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UBA emerges ‘Best Regional Bank, West Africa’ at African Banker Awards 2024
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has been announced as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa at the prestigious African Banker Awards 2024.
The annual African Banker Awards, organised by the African Banker Magazine, took place on Tuesday at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, on the side-lines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings.
The ceremony was attended by over 300 of the continent’s leading figures in banking and finance and UBA being recognised as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa, marks a significant milestone especially as the bank celebrates 75 years of delivering on its promises, solidifying its legacy as Africa’s Global Bank.
While receiving the awards on behalf of the bank, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UBA Kenya, Ms. Mary Mulili, highlighted the significance of this achievement in line with the bank’s commitment to its customers and partners.
She stated, “We are honoured to be recognised as the Best Regional Bank – West Africa. This award is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation of the entire UBA team. It reflects our commitment to excellence and our unwavering focus on delivering value to our customers.
“For our global presence, this award reinforces UBA’s position as a leading global financial institution with a deep understanding of the African market and a strong international network.”
Continuing, she said, “this award also showcases our ability to serve as bridge between Africa and the world, providing seamless financial solutions that drive growth and prosperity. As we celebrate 75 years of UBA, we remain committed to inspiring innovation, growth, and excellence. This award is not just a recognition of our past achievement but a motivation to continue striving for greatness in the years to come.”
In his speech, Chair of the Awards Committee, Omar Ben Yedder, noted that banks and financial institutions are going through an important transition and are playing a critical role in financing growth especially with the retreat of international banks from the continent.
“We are seeing a coalition of DFIs taking shape and these will have to see considerable capital increases to plug the gap in infrastructure, trade, climate and also SME Financing.
“We are also seeing further reform and new capital requirements for banks. This will lead to bigger banks and we have seen how the likes of UBA play a role in financing big conglomerates and large infrastructure projects, something unimaginable two decades ago,” he said.
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 in 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.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, says the Nigeria Police Force in the past one year has arrested 35,496 suspects and rescued 1,907 people from kidnappers.
He disclosed this on Thursday during the monthly Conference with Senior Police Officers, which coincided with a significant milestone in the current administration, its 365 days in office.
The IGP, while addressing senior officers and members of the press, highlighted the progress made and the challenges faced over the past year since he assumed office as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police taking time to reflect, evaluate, and plan for the future.
The IGP noted that during the past twelve months, the Force has faced considerable challenges, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
In a statement made available by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, he said, “Despite these threats, the Nigeria Police Force has remained resilient and dedicated to its mandate.” The IGP commended officers for their hard work and dedication, emphasising the positive results achieved through capacity building, service improvements, and strengthened relationships with sister services and the public.
Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments, the IGP acknowledged the vital achievements of his administration in one year including “the presentation of a total of N9.85 billion to families of deceased officers under the Group Life Assurance Scheme and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme, the declaration of April 7 as National Police Day by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the promotion of inaugural Police Commendation and Awards Ceremony, the promotion of 33,867 officers based on merit, competence, and available vacancies.”
“Also is the advancement of infrastructural development which will culminate in the commissioning of some projects such as the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, the International Conference Centre, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), the Force Intelligence Building, the Force Public Relations School, the Police Intelligence School located in Share, Kwara State, Evidence/Exhibits Storage facilities, and newly acquired operational assets including vehicles, APCs, Drones, Gun trucks etc.
“In the past one year, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 35,496 suspects for their participation in various crimes, rescued 1,907 kidnapped victims, and recovered 2,750 firearms, 22,569 ammunition, and 1,540 vehicles nationwide, while the Legal/Prosecutions Section has successfully prosecuted 29,052 criminal cases, securing 16,200 convictions.”
The conference also focused on the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States, with the IGP outlining security plans to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in ensuring smooth elections.
By Esther Agbo and Opeyemi Abdulsalam
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited signed an agreement with TotalEnergies for the final investment decision (FID) on the Ubeta Field Development Project.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday in Abuja.
This project is expected to have a significant impact on Nigeria’s energy sector and contribute to the country’s efforts to develop its oil and gas resources.
Speaking at the event, Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of NNPC, said on stream, the Ubeta project will produce about 350 million standard cubic feet (MMScf) per day of gas and 10,000 barrels per day of associated liquids.
This, Kyari said, is an opportunity to tap into the vast gas reserves and contribute towards securing gas supply to Nigeria’s liquified natural gas (LNG).
Kyari said, “I’m very convinced that many more projects will come alongside this as we progress.”
“And maybe not the right moment to make those announcements, but I know that a number of projects have been enabled by the executive order of Mr. President.
“No doubt, this project will create opportunities, jobs, and everything that you can imagine, including making our energy investment much more productive.
“I know for sure that the engagements with our other partners will ensure delivery of gas sufficient to keep our train 1 to 7 active and at full capacity, and also realise our ambitions for train 7.”
While appreciating the support from stakeholders, Kyari highlighted the continuous support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in facilitating a conducive operational environment, which he said is a major driver of the deal.
He also said the presidential executive order was instrumental to achieving the milestone and the impact of the policy is being seen.
Also speaking at the event the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, delivered a keynote address at the Final Investment Decision (FID) Ceremony for the OML58 Ubeta Field Development Project.
The Ubeta Project is projected to produce 350 million standard cubic feet per day (MMScf/d) of gas at its peak. This initiative is a testament to TotalEnergies’ commitment to Nigeria and plays a crucial role in ensuring a stable gas supply for Nigeria LNG.
Minister Ekpo emphasised the project’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic objectives and the Presidential Executive Orders of March 2024. These directives aim to transform Nigeria into a major gas hub, providing cleaner energy, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth.
The Decade of Gas Initiative has laid the groundwork for ambitious projects like Ubeta, focusing on leveraging Nigeria’s abundant gas resources to drive industrialisation, reduce environmental impact, and offer affordable energy to millions of Nigerians.
The Ubeta Field Development Project is a prime example of investments that bring technological advancements, foster local content, and generate sustainable economic benefits.
Minister Ekpo commended TotalEnergies for their continued partnership and investment in Nigeria, acknowledging their role in boosting gas production capabilities.
He said, “I want to take this opportunity to commend TotalEnergies for their continued partnership and investment in Nigeria. Your efforts not only boost our gas production capabilities but also contribute to our shared goals of energy security and economic prosperity.
“We value your commitment to employing innovative technologies and practices that ensure the efficiency and safety of your operations.”
He also highlighted the effectiveness of Nigeria’s policies in creating a conducive environment for investment in the gas sector, attributing the project’s fruition to supportive government policies and regulatory frameworks.
Looking ahead, Minister Ekpo urged for continued collaboration to harness Nigeria’s vast gas potential.
He stressed that the success of the Ubeta Project would be measured not only by gas production volumes but also by its positive impact on the economy, communities, and environment.
In conclusion, Minister Ekpo congratulated all contributors to the project, praising their dedication and hard work.
He called for ongoing cooperation to ensure the successful implementation and operation of the Ubeta Field Development Project, setting a benchmark for future projects in Nigeria’s gas sector.
The event concluded with a call for continued efforts to leverage Nigeria’s gas resources for the nation’s economic and environmental benefit.
…Upholds validity of Kano Emirate Repeal Law 2024
The ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano presided over by Justice A.M. Liman today has brought to an end, the argument on the deposition of former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero as the court ruled that the new Kano Emirate Repeal Law 2024 remains valid.
According to the ruling, all five Emirates of Gaya, Rano, Karaye, Kano and Bichi remained abolished.
While delivering the ruling, Justice A.M. Liman held that the Kano Emirate Repeal Law 2024 remains the law and its validity is intact but actions taken after assenting the law when an order from the court was issued are voided.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has assented to the new law and reinstated the 14th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi as the 16th Emir of one united Kan at the same time (23rd May, 2024 by 5.10pm).
“Law is still the law, but actions carried out in the execution of the law are set aside.”
Justice Liman also granted a stay of proceeding and transferred the case to his learned brother of court three, Justice Amobeda. This bars all parties from taking any step to enforce the ruling till after determination of the appeal.
By this decision of the Federal High Court, the five former Emirs including that of Kano with 8 Local Government areas remained deposed and the defunct Emirates remained abolished.
It is therefore ascertained that the 16th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II remains on throne and Aminu Ado Bayero remains deposed while the legal tussle continues.
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