A Legend Called: Thank You PGD for Raising A Professional Generation

A phone rang, and I picked it. And from the other side, an unmistakable voice said, ‘Prof Ekekwe, I am PGD, your colleague in Diamond Bank”. I jumped and shouted “Ifeoma [my wife], come over here because a Legend is on the line”.

Yes, today, the banking legend, Pascal Dozie, Founder of Diamond Bank, called one of the young men he inspired.

I was to be hired for the Owerri branch of the bank, but during the final level interview, the leadership decided to post me to the headquarters. And in just three years, I experienced transformation, turning a village boy-FUTO-educated engineer into a top-grade professional. While in the bank, they paid for my two master’s degrees and a correspondence doctoral degree in banking and finance .

As we spoke, I thanked our Chairman for his grace, kindness and generosity, reciting Diamond Bank’s mission and vision statements which I memorized while in the training school. Great leaders inspire generations and PGD through Diamond Bank served Africa.

He remembers things. Many years ago, on a January morning, I came to Diamond Bank to drop my resignation letter; I was to fly into New York that day. That morning, Diamond Bank paid my upfront, a big chunk of my yearly salary. I quickly updated that letter, and asked the bank to reverse the entry as I was leaving the country and would not be around to earn the money. To cut the story short, Chairman later approved for me to keep the money, covering it for the Bank. The bank contacted me since my salary account had been closed and paid me! I documented this here.

Chairman, thank you: “May the Lord continue to bless PGD and the professional generation he raised.” Sure, you used “colleagues” and I added as we spoke “a lower colleague to power 10”. Thank you for finding time to check and the wisdom you shared today.

A phone rang, and I picked it. And from the other side, an unmistakable voice said, ‘Prof Ekekwe, I am PGD, your colleague in Diamond Bank”. I jumped and shouted “Ifeoma [my wife], come over here because a Legend is on the line”.

Yes, today, the banking legend, Pascal Dozie,… pic.twitter.com/eZx61Wa4IG

— Ndubuisi Ekekwe (@ndekekwe) November 17, 2023

My Response: I was 100% within policy. Then, either you put a notice or you pay for the time of the expected notice. But if you have an unused vacation, you can use the same to settle. But since my study leave was not approved, my boss, Roly, was aware and it was all planned. Yet, I had to put the paper. Well within policy.

I was 100% within policy. Then, either you put a notice or you pay for the time of the expected notice. But if you have un-unsed vacation, you can use same to settle. But since my study leave was not approved, my boss, Roly, was aware and it was all planned. Yet, I had to put the paper. Well within policy.

My First Day in America and Kindness of Diamond Bank Lagos

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