75th celebration: UBA focused on infrastructural devt in areas of operation, excellent customer experience — GMD

Alawuba added, “Today we have over 25,000 Staff, over 35 million customers served through multiple channels – over 350,000 POS terminals, 2,000 ATM terminals, 1,000 Business Offices and 19.7 million Card Customers.

“The past 75 years have been marked by stability and excellence, the pillars upon which UBA’s legacy stands tall.”

He pointed out that the bank’s commitment to expansion and seizing growth opportunities is reflected in its $6bn SME funding agreement signed with the African Free Trade Area (AFCTA), aimed at deepening relationships with customers, employees, regulators, and other stakeholders for mutual benefit and long-term success.

He also said there was no country where the bank had not invested in infrastructure.

He cited the example of Cameroon, where the bank partnered that country when it hosted the Africa Cup of Nations.

For the tournament, UBA was involved in the financing of the upgrading of the stadium in Yaounde, the country’s capital.

He said the plan of UBA is to empower citizens across the continent, especially through its Corporate Social Responsibility platform.

On the 75 the celebration, Alawuba said, “This milestone is not just a celebration of longevity, but a testament to resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence that have defined UBA’s journey over the decades.”

He acknowledged all the bank’s former Chairmen of Group and Subsidiary Boards, Board Members, Group and Subsidiary MD/CEOs, as well as staff in various capacities over the years, and particularly lauded its current Group Chairman, Board Members, Executive Management and staff across all our subsidiaries.

“Without your sacrifices, contributions, support, and guidance over the years, we would not be where we are today.

“We appreciate and honour you because you built and nurtured the platform on which we are standing today.

“Our Group Chairman (Mr. Tony Elumelu, CFR) truly deserves special recognition and mention. Without his visionary push in 2005 and tutelage over the years, I doubt whether we would be where we are today. ” hhh

Listing some of the UBA achievement in the past 75 years, the GMD said, ” The past 75 years have been marked by stability and excellence, pillars upon which UBA’s legacy stands tall.

“UBA was the first Bank in Nigeria to offer an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 1970.The first in Nigeria banking industry to be Listed on the NSE: UBA was the first Nigerian bank to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).The first Nigerian Bank in the USA and London:

“UBA was the first Nigerian bank to open a branch in the USA and London.The first to install ATMs in Nigeria: UBA was the first bank in Nigeria to install Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

“UBA was first to open a campus branch at the University of Lagos in Nigeria. UBA was the first Nigerian Bank to open a subsidiary in Africa (Ghana in 2005) UBA appointed the first Female Board Chairperson in Nigeria. Mobile Banking in Nigeria was first introduced by UBA: UBA was a pioneer in introducing mobile banking in Nigeria.

“UBA launched the first Multi-lingual Chatbot Banking in Nigeria: UBA introduced Leo, the first multi-lingual chatbot in Nigeria.UBA is the first Nigerian Bank to launch the most successful Prepaid Cards across Africa.” 

On what to expect from the bank, Alawuba said, “Looking ahead, our vision is clear – to be the role model for African Businesses. UBA is one bank, uniting Africa while connecting Africans to the World and the World to Africa.

“Our primary focus is to be the payment bank for Capital flows, trade and investments between Africa and the rest of the world. We are committed to expanding our presence, seizing growth opportunities, and delivering value to all stakeholders.

“I would like to reiterate UBA’s commitment to Customer First Philosophy, which is our primary business strategy. The customer is our employer and the sole reason why we come to work. Our three key pillars of service (People, Process and Technology) are all geared towards the delivery of excellent customer experience, which is our promise.

“As we embark on the next phase of our journey, I urge all stakeholders to continue their support and collaboration. Together, we will write the next chapter of success for United Bank for Africa Plc.”

Earlier, the bank’s Deputy Group Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, said the United Bank for Africa’s  financial strength and resilience had been key to its success, even amidst economic challenges.

Akinyeni, who noted that UBA operates across four Continents with presence in 20 African countries, United States of America, France, United Kingdom and UAE, added, “We will continue to uphold our core values of Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution, driving sustainable growth and successes.”