Tribute to a Corporate Leader.

A few days ago, I had the honor to chat on phone with Mrs. Folusho Onabowale, one of the most brilliant corporate leaders - as different from bosses - that I've had the privilege to know.  

Back then in NAL Merchant Bank Limited (Now called Sterling Bank), she was the AGM/Head of International Operations while I was just a "boi-boi" (underdog) in the department (Apologies to Mr. O.K. Danjuma). 

Taking advantage of the fact that I was reporting directly to her, I chose to pay considerable attention to her management techniques. As at that time, I was a weekly columnist for the now defunct Business Concord, among other "extra-curricular" activities in which I was engaged. Yet, it was “madam”, as we usually addressed her that practically "sharpened my teeth" in writing and, especially when it came to Management Reporting, a very essential tool in corporate governance.

I used to marvel at her smart, skillful weaving of words in every written presentation. It was also from her that I picked up the trick of knowing and gauging "Management thinking". 

As fate would have it and, in an ironic twist, I was fortunate to secure a job with Shell Petroleum in the aftermath of NAL staff "Tsunami" restructuring of 1995.  

Upon downloading of the knowledge gained in NAL Merchant Bank, the top brass in Warri thought I was a "whiz kid". Whereas, it was all thanks to Mrs. Onabowale from whom I tapped the knowledge. And, of course, to God be the entire glory.  

Madam, this is to say, thanks for sharing your knowledge. God bless you.