By Osa Mbonu-Amadi, Arts Editor
The former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank International Plc, Dr (Mrs.) Cecilia Ibru, yesterday at the MUSON Center, Onikan, Lagos, launched two books to mark her birthday.
One of the books is titled “Cecilia: The autobiography of Cecilia Ibru”, while the other, a memoir which tells the story of Oceanic Bank, is titled “Oceanic Odyssey (1990-2010)”.
In her speech at the event, the author, Dr. Ibru, said “Oceanic Odyssey” is a chronicle of transformative period in Nigeria. “When the banks were challenged to raise N25 billion,” she said, “everybody was afraid. We said if that’s what it takes; it means Nigeria can support it. And 25 banks made it. Out of those 25 banks, each bank was given $1 billion to put in their foreign banks. And by the special grace of God, we raised $6 billion. Unfortunately, we were not able to complete it because of crises in the industry.”
The author shared her hopes for the two books and the importance of perseverance: “My hope is that these two books will not only be informative, but also inspire many in their life journey. I hope they will remind us of the power of perseverance.”
Earlier, declaring the event open, Chairman of the occasion, Uncle Sam Amuka, publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, extolled the author. He said the quality of the audience was a testament to the influence the author has. “Eugenia Abu (the MC) has said it all; I don’t want to repeat what she had said. It’s a great honor to be here for this book launch. We are delighted.”
The Chairman congratulated Dr. (Mrs.) Ibru and her twin sister, Lucy, on their birthday. “Congratulations to you and your sister; it’s your birthday too. We are celebrating many things today at once. So, let’s enjoy ourselves.”
The reviewer of the books, Dr Lasisi Olagunju, Editor and Columnist, Nigerian Tribune, described Dr. Ibru’s autobiography as “a deeply layered book” and as “history, elegantly adorned with unusual details.” Dr (Mrs.) Cecilia Ibru’s autobiography, Dr. Olagunju said, “inspires introspection and questions assumptions. Structurally original, emotionally profound, and culturally significant, it challenges false narratives, reinforces truth, and provokes thought.”
On the “Oceanic Odyssey”, the reviewer said the “memoir is not just about banking or business; it is a tribute to perseverance, innovation, and leadership.”
Amongst the dignitaries that attended the event are His Royal Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of Zenith Bank; Mr. Eze Anaba, President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers; Peter Igho, Chief Bisi Olatilo, Chief Ade Ojo, Mr. Francis Okumagba, a former Executive Director, Oceanic Bank, and many others.
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