By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a graceful display of national pride and cultural elegance, Kumba Foday-Ngongou, Head of Customer Service at UBA Sierra Leone, stole the spotlight at the UBA Group’s 75th Anniversary dinner held in Nigeria. Selected as Sierra Leone’s official ambassador for the celebration, Kumba’s stunning appearance was a bold tribute to her country’s heritage, woven into every thread and accessory she wore.
Held as part of a series of events to mark the United Bank for Africa’s (UBA) platinum anniversary, the dinner brought together leaders, stakeholders, and ambassadors from across the bank’s global network. But it was Kumba’s deeply rooted and creatively designed traditional attire that captured hearts and turned heads.
Wearing a striking gara-dyed gown—a technique native to West Africa and especially cherished in Sierra Leone—Kumba layered her ensemble with hand-woven country cloths, each piece symbolizing unity, tradition, and national pride. The fabrics were meticulously dyed in green, white, and blue, paying homage to the Sierra Leonean flag and its enduring symbolism of peace, justice, and hope.
Her look was completed with intricate accessories made from palm raffia and local beads, reflecting both Sierra Leone’s resourcefulness and artisanal richness. Every detail, from the gown’s flowing design to the texture of the accessories, told a story of a nation proud of its cultural identity and deeply committed to celebrating its roots.
For Kumba, the night was not just about representing her bank or fulfilling an ambassadorial role—it was a personal mission to present Sierra Leone’s beauty, strength, and resilience to a continental and global audience.
“This outfit wasn’t just fashion—it was a narrative,” said Kumba. “A narrative of who we are as a people. Our fabrics, our colors, our heritage—when combined—create a powerful image of unity, pride, and creativity. I wanted the world to see the elegance and depth of Sierra Leonean culture.”
Her appearance has since sparked admiration and praise both at home and abroad, with many taking to social media to applaud her representation of the country. Photos from the event quickly circulated online, with Sierra Leoneans expressing pride in her graceful and authentic showcase of national culture.
UBA Sierra Leone also shared congratulatory messages, noting that Kumba’s participation at the event served as a testament to UBA’s commitment to celebrating cultural diversity across the Group’s 20 African countries and global offices. “This moment highlights not just the excellence of our staff, but the pride we take in our identity,” said a UBA Sierra Leone spokesperson. “Kumba embodied what it means to represent UBA and Sierra Leone with grace, pride, and professionalism.”
As UBA marks 75 years of banking excellence, the anniversary has become more than just a milestone for financial services—it is a celebration of people, progress, and Pan-African pride. And Kumba Foday-Ngongou’s appearance stands out as a memorable symbol of how tradition and modernity can dance in harmony.
In celebrating this milestone, Kumba reminded the world that fashion is a powerful voice—and in this case, it sang a song of culture, elegance, and unwavering national pride.
