Mrs Noma Imilar is the Branch Manager of Providus Bank, Asaba, Delta State. With over 20 years of experience in the banking industry, she has established herself as a seasoned leader. Beyond her banking expertise, Imilar is a multifaceted individual who excels as a Pastor, Expert Speaker, and TIMFA-certified Marriage and Relationship Coach. In a recent interview, she shared her inspiring story, revealing how she effectively juggles her various roles and passions.
Can we know your name, and what you do?
My name is Mrs Noma Imilar and I’m the Branch head for Providus Bank, Asaba Delta State.
Where are you from?
When people inquire about my origins, I can’t help but smile. I proudly trace my roots back to the historic Bendel region, where I was born. Specifically, my heritage lies in Edo State, courtesy of my father’s lineage, while my mother’s side hails from Asaba. My marriage to an Itsekiri man has beautifully blended our cultures.
When did you become the Branch Manager of this Bank?
Since July 2022.
And how has it been so far?
My journey in the banking industry began on January 16th, 2002, and it’s been an incredible ride. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with several banks, each providing valuable experiences that have shaped my career. However, my time at Providus Bank has been truly exceptional.
However, I cherish the exposure and expertise gained from my previous roles, I acknowledge that they paved the way for my opportunity at Providus Bank. The work environment here is truly unique – it’s a place where individuality is respected, humility is embraced, and leadership sets a shining example. The leadership’s commitment to modelling the behaviours they expect from others has created a truly inspiring culture. As we say, ‘we learn leadership from leadership,’ and I’m grateful to be a part of this team.
Today you are a leader in this bank but how was it starting in 2002?
With a career spanning over 20 years, I’ve established myself in the banking industry. Starting as a teller in 2002, I rapidly progressed through the ranks, becoming a team lead by 2005 and a branch manager by 2009/2010. I further expanded my expertise as an area manager in 2017, and currently, I serve as a branch manager
Growing through the ranks, what were the challenges you faced?
One challenge I faced was – high expectations and limited resources. One time in my early days when a customer defaulted on a loan facility, I was left holding the bag. The bank put me on suspension without pay, but I had to report every day to sign in. No income, no benefits – it was tough.
Eventually, I had to find buyers for the collateral to recover the bank’s losses, but I didn’t receive any compensation for my efforts. And let me tell you, personal development was a struggle too. I had to navigate difficult customers, superiors, long hours, and the pressure to meet targets. All while trying to maintain a work-life balance.
I remember when I first started as a teller, I was often the only woman on the desk, but I quickly proved myself to be efficient and fast. Customers would queue up at my window, even when there were other tellers available. My supervisor would ask them to move to the next person, but they’d refuse, saying I was the fastest. It was a bit of a double-edged sword, to be honest – I was handling most of the customers, but my colleague was more experienced.
Those were some of the challenges I faced in my early days in banking. It was a tough industry, especially during the transition from analogue to digital. But I learned a lot, and I’m grateful for the experience.
From the way you speak, it seems you love what you do. What inspired you toward this path?
It is a funny story. As a Corp member, I would gaze longingly at the old Standard Trust Bank, declaring to myself that I would not only work there but become a branch manager! I was fascinated by the bankers’ professionalism and style. So, I begged the tellers to notify me when they were having a recruitment test. They agreed but never followed through.
Then, I had this vivid dream where I was standing in a queue to take a bank test, frantically searching for my pen and pencil. And that’s when it hit me – what’s the name of this bank I’m so eager to work for? I looked upit was Standard Trust Bank. The next morning, I raced to the bank and, wouldn’t you know it, they told me a test was scheduled for the following Saturday.
I took the test but didn’t pass. But I didn’t give up. I begged a staff member to give me the test paper and I studied it inside out until I could recite it in my sleep. Fast forward to my time after I passed out of service and got into the civil service, a friend tipped me off about another test at Standard Trust Bank. And guess what? The questions were identical to the ones I had practised. I aced that test, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Did your decree of becoming a branch manager there come to pass?
Oh yes, I became a branch manager in the United Bank of Africa (UBA) Agbor, Delta State in 2009/2010 around the time when there was a merger between Standard Trust Bank and UBA.
What personal strategies have you implemented that have kept you relevant in the banking sector for over two decades?
It is simply the hunger to be more. Not greed but to be a better version of myself. I’m driven by a desire for personal growth and self-improvement, whether it’s developing my negotiation skills, emotional intelligence, or leadership abilities. I’m not in a race with anyone else; I just want to be the best I can be. Every year, I set out to achieve something new – whether it’s a certification or another milestone – because I want to look back on my life with pride when I’m 90 and know that I made a real impact in the banking industry and beyond.
What exactly are those achievements the 90-year-old you would want to have accomplished?
Currently, my greatest achievement is the fact that I’ve been able to balance my career, my ministry, and my family life without sacrificing any of them. My priorities are clear: God first, then my family, and finally my career. But I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to excel in all three areas.
As I look back on my journey in banking, I realize that it was a turning point when someone gave me a chance. I’ll never forget an interviewer who saw something in me and taught me the importance of self-marketing and confidence. He asked me what I would say to a potential client in an elevator, and at first, I thought it was just about being polite. But he showed me that it’s about owning your worth and promoting yourself with pride.
He asked me twice! First, he asked what I would say to someone in an elevator as a banker, and I said I’d just say hello and move on. Then he asked again, this time adding a twist – what if the person was wearing designer clothes and perfume? I gave the same answer, but he showed me that there’s more to it than just being polite. He told me to market myself and my services, to show confidence and own my worth. That was the tipping point for me.
I have to admit, when I first started in banking, I had some misconceptions. I thought it was for loose women, but I’ve learned that’s not true. You can be different, you can be yourself, and still succeed.
My dream now is to continue growing in my career, inspiring others to know their worth, and showing them that with hard work and determination, the sky is a stepping stone.
In the meantime, what are your career goals?
I hope to be an Executive Director in the banking industry one day, you know why? Â I joined the banking industry in 2002 and I got married in 2004. Those late nights at work would often leave me frustrated, but my husband would listen patiently and remind me to keep my eyes on the prize – to reach the pinnacle of my career.
When you’re not working, what do you do, like hobbies?
I’m passionate about connecting with people and helping them grow, whether it’s through speaking, coaching, or training. I’ve had the privilege of inspiring youths, women, and men from all walks of life. As a certified SME finance expert, I also love empowering entrepreneurs to access finance and make their businesses bankable. And, as a relationship coach and marriage mentor, I’m honoured to help couples build stronger marriages.
Recently, I added etiquette consulting to my portfolio, and I’m enjoying teaching people how to present themselves confidently and communicate effectively – even the younger generation! I believe they have so much to learn, unlearn, and relearn. When I’m not speaking or coaching, you can find me curled up with a good book – probably because my first degree was in library and information science.
What is your advice to people who aim to don many hats like you?
My advice to individuals who aspire to wear multiple hats like me is to first identify their passions and interests. What drives you? What are your values? What do you want to achieve? Once you have a clear understanding of these, pursue them with dedication and perseverance. Embrace lifelong learning, seek mentorship, and see challenges as opportunities for growth. And most importantly, never stop learning, never stop growing, and never stop impacting lives.
