UBA Celebrates 75 Years Of Excellence

UBA Gross Earnings Rise By 110% As Profit Hits N156bn In Q1 2024
UBA Gross Earnings Rise By 110% As Profit Hits N156bn In Q1 2024
As UBA marks its 75th anniversary, the pan-African bank reflects on its remarkable journey and looks forward to becoming a role model for African businesses.

Gatekeepers News reports that from its humble beginnings as British & French Bank (BFB) in 1949 to its current status as a global financial institution, UBA has undergone significant transformations and expansions across Africa and beyond.

Group Managing Director, Oliver Alawuba, emphasized that UBA’s 75th anniversary 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 highlighted the bank’s evolution from a modest beginning in Lagos Island to a global financial institution with a presence in 20 African countries and four global financial nerve centers.

Alawuba noted UBA’s impressive milestones, including:

– 25,000 staff
– 35 million customers served through multiple channels
– 10 “firsts” in the Nigerian banking industry, such as;

1. UBA was the first Bank in Nigeria to offer an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 1970.
2. 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).
3. The first Nigerian Bank in the USA and London: UBA was the first Nigerian bank to open a branch in the USA and London.
4. The first to install ATMs in Nigeria: UBA was the first bank in Nigeria to install Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
5. UBA was first to open a campus branch at the University of Lagos in Nigeria
6. UBA was the first Nigerian Bank to open a subsidiary in Africa (Ghana in 2005)
7. UBA appointed the first Female Board Chairperson in Nigeria
8. Mobile Banking in Nigeria was first introduced by UBA: UBA was a pioneer in introducing mobile banking in Nigeria.
9. UBA launched the first Multi-lingual ChatbotBanking in Nigeria: UBA introduced Leo, the first multi-lingual chatbot in Nigeria.
10. UBA is the first Nigerian Bank to launch the most successful Prepaid Cards across Africa.

Despite global economic challenges, UBA has demonstrated remarkable financial strength and resilience, as evident in its 2023 financial year report. Alawuba attributed this success to the bank’s robust fundamentals and sound strategic decisions.

Looking ahead, UBA aims to be the role model for African businesses, unifying Africa while connecting Africans to the world and the world to Africa. The bank is committed to expanding its presence, seizing growth opportunities, and delivering value to all stakeholders.

In his welcome address, Deputy Managing Director Muyiwa Akinyemi emphasized UBA’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to shareholders and enhancing customer experience.