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Pianim Exits From UBA Board As Nigerian Takes Baton(AllAfrica Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) A renowned Ghanaian economist and politician, Kwame Pianim, retired as the chairman of the board of directors of United Bank for Africa (UBA Ghana), after 10 years of dedicated service to the bank, and has been succeeded by an astute Nigerian banker, Kenneth Orji. At a well attended send-off party, organized on the eve of Ghana's Independence in Accra, in honour of Mr. Pianim, the new Board Chairman of the bank, Mr. Orji, extolled some of the achievements of Mr. Pianim in Ghana and particularly at UBA. Mr. Orji described Mr. Pianim as the simplest yet most astute man he has ever met. Adding to the praises showered on the renowned Ghanaian economist, Professor Kwamena Ahwoi described Mr. Pianim as the Mandela of Ghana, adding that his ability to forgive his opponents and colleagues is remarkable. He is also "Inflexibly principled and wise", said Prof Ahwoi. It is amazing how he has managed to combine "risk management, governance and business together, something most individuals find it elusive," he added. The GMD/CEO of UBA, Philips Oduoza noted that Mr. Pianim had contributed significantly to both UBA Ghana and the group. He hinted that most of the initiatives and ideas of Pianim were implemented in other branches of UBA across the continent. Mr. Oduoza, together with Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, DMD and Mrs. Abiola Bawuah, MD/CEO UBA Ghana, presented a letter of appreciation, together with gift items to Mr. Pianim, as a token of appreciation for his contribution towards the success of the bank. Receiving the gifts, Mr. Pianim expressed appreciation to the group for the gesture and the opportunity to work with the bank. He urged the leadership of the African continent to increase trade among themselves, adding that there are huge opportunities on the continent. The event was patronised by captains of industries, bankers, politicians and some senior citizens from the financial institutions in Ghana. Mr. Pianim has been the board chairman of the bank since its inception in 2004. Who is Mr. Orji? Mr. Orji was educated at University of Ibadan, Nigeria where he was a John F. Kennedy Scholar, having emerged national first place winner of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Essay Contest, organized by the US Government. He graduated with BSc Hons. and was awarded the Sir James Robertson Prize and Medal for Outstanding Performance in Economics. He also obtained MSc Accounting and Finance from London School of Economics and attended Harvard Business School (Program for Management Development). Mr. Orji has over 33 years experience, primarily in banking and finance, human capital development, consulting and advisory services. He began his banking career at International Merchant Bank Limited, Nigeria (affiliate of First National Bank of Chicago). At Diamond Bank Limited, he was General Manager and Head of Divisions responsible for Corporate Banking, Commercial and Consumer Banking, Treasury, Investment Banking, Energy Unit, Project Finance, Public Sector, Private Banking, Strategic Planning, Financial Control, Risk Management and Systems/Technology. He contributed to major innovations in the Nigerian banking industry and was involved in national policy development as a pioneer member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the Technical Committee of Nigeria's Vision 2010 project. Currently, Mr. Orji is Chairman/CEO of Centennial Capital Limited and Director of several companies. Copyright Ghanaian Chronicle. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). |