United Bank for Africa Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling youth unemployment on the continent by successfully employing over 700 young professionals through its Graduate Management Accelerate Program (GMAP).
The GMAP initiative of the bank has enabled more than 5, 000 young graduates in Africa to flourish in the financial service industry. It provides them with hands-on training and experience as well as a world-class platform.
It was a great ceremony that was attended by distinguished guests including the top management of UBA, the faculty, the mentors and the graduating classes.
The ceremony marked the end of a long journey to leadership excellence.
Tony Elumelu reiterated that ambition, discipline and institutional pride are important. He described the group as proof of the future success of Africa.
I am delighted to see young, smiling faces. “I am so happy to see smiling, young faces. We welcome you to UBA Group. “Congratulations on becoming a member of the UBA family,” said he.
Elumelu challenged graduates to own their performances and show the discipline which separates the great from the average institutions.
It isn’t easy to select the right people, train them, develop them, nurture them and get them aligned with your vision.
It is crucial for long-term success. Elumelu stated that we need to institutionalise the approach in order to create an organization that is capable of delivering and systems that last, ensuring that perpetual success is attained.
This milestone induction welcomed Cohorts 19, 20 and 21 into the dynamic bank workforce. It underscores its strategic focus to nurture Africa’s future generation of highly-performing talents equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to fuel innovation and sustain growth.
Oliver Alawuba Group Managing Director/CEO took graduates on a personal journey, from young professional to CEO of the Group. He reminded them that it is possible to move from an entry level to a leadership position.
Our young Africans will drive Africa to excellence.
You are not destined to stay in your current position. You can also rise if we did, as the journey isn’t reserved only for certain people. “It is for those who choose to grow, and do the necessary work.” he added.
Alawuba’s address was based on UBA’s corporate values, which include the 3Es of Excellence, Enterprise, and Execution, and SRG, or Simplicity, Resilience, and Goal-Orientation. He challenged each new employee to embody these values in their everyday conduct.
The bank has a strong commitment to women empowerment.
With 720 new trainees of which 435 are women, and over 60%, the cohort is a testament of this.
UBA is committed to being a leader in the youth development sector. It intentionally develops “achievers” who are able to perform, while also contributing to reduce unemployment and unleashing Africa’s immense potential.
United Bank for Africa, a financial institution on the African continent with over 45,000,000 customers and 25,000 staff members worldwide, is the biggest employer in this sector.
UBA is a retail, institutional and commercial bank that operates in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom and United States of America. It also provides financial inclusion through its innovative technology and services.
