Tag: UBA

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has launched a new feature called Advance Top-Up on its USSD banking platform *919#, which is designed to provide instant access to airtime and data for its customers especially when they are out of call credit or disconnected from the internet.

The new feature which was unveiled at the UBA head office in Marina on Thursday, allows customers to borrow airtime or data directly from their mobile devices, offering a fast, dependable solution.

UBA’s Group Head, Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, who spoke during the official launch, described the feature as a timely addition to the bank’s digital offerings and a testament to the its customer-first approach.

“At UBA, we are constantly looking for ways to make banking and everyday services more accessible for our customers. With the launch of Advance Top-Up on our USSD platform, *919#, we are giving our customers the power to stay connected without interruption, regardless of time, location, or airtime balance,” Shamsideen said.

UBA’s Advance Top-Up which is now live on *919#, joins a wide range of services on the platform, which include airtime and data purchases, money transfers to UBA and other banks, account balance checks, card blocking and freezing, online transaction controls, bill payments, and more.

Fashola emphasised the simplicity and convenience of the solution, adding that “You don’t need to download an app or visit a data centre. Just dial *919#, follow the prompt, and you’re immediately connected.

Read Also: Cubana Chief Priest visits Tinubu

 It’s simple, fast, and reliable.”

The Bank’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo, added that the feature was developed based on real feedback from customers and their evolving needs.

“Our users asked for a way to stay connected when they have no airtime, and as always, we have come up with a quick solution, right there on their phones, instantly, with no fuss, and no need for internet connectivity. Whether for emergency communications or business continuity, *919# puts instant connectivity in every customer’s hands,” she explained.

She explained that only recently, the bank unveiled its newly improved Point of Sale (POS) Terminal as well as the UBA MONI App to redefine the digital payment landscape and empower small and Medium Scale Enterprises across Africa.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

• Emerges 13th strongest banking brand globally

Brand Finance has released the 2025 ranking for Nigerian brands with United Bank for Africa (UBA) coming top as the “Strongest Nigerian Brand”.

Independent ranking data shared by Brand Finance, showed UBA scoring 92.4 ahead of other lenders. FirstBank followed with 92.1, GTBank, 89.5 and Access Bank, 85.7 rankings.

UBA also ranks as the 13th strongest banking brand globally among the top 500 banking brands.

Brand Finance, said banking brands continue to dominate the Nigeria 25 2025 table, accounting for 59 per cent of the ranking’s total brand value in 2025.

Access Bank Plc retains its position as the most valuable Nigerian brand for the fourth year running, more than doubling its brand value to N893.3 million.

 “UBA Group rises from 9th spot to become the strongest #Nigerian brand with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.4/100 and a corresponding AAA+ rating, bolstered by high scores in brand familiarity, preference, and consideration in its home market,” Brand Finance, a leading independent brand valuation consultancy said.

READ ALSO: Oloyede: Beyond the glitch

UBA Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication, Alero Ladipo:  “This year’s ranking is no coincidence; it is the result of deliberate planning, strategic investments, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. We remain steadfast in our mission to adapt to the evolving landscape, ensuring we consistently deliver exceptional value and keep our customers delighted.”

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

• Group targets higher global presence in 100 countries

The Federal Government at the weekend applauded United Bank for Africa (UBA) for its remarkable 75-year journey in the banking sector, describing the group as a shining example of what African enterprises can achieve through sustained commitment to excellence.

Speaking at the 75th anniversary celebration of UBA held in Abuja at the weekend, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the bank for its resilience and enduring relevance.

He pointed to UBA’s capacity to outlive its contemporaries as a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation and adaptability.

According to him, UBA’s longevity stems from its deliberate efforts to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global landscape. He said the bank has not only expanded its operations geographically but has also been at the forefront of new ideas, serving millions, shaping economies, and redefining what African institutions can accomplish.

 He said: “UBA’s staying power is owed to its pursuit of relevance. It has stood as a reward for new thinking, expanding not just across geography, but across ideas,” Shettima said. “It serves millions, it shapes economies, and it influences the narrative of what an African institution can become when excellence is institutionalised and when well-intentioned dream-makers are in charge.”

He  also paid special tribute to the leadership of UBA’s Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, describing him as one of Africa’s finest.

He noted that no institution achieves greatness without the influence of visionary individuals, and credited Elumelu with bridging generations through his inclusive leadership style.

Shettima observed that Elumelu has successfully earned the trust of younger generations, including the Gen Z demographic, not merely through age proximity, but through an acute awareness of their values and aspirations.

“Tony Elumelu has become a bridge between the old and the new, between the outdated and the emerging,” he said. “He has won the trust of even the Gen Zs, or whatever this brilliant, digital generation calls itself — not because of the era he was born in, but because of the attention he pays to theirs.”

Read Also: UBA plans second rights issue to complete N500bn capital raise

 He further described Elumelu not as a mere dreamer, but as a dream-maker who brings visions to reality and inspires a culture of building without destruction, leading without alienation, and dreaming without limits.

“Tony Elumelu is not a dreamer. Dreamers are those who are stuck in the bubble. Mr Elumelu is a dream-maker. He has made true the imagination of those who wish for an empire from the comfort of their homes,” Shettima stated. “He has cracked a code many still struggle to decipher — the delicate art of balancing the boardroom with the living room, of being a captain of industry and still a commander at home.”

Shettima commended Elumelu’s ability to manage the demands of leadership at the highest levels of global business without losing touch with family and community values, adding that his life’s work serves as a model for leaders across Africa.

Also speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oliver Alawuba, unveiled an ambitious vision for the future of the bank. He outlined a strategic plan that aims to solidify UBA’s position as a truly global African institution over the next 75 years.

“In the next 75 years, we envision a UBA with presence in every African country and will expand its footprints to over 100 countries across the world, deepening its role as a truly global African institution,” Dr. Alawuba said.

He further projected that UBA will serve more than one billion customers worldwide, leveraging cutting-edge technology, customer-first innovation, and trusted partnerships to meet the evolving needs of individuals, businesses, and governments.

Dr. Alawuba described the Friday night gala not merely as a celebration, but as a moment of renewal — a renewal of the bank’s commitment to innovation, excellence in service delivery, and impactful contributions to social and economic development.

“It is about a renewed commitment to innovation, service, and social impact; a renewed ambition to lead Africa as a strong player in the global economy; and a renewed pledge to remain a beacon of excellence for generations to come,” he said. “At UBA, we are building more than a bank; we are building a future for the next generation of Africans — one defined by opportunity, inclusion, and transformation.”

Earlier in the day, UBA’s Group Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, reflected on the bank’s journey over the past seven and a half decades. He credited the steadfast support of shareholders, customers, and employees as pivotal to the bank’s growth and resilience.

“Few institutions globally have such heritage, and very few financial institutions in Africa can demonstrate the resilience, the persistence, and commitment that UBA has shown to our customers, our shareholders, and our people,” Elumelu remarked.

He paid homage to the bank’s founders, expressing deep appreciation for their vision and determination, and expressed optimism for the future as UBA continues to deliver on its mission to be Africa’s global bank.

“As we end our celebration of three quarters of a century of progress and innovation, I salute our founders and look excitedly to the future, as we deliver on our mission to be Africa’s Global Bank,” Elumelu said.

The event drew the attendance of dignitaries from across the public and private sectors, further cementing UBA’s standing as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions and a symbol of African excellence on the global stage.

For Patience Tanko, CEO and Lead Consultant at Wealth Builders Systems LLC, an accomplished financial and wealth strategist making waves beyond the shores of Nigeria, she holds her ultimate success today to the tutelage of her parents who forged in her the entrepreneurial spirit and drive to pursue her big dreams and using every stumbling block to ascend the ladder to the top, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

For Miss Patience Tanko, Kaduna-born from the Northwestern Nigeria, wealth strategist and financial coach, her story is as riveting as it’s inspiring.

The younger, whose father was a banker and entrepreneur, was a significant influence on her career path. The first of four children, Patience had always had an innate ambition of owning a big business empire that runs a large chain of ventures across the globe. This seems an intimidating dream for a girl that was born in a part of the country females are common subjects of cultural and religious stereotyping that cloud their ambitions.

Patience represents a beacon of hope for many Nigerians and other under-served regions, as she has traversed various geographical landscapes to achieve various levels of academic and career accomplishments, breaking cultural and geographical barriers to empower individuals and communities globally.

Hers is a story of resilience and determination, as she said growing up in a culturally rich and diverse region exposed her to the realities of financial struggles.

Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, where she had her primary school education, Patience went to Jos, Plateau State, for her secondary education. 

She would later graduate from Ahmadu Bello University with a degree in History from where she went on to the University of Sussex in the UK to obtain a master’s in Technology and Innovation Management which gave her a huge insights to business start ups.

“Growing up in these culturally rich and diverse regions gave me a strong sense of identity and resilience, shaping my early worldview,” she said, while recalling her early study years.

Regardless of what she may have learned along the way, Patience said her parent’s influence was significance in shaping her to become who she has become.

“I was raised in a home filled with love, peace, and strong values. My parents were both full-time professionals with incredible work ethics. I grew up watching them strive tirelessly to provide us with the best opportunities in life, especially in education,” Patience said.

Continuing, she said, “My father was a banker who worked his way up through the ranks and was also a natural entrepreneur. On weekends, he would run his side businesses with dedication and passion. I often helped him, even if just passively, but those experiences unknowingly planted the seeds of entrepreneurship and financial acumen in me.

“My parents’ commitment to excellence and education was inspiring. They were willing to sponsor me and my siblings to any academic height. Their determination, resilience, and sacrifice shaped my mindset, making me driven and purpose-focused. Witnessing my father’s entrepreneurial ventures fueled my desire to tow that path—combining my love for business with a mission to empower others financially.”

One of the most life-changing experiences for Patience, according to her, was watching her father juggle his full-time banking career while building businesses on weekends.

“Seeing his relentless dedication exposed me to the possibilities of entrepreneurship and taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and financial independence. When I got to college, this influence naturally led me to start my own businesses,” she said.

This would prove to become the biggest boost for Patience, as she began traveling out of the country while still in school, purchasing products to sell back home.

She said, “These early ventures gave me hands-on business experience and exposed me to the realities of commerce.”

She, however, realized that passion alone wasn’t enough to build a sustainable business, a thought that whirled in her, the need to master financial systems and strategies.

“This realization became the turning point that steered me toward finance and wealth strategy, ultimately shaping my career path and fueling my mission today,” Patience disclosed.

Since then, Patience began a professional journey that has taken her from Nigeria to the United Kingdom and the United States. With a Master’s degree from the University of Sussex and certifications from renowned institutions, she has established herself as a leading expert in financial literacy, personal finance, and wealth strategy.

As the CEO and Lead Consultant of Wealth Builders Systems LLC, Patience has developed innovative financial programs, coaching services, and digital resources that are transforming lives across various climes.

With a mission is to empower underserved communities with financial literacy, helping families achieve financial freedom and small businesses thrive, Patience has found herself volunteering and offering various shades of services that have earned her numerous awards, including the Outstanding Employee Award, Top Rising Star Award, and Wealth Management Individual Award.

Read Also: ‘Impacting youths with entrepreneurial skills my passion’

Patience’s commitment to giving back is evident in her volunteer work. She has served as a financial educator, business trainer, and guest speaker at various organizations in the United States.

As a leader, Patience said she is driven by a passion to make a lasting impact. Her vision is to create a world where financial literacy is accessible to all, regardless of geographical or cultural boundaries.

Her story is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference, as she is evidently living her childhood dream.

Revealing this, she said, “As a child, I dreamed of becoming a Business Mogul, building and running large-scale ventures. However, my path took an unexpected but fulfilling turn when I discovered the impact of financial services. Realising how understanding figures and financial systems could empower individuals and transform Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sparked a deeper passion in me.”

She said she is driven by a burning desire to empower underserved communities with the tools and resources needed to bridge the gap in financial literacy, saying, “My mission is to impact communities with foundational financial literacy, help families achieve financial freedom through training, coaching, and mentorship.”

To achieve this, she said she is building scalable financial programmes, offering coaching services, and looking to partner with community organisations to expand her reach and create lasting financial impact.

Recognising the urgent need to invest in human capital given the projection of a doubled youth population by 2050, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) is taking a proactive role in bridging the talent gap through its Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP), Assistant News Editor, Precious Igbonwelundu reports.

With a view to reinforce its commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development in the continent, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) last week passed out 1,138 young Africans from its Graduate Management Accelerated Programme (GMAP).

Held at the Landmark Center, Lagos, the expanded graduation ceremony which was the third, had in attendance UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, the Board of Directors, all top management staff of the bank and other dignitaries.

These youngsters who were drawn from six African countries- Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia- underwent six months of intensive training on sales, credit analysis, group finance, IT and treasury,

Designed to train and equip young Africans for leadership roles in banking and finance, the GMAP, a flagship initiative, not only offers graduates employment in the UBA group but provides Aside from offering employment to the graduates, the GMAP provides clear career progression pathways, with structured mentorship and leadership training.

Since its inception, GMAP has trained and launched the careers of 3,222 young professionals across 16 cohorts, many of whom currently hold key leadership positions within UBA.

It also encourages innovation and injection of fresh ideas; recognizes performance; rewards excellence, and provides early leadership exposure to the youngsters who are allowed to take on impactful and challenging roles within the bank.

Offering graduates hands-on experience in the various multidisciplinary banking and finance sectors, the GMAP training ensured they were fully prepared to take on leadership roles in the industry and through their contributions, drive the bank towards greater accomplishments in Africa.

While in the academy, the graduates were empowered with critical financial expertise, leadership skills, and real-world banking experiences, qualities they displayed during their interaction with Elumelu who was on ground to interface with the new intakes.

Underscoring the bank’s strategic commitment to talent development, economic transformation and youth empowerment across Africa, Elumelu who answered probing questions from the graduates, reminded them that the goal was to create a pan-African workforce capable of driving financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.

“For me, these young UBA graduates are a testament to who we are: a truly pan-African group that invests in African talent,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of empowering young Africans to address the pressing issue of unemployment, which he described as one of the continent’s most significant challenges.

“This milestone is more than just numbers- It’s about our commitment to youth empowerment. Governments alone cannot solve Africa’s unemployment crisis; the private sector must step up, partner with our governments in improving lives and livelihood.

“GMAP is our way of taking action to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed and transform their communities.

“At UBA, identifying these young ones, training them, and equipping them for the future remains our passion. This is how we play our role as a pan-African bank- helping to empower the next generation,” he said.

Elumelu encouraged them to embrace continuous learning, adaptability, and innovation which were essential qualities for navigating Africa’s evolving financial landscape.

He challenged the graduates to be big thinkers and big players, ensuring that they never settled for less.

Addressing the gathering, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, commended the dedication, resilience, and excellence demonstrated by the graduates.

He reaffirmed that GMAP was not just a recruitment pipeline but a core element of UBA’s long-term leadership succession strategy.

“Your journey at UBA is just beginning. You are now part of a tradition of excellence, and we expect you to carry forward the values of Enterprise, Execution, and Excellence in all you do,” Alawuba told the graduates.

He highlighted UBA’s strong commitment to gender diversity, revealing that 58% of this year’s graduates were women, reinforcing the bank’s drive to foster an equitable and inclusive workplace.

He emphasized GMAP’s crucial role in nurturing future leaders for the bank. “Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. Each of you has demonstrated the qualities of a true UBA ambassador,” Alawuba said.

Read Also: Nigerian firm battles Dubai-based company over N3 billion failed oil deal

Group Head, Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, highlighted UBA’s commitment to nurturing leadership and promoting gender diversity.

Akindele reaffirmed UBA’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, tribe, gender, or background.

The success of GMAP is evident in the achievements of past graduates like Nneoma Chikere, an alumna, who has earned multiple commendations for outstanding customer service and rose to become a Profit Centre Manager in Personal Banking within three years of completing the programme.

Also, Gbolahan Adeyemi, a Corporate Banking Relationship Officer, exceeded his Year-To-Date (YTD) budget by 561%, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness in nurturing high-achieving professionals.

The graduates were encouraged to embrace continuous learning and innovation, as well as to uphold the bank’s core values of Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution (the 3 Es) and embody the UBA Persona of Simplicity, Responsiveness, and Goal-oriented (SRG).

As these young professionals embark on their careers within UBA, they join a movement that extends beyond banking-one that champions financial inclusion, economic growth, and Africa’s transformation on the global stage.

Through initiatives like GMAP, UBA continues to shape the next generation of banking leaders, reinforcing its legacy as a catalyst for progress across Africa and beyond.