TheNewsGuru

Tag: UBA

  • UBA to sustain prudent risk management practices – Uzoka

    The Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr Kennedy Uzoka, has assured shareholders and stakeholders of the bank that the prudent management practices, which have made the lender to churn out good results, would be sustained.

    Mr Uzoka said this while commenting on the first quarter results of the company for the period ended March 31, 2020, where the financial institution recorded double-digit improvement across its major income lines.

    The bank chief said he was happy with UBA’s performance in the first three months of this year despite the challenging business environment.

    “We are pleased with our top and bottom lines in the first quarter of 2020, delivering N147.2 billion in gross earnings and profit before tax of N32.7 billion.

    “The double-digit growth in the topline testifies to the resilience of our business model as a group, even as the 17 percent growth in our fees and commission income underscores our diversified business model, enabling us to deliver best value to our stakeholders, even in tough macroeconomic scenarios,” he said.

    According to him, “The bank leveraged on modest growth in both interest and non-interest income as well as increased efficiency to deliver an impressive 8.5 percent year-on-year growth in profit before tax in the first three months of 2020, to N32.7 billion compared with N30.2 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2019.

    “Again, UBA sustained its strong profitability recording an annualized 20 percent Return on Average Equity (RoAE),” Mr Uzoka stated.

    The GMD noted that “the recent successes we have recorded in all our business segments, especially our retail and electronic banking businesses within the period” have been encouraging.

    He said in Q1 2020, retail deposits accounted for 72 percent of customer deposits even as cost-of-funds moderated to 3.3 percent.

    “We will continue to grow market share in all our markets, whilst maintaining cost discipline across our businesses, driving efficiency in our processes using best-rated technology,” he assured.

    Speaking on customers’ growing concerns on banking services during the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Uzoka explained that the bank has put in place various strategic channels to ensure that customers transactions are effectively carried out with ease.

    “In response to the spread of COVID-19 several national governments have announced a partial or total lock down in a number of our markets, post Q1 2020.

    “Fortunately, we have built robust electronic channel platforms to enable us effectively serve our customers from the convenience of their homes.

    “Despite the lock down, our banking channels have remained open to our customers 24/7, even as we continue to align and adapt our operating model to ensure we service our customers excellently and safely,” he said.

    Mr Uzoka noted that as economies and businesses adjust to the headwinds occasioned by the novel COVID-19 pandemic, the bank has been identifying emerging strategic opportunities arising from this and positioning to take full advantage of this to delight customers and create value for stakeholders.

    “We also remain committed to our prudent risk management practices, as profitable growth and good asset quality remain our priority in 2020,” he stated.

    UBA, driven by a year-on-year growth in interest income, recorded a 11.8 percent year-on-year growth in gross earnings to close at N147.2 billion for the three months period ending March 2020, compared with N131.7 billion recorded in the first three months of the year 2019.

    The bank’s total assets also rose by 13.4 percent to N6.4 trillion in the period under review in contrast to N5.6 trillion recorded at the end of the 2019 financial; while shareholders’ funds grew to N612.6 billion from N597.9 billion in the same period.

  • UBA records N32.7b profit before tax in Q1

    UBA records N32.7b profit before tax in Q1

    United Bank for Africa Group (UBA) Plc has recorded double-digit improvement across all its major income lines in its first quarter ended March 31st, 2020.

    The bank leveraged on modest growth in both interest and non-interest income and recorded 8.5 percent year-on-year growth in Profit Before Tax in the first three months of 2020, to N32.7 billion, compared with N30.2 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2019. Again, UBA sustained its strong profitability recording an annualized 20 per cent Return on Average Equity (RoAE).

    Driven by a year-on-year growth in interest income, UBA Group recorded a 11.8% percent year-on-year growth in gross earnings to close at N147.2 billion for the three months period ending March 2020, compared to N131.7 billion recorded in the first three months of the year 2019.

    The bank’s total assets also rose by 13.4% to N6.4 trillion in the period under review, compared to N5.6 trillion recorded at the end of the 2019 financial; while shareholders’ funds grew to N612.6bn from N597.9 billion in the same period.

    The Group Managing Director/CEO of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, expressed satisfaction with the Bank’s performance in the first quarter of 2020, which according to him remains encouraging despite the challenging business environment.

    He said, “We are pleased with our top and bottom lines in the first quarter of 2020, delivering N147.2 billion in gross earnings and profit before tax of N32.7billion. The double-digit growth in the topline testifies to the resilience of our business model as a group, even as the 17% growth in our fees and commission income underscores our diversified business model, enabling us to deliver best value to our stakeholders, even in tough macroeconomic scenarios.

    Continuing, the GMD said, “I am very excited about recent successes we have recorded in all our business segments, especially our retail and electronic banking businesses within the period, with retail deposits accounting for 72% of customer deposits even as cost-of-funds moderates to 3.3%. We will continue to grow market share in all our markets, whilst maintaining cost discipline across our businesses, driving efficiency in our processes using best-rated technology.

    Speaking on customers’ growing concerns on banking services during the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, Uzoka explained that the bank has put in place various strategic channels to ensure that customers transactions are effectively carried out with ease.

    He said, “In response to the spread of COVID-19 several national governments have announced a partial or total lock down in a number of our markets, post Q1 2020. Fortunately, we have built robust electronic channel platforms to enable us effectively serve our customers from the convenience of their homes. Despite the lock down, our banking channels have remained open to our customers 24/7, even as we continue to align and adapt our operating model to ensure we service our customers excellently and safely.”

  • Protect Your Bank Details; Don’t Get Scammed; UBA warns Customers

    Pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has called on its customers to exercise utmost caution in their banking transactions and ensure that they do not fall prey to any nefarious activities during the Coronavirus lock down period.

    Specifically, UBA has urged its customers not to divulge any sensitive personal information regarding their bank and or card details.

    UBA’s Executive Director, Retail Banking & Payments, Chukwuma Nweke said the bank’s attention has been drawn to some fraudulent messages making the rounds, where customers have been asked to provide their card details for disbursement of funds into their accounts. He emphasised that customers should ignore such requests

    “Some of our customers may have received a call or message asking for their card details and Bank Validation Number (BVN) for disbursement of COVID-19 funds. Others may have also received an email informing them of bonuses of between N30,000 and N70,000 upon validation of their bank details online. It is important to note that these emails and messages did not originate from UBA, and we would never at any point in time ask for your account details over the telephone of via SMS, emails, live chat or social media. We advise that you kindly delete these messages and do not entertain calls of this nature. Please also inform the bank of these incidences immediately they occur’.

    Nweke further stressed that personal banking details including passwords, usernames, card numbers, security numbers at the back of cards, BVN, OTPs, security answers and other sensitive information should not be shared with anyone as UBA would never ask for them online or through phone calls or text messages.

    “Your card is for your personal use alone, do not give out your PIN and do not share any information regarding your card with anybody; if your card is missing or stolen please contact us immediately’ he said

    In the event of doubt, please contact UBA’s Customer Fulfillment Centre which is open 24/7 on 0700 225 5822,+234 1280 8822,+234 1631 9822 or send an email at cfc@ubagroup.com.

  • COVID-19: UBA donates N28.5m to Plateau Govt.

    COVID-19: UBA donates N28.5m to Plateau Govt.

    The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation on Monday in Jos donated N28.5 million to Plateau Government as part of efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

    The foundation made the presentation during Gov. Simon Lalong’s meeting on COVID-19 with the state legislature and state officials of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at Government House, Jos.

    Speaking during the presentation, the regional manager of UBA North Central, Mr Steve Gadzama, said the gesture was the bank’s contribution to the state’s COVID-19 Emergency Trust Fund.

    Gadzama said the bank had also built and furnished the isolation facility in Plateau Specialist Hospital and donated two incubators to the ward.

    In his response, Gov Simon Lalong expressed gratitude to UBA for setting the pace in contributions to the fund, saying the State Government was going to fall back on the gesture as a back-up as the disease had potentials of affecting the economy.

    Lalong appealed to public spirited Nigerians to contribute to the fund while commending business moguls such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola and Jack Ma for their contributions to combat the virus in Nigeria.

    He said that the meeting with the legislature was critical to ensure that policies regarding safe gaurding the health of Plateau people were successful.

    He said Plateau had not recorded any confirmed case of the Coronavirus, but that it was imperative to ensure that people complied with governnment directives on preventive measures.

    The governor said that the measures would be reviewed as required.

    Speaking at the meeting, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Nimkong Ndam, said Plateau had been selected as one of the additional centres for testing COVID-19 in the country making it 13.

    Ndam said studies had shown that drugs such as hydroxylchloroquine, azithromyicin and zinc sulphate had been discovered to be helpful in the treatment of COVID-19 , saying the state government had made provision for them.

    Ndam said infrared thermometers were being used at the entry point of Plateau from Abuja, to check the passengers entering the state and monitor them in advent of high temperature.

    He said recent results of five suspected cases of COVID-19 in the state had turned negative, saying the state would begin training of health workers on Tuesday selected from different hospitals, adding that protective equipment had been provided for them.

    In his presentation, the chairman of the state economic team, Mr Ezekiel Gomos said that COVID-19 required prudent use of resources in the state, explaining that the federal government allocation to states would decrease.

    He said the state government should reduce the overdependence of revenue derived from oil by boosting agricultural activities in the state especially the production of vegatables and grains where it had comparative advantage.

    He said the state should reduce its capital expenditure by 65 per cent, prioritise health care expenditure, establish a framework to involve chairmen of local Governments in preventive measures and seek special fund from development partners and agencies to support the health sector.

    NAN reports that the speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon Nuhu Abok and the chairman of APC in Plateau, Chief Latyep Dabang urged Plateau residents to comply with preventive measures as directed by the government, saying the residents should not be complacent because of no record of the virus in the state.

  • BREAKING: UBA splashes millions of dollars on Lagos, Abuja and 35 states

    United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) on Thursday announced a donation of over 5 billion Naira (USD14 million), through the UBA Foundation, to catalyse a comprehensive pan-African response to the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

    The donation will provide significant and much needed support to Nigeria and 19 other African countries, by supplying relief materials, critical care facilities, and financial support to Governments. The UBA support programme will be allocated as follows:

    N1 billion (USD2.8 million) to Lagos State Government in Nigeria
    N500 million (USD1.4 million) to Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja
    N1 billion (USD2.8 million) to the remaining 35 states in Nigeria
    N1.5 billion (USD4.2 million) to UBA’s presence countries in Africa
    N1 billion (USD2.8 million) for Medical Centres with equipment and supplies
    Free Telemedicine call centre facility

    The pan-African bank will fund a medical centre immediately in Lagos, Nigeria, with beds for isolation and ICU facilities, managed and operated in partnership with Heirs Holdings’ healthcare subsidiary, Avon Medical Hospital.

    In addition, UBA is providing a free telemedicine platform, that is physician-led, to provide direct access to medical advice to citizens, in compliance with social distancing requirements.

    UBA Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu, stated ‘This is a time when we must all play our part. This global pandemic must bring citizens, governments and business leaders together – and quickly. As we see a rapidly increasing number of cases of the coronavirus in Nigeria and Africa, the private sector has to work hand in hand with various Governments, in stemming the spread of the global pandemic.

    We commend the efforts of governments and we are keen to partner and contribute our resources to the collective effort, that will ensure the response to the pandemic is swift and effective’.

    Operating in 20 African countries and globally in the United Kingdom, the United States and France, the United Bank for Africa has a strong record of supporting its communities, through challenging times.

  • UBA Records 13% Earnings Growth, Delivers N111billion Profit

    Pan-African financial institution, United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) has announced its audited results for the full-year ended December 2019, recording impressive growth across top and bottom lines.

    According to the 2019 financials filed at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday February 28, 2020, the Africa’s global bank’s gross earnings grew by 13.3 percent to N559.8 billion, compared to N494.0 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2018. The Bank’s total assets also grew significantly by 15.1 percent to an unprecedented N5.6 trillion for the year under review. This is the first time the Bank’s gross earnings and assets will respectively cross the N500billion and N5trillion marks.

    Notwithstanding the challenging business environment in Nigeria, the Bank’s Profit Before Tax was impressive at N111.3 billion, compared to N106.8 billion at the end of the 2018 financial year. Furthermore, the Profit After Tax rose by 13.3 percent to N89.1 billion compared to N78.6 billion recorded in 2018. On the cost side, Operating Expenses grew by 10.1 percent to N217.2 billion, as against N197.3 billion in 2018, well below average inflation rate within the period, a reflection of cost efficiency gains.

    These results depict the Bank’s deepening of its Pan-African business strategy, given the growth in the contribution of its 19 African subsidiaries to the Group’s net earnings and total assets. Ex-Nigeria Operations’ contributed 46% to the Group’s Profit Before Tax(PBT) in the year under review.

    In addition, UBA has been deploying innovative lifestyle products to expand its market share across Sub-Saharan Africa, leveraging its presence in the United Kingdom, United States of America and France, to build a true Africa’s Global Bank, facilitating trade and capital flows between Africa and the rest of the world.

    In its tradition of rewarding shareholders, the Bank proposed a final dividend of 80 kobo for every ordinary share of 50 kobo for the financial year ended December 31, 2019. The final dividend which is subject to the affirmation of the shareholders at its Annual General Meeting will bring the total dividend for the year to N1.00, as the Bank had paid an interim dividend of 20 kobo earlier in the year.

    UBA recorded a remarkable 20.2 percent growth (to N2.1 trillion) in loans to customers, whilst customer deposits increased by 14.4 percent to N3.8 trillion, compared to N3.3 trillion recorded in the corresponding period of 2018. This reflects increased customer confidence, enhanced customer experience, early wins from the ongoing business transformation programme and the deepening of its retail banking franchise.

    Commenting on the result, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Kennedy Uzoka noted that the year 2019 was important for UBA Group, as it gained further market share in most of its countries of operation.

    “The year 2019 was a very remarkable one for UBA given the adverse market developments. Nonetheless, we achieved sizable growth in balance sheet and earnings, even as we reposition the Bank for the future. Gross earnings crossed the N500 billion threshold to N559billion, whilst total assets also crossed the N5 trillion mark for the first time to N5.6trillion. Our strategy remains centred around unparalleled service to our esteemed customers. Accordingly, we are making significant investments in a technology-driven transformation journey. We have recorded early gains as shown in the 39% growth in electronic banking income to N38.8bn in 2019 from N27.9bn in 2018. Our businesses are gaining commendable share in their markets across regions in Africa, as we deepen the scale and scope of our operations.”

    Continuing, Uzoka said; “I am indeed excited about the synergy we have built within the UBA Group and the significant progress we have made in our transformation drive. We have positioned the Bank as a truly pan-African banking franchise, leveraging our operations in France, the UK and the USA, to deepen intra-African trade, and facilitate capital flows between Africa and the rest of the world. In 2020, we will pursue aggressive deepening of market share in all our subsidiaries, leveraging technology, rich human resources and our customer-first strategy to win in all the markets we operate, notwithstanding the challenges of our operating environment”.

    Also speaking on the performance, the Group CFO, Ugo Nwaghodoh emphasized that the Bank well-positioned to sustain impressive performance across key financial indices, adding that already, some of its previous investment in digital and technological transformation is already paying off significantly.

    “We navigated the fragile yield environment in our largest market, to deliver an 8% growth in net interest income to N221.9billion. This was bolstered by a 7.8% and 13.9% growth in interest income from corporate loans and investment securities respectively, as well as a 4.0% cost of funds driven by our stable retail deposits. Resulting from cost efficiency gains within the year, cost-to-income ratio moderated to 62.7% (64% in 2018), whilst profit for the year grew 13.3%, to N89.1billion, translating to 16.2% return on average equity (RoAE),” Nwaghodoh said.

  • Financial Empowerment: UBA Launches ‘Click Credit’ to Ease Access to Cash for Customers

    Financial Empowerment: UBA Launches ‘Click Credit’ to Ease Access to Cash for Customers

    Pan African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has launched ‘Click Credit’, a time loan designed to address the urgent needs of customers whose salary accounts are domiciled with the bank.

    As a bank backed by a strong retail franchise with over 1,000 business offices serving 19 million customers, UBA has introduced this product in line with the bank’s mission of creating value for its customers while assisting them to meet up with their urgent needs. The loan product, already being enjoyed by millions of customers in Nigeria will be extended to the Bank’s other franchises in Africa.

    Click Credit, which has been carefully crafted to improve the lives of the UBA customers, is a superfast loan product which will allow qualified customers to apply for up to N5 million loan and pay back over 12 months at an interest rate of 1.58% per month, with no hidden fees.

    Specifically, salary earners from N25,000 per month who fall between the ages of 18 and 59 can benefit from this facility with no extra fees; no need for collaterals, no paper-work or other difficult issues when it comes to this facility; as customers can even apply via LEO, UBA Mobile Banking and UBA internet banking.

    UBA’s Group Head of Retail Banking, Mr. Jude Anele, who revealed that qualified customers have begun to enjoy the service, explained that the loan provides immediate access to funds once eligibility is confirmed in less than a meeting

    He said, “As Africa’s most innovative and technology-driven financial institution with an array of novel products and services tailored to the needs of its millions of customers, we have launched Click Credit, which is straightforward and more affordable than many other loan products in the market. Its unique feature is that it meets a critical credit need for our customers”.

    Anele while emphasising the critical role that credit plays in any developing and developed society, said that it is part of the customers’ financial power where they can be assisted to get the things they need, when they need them without hassles.

    While explaining that this product is being rolled out first in Nigeria and subsequently in the rest of UBA’s countries of operations; he explained that UBA is committed to ensuring that Click Credit helps the bank’s customers to cover critical needs and set them up for success, having moved past that moment of need.

    On her part, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing, Dupe Olusola, reiterated that UBA remains focused on empowering its customers to fund their urgent needs.

    “At UBA, we work hard to be there in the moments that matter to our customers, hence, our huge investment in technology and other facilities to make banking easier and seamless,” Olusola explained, adding that the bank has deepened its focus on the most important aspect of its business which are its the customers.

    To ensure ease of access, customers can apply for Click Credit by simply dialling *919*28# or via UBA’s chat bank ‘Leo’, UBA Mobile Banking app and UBA Internet Banking.

    Customers can also speak to the Bank’s Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) about Click Credit. The terms of the loan are available at www.ubagroup.com/clickcredit.

  • UBA plc announces four top appointments

    UBA plc announces four top appointments

    United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), on Monday, announced that Oliver Alawuba has been appointed as CEO of UBA Africa, overseeing the bank’s 20 African country operations, ex-Nigeria. He succeeds Victor Osadolor, who retires from the Group Board, after nine years of service working at UBA.

    UBA Africa serves over 19 million customers across the African continent, providing retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge products including the first ever banking chat bot in Africa, LEO.

    Alawuba has close to three decades of banking industry experience.

    He was once the CEO of UBA Ghana and rose to become Regional CEO, UBA Africa before returning to Nigeria to run UBA’s East Bank.
    Under his leadership, UBA’s Nigerian East Bank division became the fastest growing regional bank in the Group.

    The Board further appointed Senegalese national, Abdoul-Aziz Dia as Executive Director for Treasury and International Banking, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    Dia becomes the first non-Nigerian Group Executive Director of the Bank, bringing a wealth of multi geographical experience to the Group.

    He will be responsible for UBA’s global network of operations in New York, London and Paris, together with Group Treasury, where UBA offers a sophisticated suite of products to multinationals, international institutions and African clients.

    Chukwuma Nweke, currently the Executive Director Operations, was confirmed by the Board as the Group Executive Director, Retail and Payments, demonstrating the Group’s commitment to its retail offering. Chuks has close to three decades of banking experience spanning Banking Operations, Finance, Technology, Audit and Strategy.

    The Board also announced the appointment of Chiugo Ndubisi as Group Executive Director and the Group Chief Operating Officer, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
    Chiugo is a professional with almost three decades of banking experience that includes the role of Chief Finance Officer(CFO) and Executive Director on the board of a financial institution. His in-depth understanding of banking and finance industry dynamics will bring a lot of value to the Group Board of UBA.

    Group Chairman Tony O. Elumelu, said “These appointments emphasise the Group’s commitment to our pan-African and global network, our huge retail client base and our operational infrastructure. We are focused on improving our efficiency and further strengthening our pan-African mission, using the extraordinary pool of talent and experience available in the Group.”

    Elumelu thanked both the outgoing Deputy Managing Director/CEO, UBA Africa, Mr. Victor Osadolor, and the former Regional CEO for UBA in East and Southern Africa, Emeke Iweriebor, who just retired from the board, for their contributions to the Bank. “Victor and Emeke were key players during the merger of Standard Trust Bank and UBA and have been valuable contributors to the growth of the Bank. We wish them well”.

    The Board appointments underline UBA’s broader commitment to investing in the highest quality human capital. The Bank recently reformed its grade structure and technology teams, having reduced its grade structure from 16 to 12 levels, at the end of 2019. The Bank welcomed 3,000 new staff members in 2019 and promoted over 5,000 employees. UBA is the largest employer in the Nigerian banking sector, with a staff strength of close to 20,000 employees group wide.

  • Wizkid, Kennedy Uzoka give back at UBA Foundation Food Bank

    UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Kennedy Uzoka, and pop star, Wizkid, fed thousands of people through the UBA Foundation Food Bank.

    The duo distributed food items and goodies to the less privileged last Friday at the UBA Foundation Garden in Marina, Lagos.

    The food bank is an initiative to feed the less privileged across Africa during the festive season by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc through its corporate social responsibility arm, UBA Foundation.

    From Senegal to Ghana, Côte D’Ivoire, Cameroon and many of UBA’s subsidiaries, the focus of the food bank is to feed the poor and homeless.

    Expressing his joy at being able to give back meaningfully, Wizkid, UBA’s brand ambassador, said: “I am excited to be a part of this initiative which is aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the needy. This is one of my passions and I am fully aligned with Africa’s global bank.”

    Mr Uzoka explained that the food bank initiative is one of the ways that the bank, through its foundation appreciates and supports the communities in which it operates, adding that it would be a continuous event.

    Uzoka, who is also the chairman of UBA Foundation, said: “As you know, giving back is one of our key tenets and we have over the years, engaged in various activities aimed at appreciating our host communities all around Africa and especially in countries where we operate.

    “At UBA , we care for the people in our societies and will continue to do all we can to ensure that we touch lives meaningfully.”

    The chief executive, UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, said that empowerment is one of the key pillars of the foundation, adding that the UBA Foundation aims to impact positively the lives of those living around the host communities.

    She said: “Over the years, we have embarked on a number of activities that have positively impacted the people who live in our communities. To be able to feed those who have little is a small gesture that goes a long way. Those who all lined up to collect their food packs and toiletries seemed happy that someone remembered them. We wanted to let them know that all lives matter. I hope we made many smile and that we gave a glimmer of hope during a special season like this.”

    One of the beneficiaries, who simply gave his name as Abdul, said: “I am very happy with what you people are doing. This morning I didnt even know what I was going to eat. I am really surprised. You people have done very well, we didnt expect this at all. In fact, when my people came to call me, I didnt believe it until I got here. I am here with my three children. This was very unexpected, and we are very happy.”

     

  • UNIBEN Alumni Honours UBA’s Uzoka; Giwa-Osagie, Others

    University of Benin Alumni Association, Lagos Chapter has honoured the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa(UBA), Mr. Kennedy Uzoka.

    The honour which was conferred at an impressive Dinner held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja-Lagos at the weekend was in appreciation of Uzoka’s ‘hardwork, diligence and continuous commitment to the values of excellence’ as a banker and head of the Pan-African financial institution with presence in 20 African countries.

    Honoured along with Uzoka were Emeritus Professor, Osato Giwa-Osagie, a renowned professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Founder of OMNI Medical Clinic, Dr(Mrs) Rametu Omamegbe Momodu, Deputy Director, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), among others.

    Responding to the honour, Uzoka expressed his delight at being honoured by the university he holds in high esteem, saying, “I am very proud of this great university which was very instrumental in moulding me to what I have become today, driving a financial institution with strong commitment to the development of the African continent,” Uzoka said.

    He reiterated his personal commitment and that of the bank to continue to support the development of UNIBEN, adding that UBA has been showing deep interest and support to the institution, for instance, it recently built an ultra-modern ICT Centre at the Ugbowo Campus through the UBA Foundation among other things.

    The Chairman of Occasion, Gen. Felix Edafioghor, who spoke at the occasion, said the dinner was in honour of the Alumni of the university who have contributed immensely to the development of the society and that of the university. He encouraged the alumni to show deep interest in the affairs of their alma-matter by giving back to the university that contributed to their successes.

    Also speaking, Pharm. Stephen Onojomete, Chairman, UNIBEN Alumni Association, Lagos Chapter, noted that the award provides an “opportunity to showcase and celebrate our great mean and women who by hardwork, diligence and a continuous commitment to the values of excellence; have recorded major strides in their chosen profession thus contributing to national growth and development in general and projecting the good image of UNIBEN.”

    Kennedy Uzoka is a distinguished African business executive, with vast experience in banking, business development, financial and business advisory, strategic planning and execution as well as human resource management. He is an advocate of disruptive technology and has led many game-changing innovations in the African banking industry over the past two decades of his career.

    Uzoka holds a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Benin is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria (CIBN). He is an alumnus of the Advanced Management Program (AMP) of the Harvard Business School, Boston USA, the International Institute of Management Development (IMS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the London Business School, United Kingdom.