HRM Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo OFR

His Royal Majesty (HRM) Ebitimi Emmanuel Banigo OFR (EEB)

There are some people you meet in your formative years and they affect your outlook for life.

For me it’s my Chairman the Amanyanabo of Okpoama Kingdom Okpo XXI HRM Ebitimi Banigo OFR. He is the Chairman of erstwhile Allstates Family…The Godfather of modern banking in Nigeria. I learnt the trait of using my position to help others that may not be so opportune otherwise.

Me: “Sir, thank you so much. You employ so many of us and give us opportunities we would otherwise not have had.”

EEB: “That’s not a problem. Someone gave me an opportunity and sponsored my education. That’s how I’m here today.”

Though he was practically the owner of the bank he encouraged us to work the best way we could.

Through my years from being a Branch Accountant up to the time I had full responsibility for the bank-wide Credit Risk, His Royalty Majesty supported me. He helped me to develop my confidence level.

Today I can stand and speak to authority because he taught me that if I know my onions, I can stand before kings; a reaffirmation of Proverbs 22:29

I recall he accepted a report from an Executive Director only because he was told I prepared that report.

So each time I think of my confidence level and conviction that honest work pays, I always remember and thank God for my Chairman.

I use this medium to thank and appreciate him for the opportunity and exposure God used him to provide for so many of us, particularly from the South South! The banking and finance industry would attest we (his protégés) are a unique and valuable breed.