It was a night of glitz, glamour and excitement as Pan African financial services group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc held the 2018 edition of the UBA CEO Awards.
The event which was held in Eko Hotels and Suites was the talk of the evening and trended all night and remained so for the most part of the next few days as staff let go of the vagaries of their profession and got immersed in the excitement of the special evening.
Already it is common knowledge that the UBA CEO Awards remains one of its kind in the banking industry that can match any international celebrity show and this year’s edition – the 10th since inception in Year 2008 – was no different as staff, customers and friends of Africa’s global bank walked onto a well-laid gold carpet, ushering them into what turned out to be an unforgettable and an exciting evening.
The theme of the night – Celebrating Africa – was aimed at celebrating UBA’s rich history as well as its core values: Enterprise, Excellence and Execution, and to honour and reward staff who remain key to all that the bank has achieved as one of the biggest and dominant banks since its inception over 70 years ago.
A number of staff were rewarded during the event in various categories for their exceptional activities aimed at improving the bank’s fortunes and creating great experiences for customers.
Amongst those who were given awards were Executive Director, Emeke Iweriebor, MD/CEO UBA Cote d’Ivoire, Sarata Kone, Head Corporate Bank, Muyiwa Akinyemi and Jerome Obada.
The Chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, who was at the event with his lovely wife, said that the bank chose this day to reward staff who had worked hard to ensure that the company remains a leading financial institution, as seen by the recently released full year results for the 2017 financial year.
The GMD/CEO, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka, who congratulated the recipients of the various awards in different categories, charged them as well as the other staff to do more to justify the confidence that has been given to them.
He said, “It is a time to reward dignity, hard work, and excellence in execution, and to tell staff that we appreciate what they have been doing and how they have ensure that all the investments put into the bank over the past few years have paid off for us.”
He also disclosed that apart from these awards the bank had been involved in various moves aimed at motivating staff having just concluded a promotion exercise a few weeks ago.
He said, “Every year, it is our tradition to appreciate our people who have put in their very best and gone far and beyond the call of duty to deliver excellent services to the bank and the customers by extension.
“As you may well know, UBA has promoted about 47 per cent of its staff within the last twelve months, and this is something that is very rare in our industry. It is a statement about our commitment to the employees.
Continuing, Uzoka said, “We know that when you have been rewarded, you will be motivated to do more, so I encourage you all to put in your best and remained focus on satisfying the customers which is the reason why we are here.”
In attendance to add colour to the event were captains of industries, media moguls, Nollywood stars, Public servants and politicians including the President of Dangote Industries, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Forte Oil, Femi Otedola, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and wife, Angela, Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Mr. Dele Momodu, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Nollywood stars, Richard Mofe Damijo, Omotola Jalade Ekehinde.
Also present to honour UBA at the event were Former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, Wale Edun, CEO, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr, Bismarck Rewane, CEO, Airtel, Segun Ogunsanya, Directors of UBA Plc, Ambassador Joe Keshi, Chief Kola Jamodu, Ambassador Adekunle Olumide, Mrs Rose Okwechime, among many others.
Great performances by A-list artists such as ‘science students’ crooner, Olamide, Flavor, Kiss Daniels, Styl Plus and Falz the bad guy as well rib-cracking comedy from Basketmouth ensured that staff and guests alike were kept off their seats as they each performed to the massive enjoyment of those present.
Ace TV Presenter, IK Osakioduwa and Ayo, were the compere of the event led the guests through a night of fun and laughter and of course lots to eat and drink.
