Business a.m.
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), recently held the second edition of its expanded Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP) class of 2024, where 398 buding African talents were officially inducted into the UBA Tribe,having successfully completed a rigorous six-month training programme that fused on-the-job experience with academic learning.
The event, held at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, was attended by a distinguished assembly of guests, the UBA management team, faculty members, and mentors who graced the occasion to support the graduating class. Amidst the splendor, the graduates stood proudly, representing six African nations: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, united by their shared journey through the demanding GMAP programme.
Addresing the gathering, Tony Elumelu, UBA’s grop chairman, conveyed his congratulations to the graduating class of GMAP. Elumelu spoke of his intense pride and admiration for the graduates, who, through their perseverance and drive, had triumphed over the intense rigours of the programme. He also highlighted the programm’s unique blend of theoretical learning and practical on-the-job training, gained through rotational placements across various UBA departments and units, as the key to the graduates’ success.
Elumelu underscored UBA’s deep-rooted commitment to the empowerment of Africa’s youth and the urgent need to combat the continent’s unemployment crisis, which he described as one of the most pressing issues facing Africa today.
“For me these young UBA Graduates are a testament to who we are: a truly pan-African Group that invests in African talent.This milestone is more than just numbers. It signifies UBA’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“Unemployment is the greatest challenge we face – a tragic and cruel betrayal of a generation. We know governments alone cannot create all the jobs we need – so it is up to us, the African private sector, to partner our government in improving lives and livelihoods. This is Africapitalism, and it is gratifying to see UBA play its part.
“UBA is dedicated to creating a positive impact, through the GMAP programme UBA is creating employment, boosting economic growth, and transforming lives across Africa,” the group chairman said.
Elumelu articulated the bank’s philosophy and intention of fostering a talent pipeline that extends beyond the confines of the organisation. He described the bank’s ardent desire to identify promising young individuals, bring them into the fold, and provide them with the tools and knowledge required to not only succeed at UBA but also wherever their future paths may lead.
Earlier in his speech, Oliver Alawuba, UBA’s group managing director/chief executive officer, extended his sincere commendations to the class for their steadfast dedication throughout the programme. He highlighted the programme’s pivotal role in developing future leaders for UBA, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive the bank’s continued growth and success.
“Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. Each of you has demonstrated the qualities of a true UBA ambassador, and today, we celebrate not just your achievements but also the collective strength of our UBA family,” he said.
Alawuba paid tribute to the unwavering support provided by the families and friends of the graduates, who, through their love, encouragement, and understanding, had contributed immeasurably to the students’ success. He took a moment to acknowledge their invaluable support, highlighting their critical role in the graduates’ journey to becoming the next generation of leaders at UBA.
Modupe Akindele, UBA’s group head of human resources, echoed the bank’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering leadership within the organisation. She highlighted the GMAP programme as a critical component of this pledge, lauding the successful culmination of the graduates’ journey towards leadership excellence.
Akindele further underscored the GMAP programme’s role as a continuous initiative, recognising its importance in ensuring a sustainable pipeline of talent for the organisation, while also ensuring that the next generation of leaders possesses the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic world of banking.
“Already, the programme has graduated over 1,100 graduates, that is about 700 in 2023 and now we have 398 graduates. The fact remains that at UBA, we believe in equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, tribe, gender, or background; and so, we will continue to pursue our dream to nurture these young ones to their full potential,” she added.
