What to know about Israel Ogbue, former UBA chairman

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced the passing of Israel C. Ogbue, former Chairman of the bank.

Ogbue devoted over six decades of his life to service in Nigeria’s public and private sectors, leaving behind an enduring legacy of integrity, discipline and institutional excellence.

Ogbue (a Chief) who died at the age of 99 was a revered boardroom statesman and distinguished administrator.

Born on February 18, 1927, in Onicha-Olona, Delta State, Ogbue’s professional journey began in the Federal Civil Service before he travelled to the United Kingdom for further studies.

In addition to his corporate accomplishments, Ogbue was a devoted family patriarch and mentor. He was the father of Awele Elumelu and father-in-law to the Group Chairman of UBA Group, Tony Elumelu.

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He built an accomplished career that saw him rise through senior management ranks at the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria (NICON), where he served with distinction until his retirement in 1988.

His reputation for governance expertise subsequently earned him appointments to the boards of several leading institutions, including UBA.

He joined the UBA Board in 2005 as a Non-Executive Director and was later appointed Chairman in 2011, a role he held with dignity and strategic foresight until his retirement in 2013.

During his tenure, he provided steady and principled leadership at a defining period in the Bank’s transformation, reinforcing a culture of strong corporate governance, accountability and long-term sustainability that continues to guide the institution today.

Known for his humility and deep faith, he often attributed his longevity to God’s grace, advising younger generations to pursue ambition with moderation, remain steadfast in adversity, and place their trust in God.

“UBA Group extends its heartfelt condolences to his children, grandchildren, extended family, friends and associates. We celebrate a remarkable life of service, wisdom and impact, and we honour his invaluable contributions to UBA and to Nigeria’s corporate landscape,” the bank said in a statement on Wednesday.

Iheanyi Nwachukwu

Iheanyi Nwachukwu, is a creative content writer with almost two decades journalism experience writing on banking, finance, capital markets, and tax. The multiple awards winning journalist is Assistant Editor, BusinessDay. Iheanyi holds BSc Degree in Economics from Imo State University; Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Management from University of Lagos. Iheanyi has attended several work-related trainings including (i) Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (Pan African University, Lagos); (ii) News Agency Journalism (Indian Institute of Mass Communication {IIMC}, New Delhi, India); and (iii) Capital Markets Development and Regulations (International Law Institute {ILI} of Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA). Other trainings Iheanyi attended include: Economic/Political Risk Analysis (By Thomson Reuters Foundation); International Financial Journalism (IFJ) (By PMA Media Training, UK); Effective Business Writing Skills (By Phillips Consulting); Reporting on Corporate Governance (By International Finance Corporation (IFC) & Thomson Reuters Foundation UK); etc. In addition, he has participated in high-level economy & markets events in Dubai, South Africa, Morocco, and other African countries like Zambia, Ghana and Gambia.