In line with its commitment to promote the African culture and deepen its footprints on the continent, United Bank for Africa Plc has celebrated the 2017 Africa Day across its 19 countries of operations with the theme: ‘Africa, the new frontier.’
The Africa Day is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of the continent, as well as to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the continent, the lender said in a statement on Monday, adding that UBA employees celebrated the day in a grand style as they dressed to work in a display of the best of the continent’s rich attire.
The statement said, “At the bank’s head office in Marina, Lagos, there was an unusual welcome for staff members, as they were ushered into the building with a rendition of traditional music and unique African themed decorations adorning the building, thus presenting special ambience to the celebration for a bank that takes huge pride in its African heritage.
“There was also excitement in the air, as a lot of things to celebrate the African heritage was also on display and staff were treated to various African meals and snacks throughout the day in their offices.”
The highlight of the day was the crowning of the best dressed male and female in African attires, who emerged from votes cast by staff members, with the winners rewarded with an all-expense paid trip to Seychelles.
The Deputy Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Victor Osadolor, who spoke at the ceremony to announce the winners, reiterated that the lender was a core African bank with deep African roots that had continually supported the continent in various ways over the years.
He added that the bank remained proud of its African heritage.
Osadolor said, “We at UBA celebrate the Africa Day with the rest of Africa; we are Africa, united by one bank; and it is important to note that just as Africa has come a long way, UBA has also come a long way in putting her footprints in Africa. As of now, we have over 125 branches in Africa, selling Africa to the world.
“We are one of the biggest employers on the continent, and we have been providing a lot of credit facilities to support infrastructural development in Ghana, Zambia, Cote d’Ivoire and other key economies; we are also sponsoring the building of the stadium in Cameroon to be used for the African Cup of Nations, the building of a plaza in Ghana, as well as other key investments, because we believe in this continent and know that infrastructure is key to the success of any continent.”
The Africa Day, formerly Africa Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity, which is usually celebrated every May 25.