Why I accepted Blueprint’s CEO of the Year Award – Zenith Bank MD

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, has formally accepted her nomination for the Blueprint Newspaper’s 2025 Bank CEO of the Year Award, expressing appreciation to the newspaper for recognising her leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.

The 2025 edition of the event is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers Limited and signed by the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Dr Chinedu Zephaniah, the bank conveyed its appreciation for what it described as the thoughtful recognition accorded to it by Blueprint Newspapers.

The Zenith Bank chief executive also commended the media organisation for sustaining a platform that celebrates excellence, leadership and impactful contributions across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“We are pleased to convey her acceptance of the nomination and invitation. Further engagement regarding participation at the event will be communicated in due course,” the bank said.

Blueprint.ng Newspapers had nominated Dame Umeoji for the award following a rigorous assessment of outstanding performances across major sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Managing Director of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, said the award recognises her exceptional leadership, visionary management and remarkable contributions to the sustained growth, stability and transformation of Zenith Bank Plc

.

He said Umeoji’s emergence as the first female Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank embodies a historic milestone for the institution and a significant advancement for gender inclusion in Nigeria’s banking industry.

He said under her leadership, Zenith Bank has strengthened its position as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions through strong financial performance, sound corporate governance, enhanced customer confidence and strategic expansion initiatives.

He also cited her commitment to financial inclusion, digital banking innovation, enterprise development, sustainable economic growth, prudent financial management and human capital development as key factors that informed her selection.

The Blueprint Newspaper’s Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards is an annual platform that honours distinguished individuals and organisations whose contributions have made significant impacts on national development across the public and private sectors.