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Building To Last: Nurturing Excellence And Crafting Future African Leaders At UBA

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Some moments resonate as profoundly remarkable in life, where dreams are born from humble beginnings and transformed into extraordinary realities.

As I stood before 700 UBA graduate trainees, drawn from across Africa, I thought of the long journey that brought me to where I am today. A journey that began with the same vigour, dedication, and hope that I saw in these young Lions and Lionesses.

I had the privilege of having my one-on-one induction session with UBA’s new graduate trainees on Tuesday. I love these sessions, as I eagerly anticipate interacting with the brilliant minds, that become part of our UBA-Tribe.

I, too, started my career as a trainee many years ago, equipped with little more than ambition, a thirst for knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I walked that same path as these bright minds, who have now become part of Africa’s Global Bank. Countless challenges and triumphs have marked the way from that moment to this day, each contributing to the story that brought us together.

In these sessions, I make it a point to share fragments of my journey, detailing my processes, highlighting my triumphs, and even discussing my lowest moments.

This practice isn’t just a personal reflection; it’s a conscious effort to ensure everyone can learn from the dedication and hard work that has marked my career. Through these personal stories, bonds are forged, and lessons are imparted.

This ethos of transparency and shared learning is central to my approach and symbolic of the values that drive UBA’s success. As an institution, every stage of one’s career should be marked by growth, mentorship, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.

This same excellence has driven me throughout my career – a vision of creating a bank for all, a bank for Africa and an environment where talent is nurtured, dreams are realized, and excellence is celebrated. It is a vision that has inspired me to create a world class trainee programme, that will nurture future leaders, who mirror the passion and dedication I demonstrated as a trainee myself.

But beyond nurturing future leaders, the UBA GMAP – our bespoke graduate trainee programme, is making significant strides in addressing critical societal issues.

The experience reinforced to me the criticality of institution building. In front of me were a generation of new leaders. UBA has created a six-month programme, identifying the best and brightest young men and women from across Africa. We have invested in and equipped our youth. We have done well and done good.

Our example illustrates why my management strategy and philosophy also address our common African future.

Addressing the issue of unemployment through Job Creation

The UBA Graduate Trinee Programme goes beyond its primary goal of nurturing future leaders; it also plays a vital role in addressing the pervasive curse of unemployment across the African continent.

Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, and UBA actively contributes to the solution. The Group is creating real, tangible jobs for young Africans by providing opportunities through this programme. These jobs not only benefit the individuals involved, but also positively impact our immediate environment and stimulate the economic growth of our continent’s economy.

Creating opportunities for and Investing in Young Africans

UBA’s commitment to developing and empowering young talent is a response to the pressing need for opportunities on our continent. GMAP is designed to identify and nurture the potential of young Africans, giving them access to training, mentorship, and real-world experiences essential for their personal and professional growth. It is building to last.

By investing in these young minds, UBA is shaping the banking industry’s future and offering hope and prospects to a generation of African youth eager to contribute to their communities and the broader society.

UBA; A Bank For All Ages

The UBA GMAP is compelling evidence that UBA is for all; we are a dynamic and forward-thinking institution dedicated to youth development, which is an integral part of our identity as Africa’s Global Bank.

By investing in the younger generation, we continue to affirm that we are leaders and role models in fostering innovation, diversity, and inclusivity in the financial sector.

I am filled with pride in the UBA Executive Management team and gratitude as I witness this dream of a world-class trainee programme come to life. A programme that represents the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and unwavering belief in the potential of our future leaders. A total of 107,310 young Africans applied for the programme. After a rigorous selection process, we shortlisted to 47,639. The banking school kicked off with 775 trainee and we successfully graduated 666 young Africans eager to conquer.

This programme is a testament to the incredible journey that each graduating member will embark upon, a journey of growth, learning, and transformation.

To the new members of the UBA Tribe, your journey, much like mine, will be filled with moments of challenge and triumph, and each experience will contribute to your growth. Embrace these opportunities as steppingstones toward your extraordinary reality.

Embark on this journey with both eyes open to the opportunities and challenges ahead and the understanding that we are here to support and empower you every step, just as I have been fortunate to have mentors who shaped my path.

Your dedication, hard work, and pursuit of excellence will shape your future and the future of UBA and the financial industry.

Welcome to the beginning of your remarkable journey.

#TOEWay

BIG STORY

Security: Army Foils Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Six Victims In Taraba

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Troops from the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke successfully thwarted a “kidnap attempt” and “rescued six victims” along the Wukari-Kente road in the Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation, conducted on April 27, 2025, was initiated following “a distress call from the Executive Chairman of Wukari LGA alerting security forces to an attack on travellers in the area.”

“Troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base Wukari were swiftly mobilised to the scene.”

This information was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni.

“Responding swiftly, the troops launched a prompt rescue operation to the area and rescued the victims unhurt,” the statement read.

Upon arriving at the location, “troops found a white Toyota Hilux vehicle with a flat tyre abandoned by the roadside.”

“Shortly after, six individuals emerged from the nearby bush, unharmed, and identified themselves as the occupants of the vehicle,” the army said.

The victims recounted that they “were travelling from Yola to Lafia when gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers or armed robbers, ambushed them from the rear.” They “abandoned their vehicle and fled into the bush for safety.”

After confirming the area was secure, “the soldiers assisted in replacing the damaged tyre and escorted the travellers until they were safely back on their journey.”

Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, “lauded the troops for their swift response and professionalism.” He “reiterated the brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Taraba State.”

Brig. Gen. Uwa also “urged residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence.”

“We remain resolute in our mission to ensure peace and security across Taraba State and its environs,” he assured.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: My Defection From PDP Imminent, Governor Eno Declares

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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has “given hint of his possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),” noting that the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “was like a spoilt plane and may no longer has the capacity to take him to the next destination from 2027.”

Speaking against the backdrop of recent gale of defections from the PDP with the latest being the Delta State governor Sheriff Oborewori, who moved with several supporters to the APC, Pastor Eno hinted that “the heavily fragmented PDP may soon grind to a halt.”

Addressing a mammoth crowd that thronged the Town Square meeting of the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency on Tuesday at the QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, headquarters of Ukanafun local government area, the governor disclosed that “he might join the fray soon as the crucial 2027 election year inches closer.”

“If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?” Eno queried.

However, the governor, who enjoined the people to remain steadfast in support of his administration in its quest to deliver on its campaign promises, doled out empowerment succour to over 400 people, including business grants, cars and other freebies.

154 constituents benefited from the Traders Grant, 116 received Farmers Grant, four got N5 million each for the MSME Grant, and 131 were beneficiaries of the Equipment Support Initiative.

He, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources at their disposal, warning beneficiaries to desist from deploying it to ponzi schemes or any other unintended purposes.

He said: “We need to meet with the people from time to time to see them. It’s not only during elections that we should come to see our people. We also have to come and see you in the course of governance, to check your wellbeing, to listen to you, tell you what we have done, and what we are planning to do.

This is the fourth federal constituency we have visited, we have six more to go and we will finish all in time for the budget department to capture the needs in the 2026 budget.

“We will go through your requests and tell you the ones we have decided to do, based on available funds. We might not be able to do all, but whatever is left we will add to subsequent budgets.

“We will always work with the people because this government is of the people, for the people, and by the people,” he stated.

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BIG STORY

Court Orders EFCC To Release Aisha Achimugu Within 24 Hours

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Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to release socialite and businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, within a 24-hour timeframe.

Justice Ekwo further directed that the involved parties must report back to the court on May 2nd to provide an update on the compliance with his order.

Previously, on Monday, Justice Ekwo had mandated Achimugu to present herself to the anti-graft agency concerning an ongoing investigation related to money laundering and other alleged offenses.

Justice Ekwo also stipulated that following her appearance at the EFCC office, the anti-graft agency was required to return with her to the court on Wednesday, April 30th, for a progress report.

It is worth noting that the EFCC apprehended Achimugu at 5 am on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The EFCC is currently investigating Achimugu regarding allegations of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, money laundering, corruption, and possessing properties reasonably suspected of being unlawfully acquired.

While she had been arrested and interrogated by the EFCC previously, she was granted administrative bail by the commission.

However, the EFCC claimed that she violated her bail conditions and subsequently declared Achimugu wanted.

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