Business

UBA Strengthens Brand Affiliation on Nigerian Campuses, Unveils 30 Ambassadors

Published

8 years ago

March 26, 2018

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has launched the second edition of its Campus Ambassador Programme with the induction of 30 new brand ambassadors.

The UBA Campus Ambassador Programme is an initiative to identify young emerging leaders among students of tertiary institutions and give them a unique and highly rewarding learning experience.

The 30 successful candidates were selected from over 300 students across tertiary institutions in Nigeria through a rigorous screening exercise in line with set criteria.

The colourful inauguration ceremony was held at the UBA house in Lagos on Friday, with Chuks Nweke, Executive Director, Group Chief Operating Officer, and other senior management staff in attendance.

“UBA is pleased to have you all on board as valuable Ambassadors who will help us propagate our goodwill messages, ethos, values and what we stand for as a bank, across your institutions,” Nweke said.

He further noted that the goal is intended to give students a platform to demonstrate leadership as well as build and instill the brand philosophy into the consciousness of youths.

According to Nweke, our bank is a bank with strong affiliation to youths, evident in the Bank’s scholarship and grants schemes through the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition amongst other educational initiatives.

He continued “We at UBA take youth development and engagement seriously, because we believe they are the future of Nigeria. For this reason, we decided to collaborate for the purpose of building their creative skills, leadership skills. It is the abilities that the students exhibited that influenced their selection. No doubt, they have the core values of Enterprise, Excellence and Execution that are dear to us. Starting from now, they are expected to try to exhibit the core values of UBA”.

He further said, this days, Life is tough. “We need people in who can exhibit those qualities, beyond what we’ve done, these are people we have seen leadership traits in. We will work with them to develop their leadership traits, creativity for the good of everyone”.

Also speaking, Mr. Tomiwa Sotiloye, Group Head, Retail & Consumer Banking, explained that, the 30 students selected are from 10 universities. The new ones among them are 25. We have five returning ambassadors from the pioneer set. He noted that among the 15 the bank decided to retain a few outstanding students.
He also stated that the programme is for six months – between now and September. “Starting from next session it will be one year because we have now aligned the programme to the academic calendar – not from January- December which gave us a lot of problems last year”.
“As part of our plans to bring them on board, from now we will take them on an intensive training. They will have specific projects which they will execute after which We will discuss the projects tomorrow. Also worthy of note is that they will get an opportunity for a one month paid internship at any of our branches. They will also get paid for this programme. And for them, a pathway has opened for employment in UBA”, he said.

He also charged them to be good leaders and positive influencers who should stand out by ensuring the bank’s reputation soars high in their respective campuses.

The 30 ambassadors, who are A-list students in their various institutions, include: Hassan Mahmud Balarabe, Ahmadu Bello University, Muftau Monishola Barakat, Ahmadu Bello University, Ibrahim Kamilu Muhammad, Ahmadu Bello University; Okara Daniel, Babcock University; Olujobi Adebayo, Babcock University , Romi Oghoghome, Obafemi Awolowo University; Ajisafe Mojolaadura, Obafemi Awolowo University; Barakat Tiamiyu, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ike Nathaniel C., Obafemi Awolowo University; Fadaini Asalewa Boluwatife , Obafemi Awolowo University; Jaja Queen Oko, Rivers State University; Wuche Jeremiah Chris, Rivers State University; Umeh Justice Frank, University of Abuja; Victor Isah Efekpo University of Abuja, Stanley Nnamdi Alieke, University of Benin; Rita Nkemdilim Okonkwo, University of Benin; Isaiah Confidence O, University of Benin, Ihechi Opara, University of Ibadan, Egbodofo Temitope Sunday, University of Ibadan.

Others are Chiamaka Uzokwe, University of Lagos; Olatunbosun Yetunde Anuoluwapo, University of Lagos, Fatogun Ayomiposi Oluwatoyin; University of Lagos, Nwajiaku, Vivian Nneka, University of Lagos, Winifred C. Mbanugo ,University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ezeonu Tochukwu Edward, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Charles-Onah Orlando C., University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Asimiea Ibioku, University of Port Harcourt, Manuel Dateim Ibikebobo, University of Port Harcourt; Beth-karibo Owen Tamunoibi, University of Port Harcourt, Benson Queen Chidinma, University of Port Harcourt

Bank

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Published

4 hours ago

May 13, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Union Bank Honoured by ASBON at Nigeria National SME Business Awards

Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its reputation as a strong supporter of Nigerian businesses, receiving the Best SME Growth Banking Initiatives Award for 2025 from the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON) at the Nigeria National SME Business Awards, held recently in Lagos.

The award was presented to the Bank in recognition of its strategic leadership in advancing the growth and resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises, through a differentiated suite of solutions designed to enable business expansion and long-term value creation.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Bank, Ayokunnumi Abraham, Head of SME Segment at Union Bank, described the recognition as a strong endorsement of the Bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses. He said:

“We are honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects Union Bank’s continued commitment to helping SMEs grow by making banking simpler, faster, and more accessible. Through enhancements to our specialised platforms such as Union360, we have meaningfully reduced the time it takes for businesses to come on board and begin transacting. These improvements have shortened onboarding, increased digital adoption among our SME customers, and supported the acquisition of new business clients. Our focus remains on delivering practical solutions that help Nigerian businesses thrive.”

Organised by ASBON in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, the event convened stakeholders from the public and private sectors to recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful impact across Nigeria’s SME ecosystem.

Union Bank remains focused on deepening its support for SMEs through customer-led solutions and processes that strengthen business growth across the ecosystem.

Bank

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

Published

17 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Atlantian Crown Bank Rebrands as Arizona Global Bank LLC, Begins Licensing for Global Expansion

_By AGP News

*UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS* — In a move signaling a push into international markets, the Royal Throne of the United Kingdom of Atlantis on Sunday announced the corporate transformation of Atlantian Crown Bank LLC into *Arizona Global Bank LLC*, as part of a wider restructuring to position the institution for global banking and financial innovation.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the UKA capital by *HRM Queen Amb. Cletus C. Leaticia*, Chief Executive Officer of the newly named bank. She told reporters the rebranding marks _“more than a name change”_ and reflects a strategic pivot toward digital finance, cross-border investment, and modern banking standards.

_“This transformation represents our commitment to innovation-driven banking and our vision to become a globally competitive financial institution,”_ Queen Leaticia said.

*Licensing Process Underway*

According to the Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, which issued the official communication, Arizona Global Bank LLC has formally begun the process of applying for a *Banking Operational Licence* under UKA’s financial regulatory framework.

Once licensed, the bank plans to operate as a modern financial enterprise focused on four pillars:

1. Innovation-driven banking and digital financial solutions

2. Corporate financing and structured investment services

3. International financial partnerships and cross-border trade facilitation

4. Financial inclusion initiatives

Bank officials stressed that the institution will _“maintain strict compliance with all banking regulations and supervisory standards”_ set by UKA financial authorities.

*Strategic Shift Amid Global Ambitions*

Management described the rebranding as part of a broader restructuring initiative to _“strengthen the bank’s international identity, expand its global financial footprint, and align operations with contemporary banking standards.”_

Representatives called the licensing and rebranding process a _“major milestone”_ aimed at supporting economic growth, international trade, and cross-border investment initiatives.

*No Disruption to Existing Commitments*

Addressing potential concerns from clients and partners, management reassured stakeholders that _“all existing institutional commitments, operational objectives, and long-term strategic plans remain fully intact throughout the transition process.”_

The Royal Throne indicated that further updates on the licence approval, commencement of operations, corporate partnerships, and investment programmes will be released through official UKA and Arizona Global Bank LLC channels.

_The Department of Financial Administration and Corporate Affairs, Royal Throne of United Kingdom of Atlantis, issued the official statement._

Bank

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Published

17 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Fidelity Bank grows Gross Earnings by 45.6% for FY 2025

Lagos, Nigeria – Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading Nigerian financial institution, has announced its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting Gross Earnings growth of 45.6% from N1.04 trillion in 2024 to N1.52 trillion in FY 2025, reflecting stronger topline momentum across core business segments.

The Group recorded a Profit Before Tax of N347.7 billion. This performance was underpinned by a 38.7% year-on-year increase in interest income to N1.11 trillion (FY 2024: N803.1 billion) and a 44.7% year-on-year rise in fees and commission income to N113.4 billion (FY 2024: N78.4 billion).

On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 18.6% year-on-year to N10.46 trillion (FY 2024: N8.82 trillion), while customer deposits increased by 16.1% year on year to N6.89 trillion (FY 2024: N5.94 trillion), reflecting continued franchise strength and growing customer confidence in the brand. Net loans and advances declined by 2.4% year-on-year to N4.28 trillion (FY 2024: N4.39 trillion) as customers paid down on their mature obligations.

The Bank also strengthened its capital position during the period, with eligible capital rising to N561 billion, above the regulatory minimum of N500 billion for banks with international authorisation. In addition, capital adequacy remained robust, with Capital Adequacy Ratio of 30.94 percent as at 31 December 2025 (FY 2024: 23.47 percent).

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.