By Funlola Obe
Once upon a time n 1948, a few wise men had an ambitious idea – to build a bank that would stand the test of time and offer the best services in its locality.
That bank was the British and French Bank Limited (BFB). In 1961, a year after Nigeria’s independence from the colonial masters, the United Bank for Africa was incorporated to take over BFB and it ran operations smoothly for years until 2005 when Tony O. Elumelu, its current Chairman (then CEO) masterminded a merger with Standard Trust Bank, the biggest merger in the history of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Under his leadership, the group’s portfolio swelled, even as it extended operations to 19 countries across the continent, establishing itself firmly as one of the biggest pan-African institutions to ever exist.
To celebrate the wise men who first began the bank and their successors who have successfully steered the bank from era to era, the UBA CEO Awards will once again this year afford us the opportunity to swoon at the feet of those who continue to position it as a giant of excellence in the banking sector.
This year’s edition will hold on the 9th of April at the Eko Convention Centre in Eko hotel and suites. It’s a black tie event and guests have been asked to come looking fantastic in black or white.
The theme of this year’s CEO awards will be “Our Evolution”, which will take us on a journey through the 65 years of the bank’s existence.
The event will also give us a look at past chairmen and management of the bank from its inception to date. There will also be lots of exciting performances and all-round entertainment from music superstars D’banj, Phyno and more, including the premiere of the brand new UBA song to keep guests highly entertained as they wine and dine.
In all, this year promises to be a fun, nostalgic and amazing event you don’t want to miss out on. Join us.
