L-R: Alex Alozie, executive director; Chukwuma Nweke, deputy managing director; Oliver Alawuba, group managing director/CEO; Muyiwa Akinyemi, deputy managing director; executive directors Abiola Bawuah and Ugo Nwaghodoh, flanked by Lagos community gospel choir, at the UBA Christmas light up and carol evening, held at the UBA House and UBA Foundation Roundabout in Marina, Lagos on December 1, 2025
Oliver Alawuba, the group managing director (GMD) of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), has advocated for charity at the company’s carol event to kick off the yuletide season.
According to a statement from UBA on Thursday, Alawuba spoke on December 1 at the bank’s annual Christmas light-up ceremony in Lagos, an event replicated across all 24 countries where UBA operates.
The bank said the event featured performances by the UBA CFC choir and the Lagos community gospel choir, with the deputy managing directors, senior executives, and customers in attendance.
In his remarks, the managing director said the Christmas season represents love, hope and giving, urging guests to embrace acts of kindness and charity within their communities.
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“We are light unto the world, creating an environment of light, of hope, of joy, an environment of love and sharing. For us, today officially marks the commencement of the Christmas season – a season of love, hope, and of joy,” Alawuba said.
“We are beginning to share love and charity with our neighbours in this environment. Christmas is a period of gift sharing, a period of love, and a flow of charity.
“This is what UBA promises, and we will reach out to our people who have been with us all through.”
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The GMD reiterated the bank’s pan-African commitment, noting that the ceremony has become a global standard for the group.
“UBA is one, everywhere. We operate in 24 countries across four continents. Whatever you see us doing here, we are doing in all our countries of presence,” the GMD said.
“UBA will continue to improve our surroundings, appreciate our customers, and value our staff who have been there for us.”
Expressing gratitude to customers, staff, stakeholders, the board and the UBA 4.0 management team, Alawuba acknowledged the challenges of the year but expressed hope for better days ahead.
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“We are filled with anticipation, believing with all our hearts that the coming year holds brighter prospects and new possibilities for every single one of us,” he added.
According to the statement, the UBA light-up ceremony has become an annual tradition, signalling the bank’s dedication to fostering positivity, reinforcing bonds, and spreading goodwill throughout the festive period and beyond.
