Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has congratulated Dr. Alex Otti, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/CEO) of Diamond Bank Plc, on the conferment on him of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2014 National Merit Awards.
Ihedioha, who spoke at a dinner in Abuja to honour the bank chief, said that Otti was a rare bred Nigerian whose intellect, character, integrity and work ethic have singled him out as a man who aims for excellence and great results in all that he undertakes.
“Dr. Otti has distinguished himself as a seasoned banker as evidenced in the impressive growth of Diamond Bank under his leadership. His footprints, so far, challenges us as a nation to move on to more progressive accomplishments. His entrepreneurial efforts, particularly in promoting entrepreneurship across the country, have also been outstanding and we are assured that this honour will encourage him as he continues to play pivotal roles in the banking industry and to humanity at large,” the Deputy Speaker said.
The dinner reception which was attended by top Nigerians to honour and applaud Otti’s achievements was filled with encomiums for him. Guests at the event include Senator Uche Chukwumerije; Senator Annie Okonkwo; Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party and Igwe Nnaemeka Ugochukwu Achebe, Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, Diamond Bank Plc. Other dignitaries include Oscar Onyema, Director General, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Chief Sonny Iroche; Paul Usoro, SAN; Uzoma Dozie, Deputy Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc; first class traditional rulers and bank executives.
Speaking on his achievements, UjuIfejika, Chief Executive Officer of Britannia-U Nigeria Limited, who also was awarded the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) at the award ceremony, noted that Otti’s outstanding attribute is not just only centered on integrity but his large heart and pursuit for results even in the face of fierce oppositions and strange odds.
She said: “Dr. Otti is a truthful banker who sets realistic targets and keeps to his word. He is passionate about helping businesses grow and has nurtured many to fruition. Dr. Otti has made a far-reaching impact on Diamond Bank and its customers, the Nigerian banking industry, the Nigerian nation and humanity in general.”
Reiterating Ifejika, Ayona Trimnell, Head, Corporate Communications, Diamond Bank Plc, stated that both staff and shareholders of the Bank have grown under the management of Dr. Otti, pointing that with his result-focused leadership, the financial services sub-sector has continued to witness healthy growth and competition.
“Diamond Bank is privileged to have a professional banker who had led the team to success. Dr. Otti is a quintessential leader whose visionary leadership in terms of qualitative output is unparalleled.”
In his response, Otti said he is humbled by the honour bestowed on him by the Federal Government, stressing that the landmark successes recorded by Diamond Bank in the last few years were the direct outcome of the undiluted and focused dedication of the staff who have internalized “the winning team” spirit.