In the recent time, it has been assumed that recession has taken over most African countries but admidst all odds, it can still be made a better place to live. In the assumed recession reign, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Africa’s Global Bank operating in 19 African countries, has announced the promotion of 3,000 staff members, reinforcing its commitment to human capital investment and career progression, at the current challenging operating circumstances.
It has been confirmed that promotions were made across UBA’s global network. In a letter written recently to Group staff by CEO, Kennedy Uzoka.
“Since my recent appointment as GMD/CEO, one of my priorities has been to address the needs of our people. I strongly believe that if we take care of our people, our people will take care of our customers – our ultimate employers.”
“Investment in our human capital is critical to our success. It is a product of our ability to invest for the long term and create an institution that is built to last. It is the bedrock of our determination to be Africa’s leading customer focused bank”. He added.
Aside the Group-wide promotion, Mr Uzoka unveiled a new Workforce Model and an extension of the existing Group car loan benefit, to 1000 previously ineligible staff.
The essence of the promotion is to encourage all staff aspire to leadership roles, if objective requirements are met. Reforming the Leadership and Service Tracks disparity, which had been a source of frustration for some staff who had to convert tracks to advance professionally, illustrates again UBA’s commitment to creating an environment where talent and merit are rewarded.
In addition, Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, congratulated UBA’s executive management, as he noted the current challenging business environment. He encouraged the industry to follow UBA’s lead, in putting its workers first.
“Promoting at this scale and creating career opportunities for staff at a time like this is an indication of industry leadership and worthy of emulation. It is no accident that this is occurring after the announcement of our strong 2016 results and as our shareholders receive dividends later this week. We want all our key stakeholders to share our success.” The Chairman continued in praise of the bank’s equitable policy, “I commend the bank for creating robust and meritocratic career opportunities for all staff at a time when some in our industry are downsizing or casualizing staff. This is truly remarkable.”
UBA recently announced N384 billion earnings for 2016, an impressive 22% growth over performance in 2015 and also grew profit before tax by 32% to N91 billion. The strong performance also reflects the embedded culture of customer service, driven by high employee engagement and satisfaction.
UBA’s commitment to its broader pan-African network was reflected in a series of awards, including five ‘Bank of The Year’ awards for Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville, Senegal, Cameroon and Chad at the annual Bankers Award in London and the 2016 EMEA Finance Banking Awards by leading financial publication EMEA Finance Magazine.
Mr. Uzoka, ended by, urging UBA employees – Lions and Lionesses – to “continue to embody UBA core values daily – in our endless quest for Excellent Service…Delivered!”
This advice is timely as staff enter the final stages of preparation for the Group Chairman’s Forum which commenced on Wednesday April 5th and features a series of events, including the Group AGM and the highly-anticipated annual UBA CEO Awards.
During the Forum, the Bank’s senior executives share and learn from best practices across UBA’s 18 African subsidiaries and its operations in New York, Paris, and London and identify ways to enhance growth in African Countries.
The global promotion has set a stepping stone for workers to have a better standard of living amidst recession. Also, it has encouraged them to appreciate their jobs since they have been shown much love from the management. Every organization should emulate such act as it will aid development in Africa.
