The Group Manager Director and Chief Executive Officer GMD/CEO, United Bank for Africa UBA Group, Mr Oliver Alawuba has Monday 20 May, 2024 reassured the bank’s customers across the globe that the UBA is a trusted financial partner. The UBA GMD/CEO gave the assurance whiles addressing a global virtual press conference in Lagos, Nigeria, on the Seventy-Fifth 75 Anniversary of the bank.
He vividly shed light on achievements made so far in the investment in technologies and digital banking. ‘We remain committed to innovation and digital financial service deliveries’, he vowed, adding; ‘Our commitments to Corporate Social Responsibilities – CSR is strong’. Mr Alawuba said UBA is one bank that connects the world, reiterating the Group’s continued commitments to further expansion to other parts of the world. He expressed the bank’s firmest willingness in always promoting customers’ first policy, pointing out that customers are their employers.
Responding you questions from the media, the GMD/CEO Mr Alawuba said, UBA is first and foremost working in full compliance with laid down regulations put in place by the central banks in countries of operations.
He added that in some countries, ‘we are the first bank to introduce ATMs cards, digital and all forms of e-banking, which others later catch up. He expressed hope that over time the economies will be better, adding that the bank will continue to celebrate UBA customers across the globe, making sure that they increase the number of Africans with banks accounts. Mr Alawuba said with the name United Bank for Africa, the bank will continue to invest in African economies, pointing out that Africa is at the heart of the UBA’s core investments portfolio. He encouraged Africans to always find markets in host countries of the bank.
Asked about investment in infrastructure, he said that it is a norm for UBA to invest in infrastructure, agriculture saying; ‘In some of the countries we have done a lots in the areas of infrastructure and revenue generation/mobilization. Our support to the African economies cuts across, depending on what the specific country wants’. He explained that in some countries UBA performances are improving impressively.
About access to UBA financial services, the GMD/CEO replied that UBA cards can be used anywhere around the world, reassuring that UBA goes beyond challenges. He added that the bank has the resilient to go beyond challenges. He called on partners to continue to collaborate with the bank as UBA cannot do it alone. Mr Alawuba among other things disclosed that UBA is not a bank for Nigeria, but an opportunity for the growth and development of Africa, the more reason UBA is increasing its presence in Ghana and Cameroon, making sure that every family in those communities own a UBA account.
UBA GMD/CEO, Mr Alawuba gave a brief of the core values of the bank:
- 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.
The UBA Group Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akimyemi said the bank’s commitment to exceptional customer experience as well as their financial strength and resilience over the years has been key to our success. “Our robust performance, especially over the last couple of years, underscores our sound strategies and commitment to operational excellence. I am sure everyone in this room will agree with me that UBA remains an attractive investment opportunity as it continues to deliver exceptional value to our shareholders”, he said.
He said UBA, innovation and digital transformation are at the heart of their future growth. Mr Akimyemi reaffirmed the bank’s commitment toward further enhancing the experience of their customers across all touchpoints while solidifying their position. ‘We are committed to offering value that enhances the experience of our customers, while solidifying our position as a forward-thinking institution. Additionally, our intentional commitment to global sustainability principles, corporate social responsibility with significant impact across Africa through initiatives in education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, he reassured.
UBA Group 75th anniversary global press conference brought to Lagos dozens of journalists and shareholders from across the globe.
