Union Bank MD/CEO Shares Powerful Lessons on Leadership, Relationships, Resilience and Personal Growth
Thirty of Nigeria’s brightest emerging leaders recently had a rare opportunity to learn from one of the country’s most accomplished corporate executives as Mrs. Yetunde B. Oni, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank of Nigeria, engaged fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy in an inspiring and candid leadership conversation.
Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 25,000 applicants, the 30 fellows represent some of Nigeria’s most promising young professionals. The Academy, an initiative of the Lagos State Government established in honour of the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, Lagos State’s first civilian governor, is dedicated to nurturing ethical, competent and transformational leaders for the future.
Facilitated by the Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa, the fellowship brings together exceptional young Nigerians from diverse sectors and backgrounds, providing them with the values, skills and exposure needed for effective leadership.
Rather than deliver a conventional corporate speech, Mrs. Oni opted for a deeply personal and interactive session, sharing lessons from her over three decades of professional experience, the challenges she has overcome, and the principles that have shaped her remarkable leadership journey.
The THRIVE Leadership Framework
Central to her message was a simple but powerful framework she called THRIVE, a guide for personal and professional success:
T – Take Ownership of Your Relationships: Leadership begins with intentional relationship-building. Networks and meaningful connections are vital assets in any career journey.
H – Honour God: Faith, she noted, provides direction, purpose and stability amid life’s uncertainties.
R – Recharge and Refresh: Effective leadership requires prioritising physical, mental and emotional well-being.
I – Invest in Your Growth: Continuous learning and self-development are essential for remaining relevant and impactful.
V – Value Your Work: Leaders must understand their identity, define their personal brand and consistently create value.
E – Embrace Setbacks: Failure should be viewed not as defeat but as a valuable part of the growth process.
The Power of Relationships
Throughout the session, Mrs. Oni repeatedly emphasised the importance of relationships in leadership and career advancement.
She credited much of her success to the unwavering support of her family, particularly her parents and husband, as well as mentors, coaches, sponsors and professional networks that guided her throughout her career.
She also highlighted the distinction between mentors and coaches, while underscoring the enduring relevance of traditional values such as integrity, honesty, diligence, courtesy and respect.
According to her, these values have consistently earned her trust, credibility and opportunities throughout her professional journey.
Believe in Yourself and Take the Risk
One of the most compelling moments of the engagement came when Mrs. Oni recounted how she became Managing Director and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Sierra Leone.
She revealed that she initially doubted her chances of securing the role and had not considered herself a likely candidate. Encouraged by her husband, she applied and was ultimately appointed, becoming the first woman to lead a Standard Chartered Bank operation in that market.
She shared a similar experience regarding her eventual appointment as Managing Director and CEO of Union Bank, noting that she was unaware of the opportunity until trusted professional contacts recommended her based on their confidence in her capabilities.
Her message to the fellows was clear: believe in your abilities, pursue opportunities boldly, and never allow self-doubt to limit your potential.
Investing in Future Leaders
The engagement underscored the critical role mentorship and leadership development play in nation-building.
By sharing her experiences and insights, Mrs. Oni demonstrated the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders—an approach that aligns with Union Bank’s longstanding commitment to people development and leadership excellence.
The event also highlighted the impact of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy and the Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa in identifying, mentoring and equipping young Nigerians with the values and skills required to lead with integrity and purpose.
For the fellows, the session offered more than leadership advice; it provided a practical roadmap for navigating personal and professional challenges while building a lasting legacy of impact.
As Mrs. Oni’s message resonated across the room, one lesson stood out above all others: great leaders do more than achieve success—they empower others to do the same, and they THRIVE.
