United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has unveiled an ambitious growth trajectory for its future, pledging to deepen its global footprint and serve over 1 billion customers within the next 75 years.
Speaking at a grand Gala Dinner commemorating UBA’s 75th anniversary at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Friday, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, declared that the bank is poised for an era of unprecedented expansion and influence on the global financial stage.
“In the next 75 years, we envision a UBA with a presence in every African country and expanding its footprints to over 100 countries across the world,” Alawuba announced to a gathering of dignitaries, business leaders, and government officials. “UBA will serve more than one billion customers, leveraging cutting-edge technology, customer-first innovation, and trusted relationships to meet the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and governments.
The event, themed “UBA @ 75 – A Legacy of Excellence… A Future of Impact,” was as much a tribute to the bank’s illustrious past as it was a launchpad for its future ambitions. Alawuba emphasized that UBA’s future will be built on pillars of innovation, inclusiveness, and global competitiveness.
Group chairman of the bank, Tony Elumelu said it was a night of gratitude to God, the customers and past members of the bank for championing and sustaining the transformation that has brought the bank thus far. “Our capable theme, our board – current and past… We are celebrating you today. You did a great job. We want to say thank you, thank you and thank you.”
Founded in 1949 as the British and French Bank, UBA has transformed into a pan-African institution operating in 20 African countries and four international financial centers—New York, London, Paris, and Dubai—serving over 45 million customers.
Alawuba highlighted UBA’s stellar 2024 performance as evidence of its resilience and readiness for greater heights, noting a 53.6% surge in Gross Earnings to ₦3.19 trillion ($2.14 billion), a 46.8% growth in Total Assets to ₦30.32 trillion ($19.58 billion), and a 68.39% increase in Shareholders’ Funds to ₦3.42 trillion ($2.21 billion).
“These milestones stand on the pillars of stability, resilience, and excellence—pillars that have anchored UBA’s growth over the last seven and a half decades,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to stakeholders who have shaped the bank’s journey, Alawuba paid tribute to UBA’s visionary Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, describing him as “a foremost entrepreneur, philanthropist, pan-Africanist, and architect of modern UBA.”
He also recognized the efforts of past and present staff, customers, and regulators, stressing that the evening was not just a celebration, but a “renewal of collective commitment to excellence, enterprise, and execution.”
The Gala Dinner was graced by the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, who served as Special Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address. Alawuba described Shettima as a valued member of the UBA family, noting his past career within the bank and his ongoing advocacy for Africa’s economic integration.
“Your continued support for UBA and your visible advocacy for Africa’s economic integration align seamlessly with our pan-African vision,” Alawuba told the Vice President.
The GMD/CEO emphasized that UBA is determined to be more than a participant in Africa’s economic renaissance; it aims to be a shaper of its future. “UBA will shape Africa’s trajectory and champion its transformation,” he declared.
He concluded the evening with a call for boldness and innovation in the years ahead, stating, “As we raise our glasses this evening, we also raise our collective aspirations—towards a future where African institutions like UBA lead with boldness, innovation, and purpose on the global stage.”
UBA’s 75th anniversary celebration marks a significant milestone in the bank’s storied history and signals its determination to chart a future of even greater impact, both in Africa and beyond.
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