated and hardworking team. Without them, this award will not have been possible".
Mrs. Ibru said that Oceanic Bank was committed to delivering value to the Nigerian economy, and to its core stakeholders, adding: 'We will not relent on our high standards. This award will only spur us on as we continue with our various strategies towards being an African bank to be reckoned with in the international community".
In his opening speech, Mr Philip Timewell, editor-in-chief of The Banker magazine, paid particular tributes to banks from the emerging markets for turning in excellent financial performances when their counterparts in Europe and America faced serious crises as a result of the recent spate of turbulences in the financial markets.
The event was well attended by representatives of banks from over 143 countries, which entered for the awards. Highlights of the night included the lifetime achievement award given to William Rhodes, a 50 years veteran of Citibank.
Michael Bherk of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) who anchored the event, had the audience reeling in laughter to his special brand of humour. Among those who came out to support Oceanic Bank are members of the Ibru clan, led by Olorogun Michael Ibru. Also present were Ibru's children - Oboden, Obaro, Ejiro, Osio and Rode.
An elated Obaro praised her mum for making Nigeria proud, adding: 'She is truly an amazing woman. I am so happy and proud of her and wish her and Oceanic Bank continued success in the future."
Others present at the award ceremony included Bismarck Rewane of Financial Derivatives, Hajia Amina Abdulahi, group general manger in charge of investments at The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Apostle Hayford Alile, chairman of Oceanic Bank; Nkosana Moyo (Actis), Ovie Ukiri, executive director, Oceanic Bank, Dan & Doris Akpovwa, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi and many more.
From a total of 12 branches, in September 31, 2000, Oceanic Bank, under the leadership of Mrs. Ibru, grew its branch network to 320- 286 branches, 24 e-banking centres and 10 collection points.
Oceanic currently ranks among the top four banks in the industry in terms of branch network. In the 2006/2007 financial year alone , it added a total of 135 business offices to its branch network while two subsidiaries, Oceanic Capital Limited and Oceanic Insurance Limited, became fully operational.
Oceanic Bank further strengthened its intervention in strategic areas of the economy, making significant interventions that have helped boost economic growth.