By Gbenga Abulude (Politics and General Desk)
Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr Tony Elumelu and many eminent figures have paid glowing tributes to the late UBA Group Executive Director, Mr Emeke Iweriebor who died recently.
Elumelu who said he was personally devastated at Iweriebor’s death, prayed for strength for the deceased family to bear the loss.
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It would be recalled that Iweriebor who died on August 30 after a brief illness at the age of 51 was Group Executive Director at UBA. He was also for many years responsible for the bank’s East and Southern Africa operations. According to close colleagues, Iweriebor’s sterling performance and impressive accomplishments took the bank to soaring heights in these various roles.
It was not therefore surprising that i a post on his Instagram handle, Elumelu who sent an emotional tribute to eulogise the deceased, said Iweriebor ” earnestly drove the launch of UBA operations in ten African countries and singlehandedly obtained banking licenses in some of these countries.”
It reads: “We are shocked, devastated & overcome by immeasurable grief as we mourn the unexpected demise of our brother, friend, & long time colleague, @emekeiweriebor. “Mr Execution”, as I fondly called him, Emeke earnestly drove the launch of @UBAGroup operations in over ten African countries- singlehandedly obtaining banking licences in some of these countries.
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“A true Lion to the core, Emeke served @ubagroup wearing many hats and playing strategic leadership roles for almost 2 decades of selfless service. He rose to Group Executïve Director at UBA. There are no words to describe the depths of our pain as we are forced to say goodbye to one of our very own. Rest well, dearest Emeke. We pray that God grants Emeke’s dear wife and wonderful kids, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.
Similarly, many people whose path crossed with the late Group Executive Director of UBA at various times paid impressive tributes to him. These tributes which came in various shape and forms were quite telling, revealing the many lives that the late Iweriebor touched during his life time.
For instance, Nike Yahaya, in her tributes said: “I am so sorry and sad to hear this news!
I remember, just like yesterday, …Ecobank – EBN- Ikeja days… with of course some correspondences after we all left for greener pastures… Even back then, I had nothing but happy and good memories of you… ever gentle, humble, respectful, well-composed, passionate about everything and everyone!”
Another Professional colleague of Iweriebor, Jayke Okpala who worked under the former has this to say of him: “I’m just numbed by the shocking news of your death. You were ever so thoughtful, considerate and caring. I saw u last 12 years ago when you were posted out to Ghana and I left UBA in 2011.We lost all contact. U called me out of the blues on the 17th of August to just ask after me and how I was doing. You teased me to no end!! You were your ever cheerful and ebullient self. Looking back I m thinking that was a goodbye call. It so painful, but who am l to ask God why? Rest in peace Emeke, you were a good boss. Heaven has gained a beautiful soul.”
The ocean of tributes were not limited to those above. Leila Alake, another bosom friend of the deceased and school mate at the University of Lagos described Iweriebor as an extremely brilliant mind, a loving and devoted husband to Ele and a doting father to his three lovely children. According to Alake, the late Group Executive Director at UBA made lasting impact on many whom he came in contact with, saying that he was a very respectful, intelligent, diligent professional who was a great listener, and a humble human being.
She said: “My dearest friend… I fondly called him Mr Iweriebor and he called me Lee. Most people knew him as the Group Executive Director UBA, Africa but to me he was my personal person. We were young students at the University of Lagos when we met, he studied Political Science as his first degree. I took two minor courses in Political Science, that was how I met the fine young man who was gentle, shy, reserved with an extremely brilliant mind. Immediately we hit it off and became best of friends until his demise.
“My whole family knew Mr Iweriebor, he spent weekends in our home in Apapa and eventually years later Emeke and his family spent their holidays with my family in London and vice versa. I will describe Mr Iweriebor with some words:
“Loving and devoted husband to Ele, my sister and doting father to his three children, author, exemplary banker who was always thirsty for knowledge and he was brilliant at executing his duties, a man of integrity, God fearing, fantastic friend and brother, kind, generous, patient, caring, supportive, intelligent, good listener, simple, humble, genuine, provider, loyal, confidant, encourager, mentor, organised, protective, respectful, hospitable, fun with a good sense of humour.
“He loved a good story and we would laugh heartily at each other’s jokes… he would ask me, “are you serious?” Or say, “ this is a serious matter” during our conversations. In the middle of the story, Mr Iweriebor would throw his head backwards and laugh out loud and hail me, “Leeeee!!”
“In all my years of knowing him, I have never heard him raise his voice in anger, he knew how to manage people and his emotions. He was wise beyond his years. To my extraordinary friend of well over 3 decades, you called me early hours of the 30th August, I was excited to talk to you and in our usual way, we chatted and had a good laugh. Little did I know that it was the last conversation that we would have. I was shocked and devastated to hear of your passing that same day hours later. I wanted this to be a dream or a lie!!!
“Mr Iweriebor made a lasting impact on so many lives. The banking world has lost a genius and we have all lost a gem. I will never forget you and will forever treasure your memories. I thank God that in your beautiful family I still see you! I thank you for also giving me the opportunity to hear your voice one last time before the final curtain.
“My friend and brother, Mr Emeke E. Iweriebor, thank you for your friendship… I was indeed blessed to know you! I thank God for your life and legacy which lives on!! Rest well in God’s loving embrace and enjoy heaven Angel!!! #MayBaby #MyFriend #MyBrother #LoverOfJesus #HeavenGainedAnAngel #GuardianAngel #YouWillBeSorelyMissed #ForeverInOurHearts #RestInTheLovingEmbraceOfGod”
Iweriebor who earned an MBA from the University of Lagos and an alumnus of Wharton School and IMD Business School, respectively had over two decades experience in the banking industry. He was credited with having sterling and most outstanding experience and skill-sets in the banking sector across countries in West, Central, East & Southern Africa.
Throughout his lifetime, Iweriebor who attended Ika Grammar School for his secondary school education was described by many colleagues, friends, old school mates, and admirers as an extremely dynamic, versatile and a compelling team player who was able to identify innovative business windows and build upon them. According to many, the deceased led many UBA Board Committees across about 18 African countries to accomplish desired goals. He was 51 years of age.
