United Bank for Africa’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, has been awarded the prestigious title of Champion Newspapers Man of the Year for 2023. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional leadership and remarkable achievements in steering Africa’s Global Bank to new heights.
Oliver Alawuba’s win marks a historic moment as the first CEO of a financial institution in Nigeria to receive this esteemed award. Following a rigorous selection process by the top echelon of Champion Newspapers Limited, he emerged victorious among a distinguished pool of nominees.
Dr. Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa, the Group Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers Limited, highlighted Oliver’s outstanding contributions to the banking sector and beyond. She commended his strategic vision, unwavering commitment to excellence, and result-oriented leadership capabilities.
With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Oliver Alawuba has demonstrated a deep understanding of corporate and institutional banking, consumer banking, the public sector, retail and commercial banking, project management, corporate governance, and overall bank management. His academic background in food science and technology, coupled with an MBA in banking and finance, reflects his dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
Throughout his career, Oliver has held key positions within UBA Group, showcasing his expertise in driving growth and innovation across diverse markets. His leadership has been instrumental in UBA’s sustained profitability, remarkable performance metrics, and commitment to delivering value to shareholders and stakeholders.
Under Oliver Alawuba’s guidance, UBA has not only excelled in the financial realm but has also made significant contributions to social, economic, and technological development in Nigeria and across the continent. His vision to redefine public sector banking in Africa and uphold the highest professional and ethical standards has set a benchmark for excellence in the industry.
The upcoming award ceremony, scheduled to take place at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, on Saturday, May 25, 2024, will honor Oliver Alawuba and other distinguished recipients for their outstanding achievements and positive impact on the African business landscape.
Oliver Alawuba’s recognition as the Champion Man of the Year 2023 is a testament to his exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to driving growth and innovation in the banking sector. His visionary approach and commitment to excellence continue to inspire and set a precedent for future leaders in the industry.
“Similarly, the bank’s financial report filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited indicated a whopping 262 percent rise in Profit Before Tax (PBT) to close at N502.01 billion compared to N138.49 billion recorded at the end of the third quarter of 2022, while Profit After Tax also rose impressively by 287.2 percent from N116 billion recorded a year earlier to N449.29 billion, massively surpassing its annualized return on average equity for Q3 2023 at 131 percent to 44.37 percent.
“Only recently, the Bank showed class on the international arena when it clinched nine prestigious awards at the Bankers Awards 2023, organized by the Banker Magazine, a publication of the Financial Times of London, the world’s leading business newspaper, including the highly coveted Bank of the Year Africa 2023,” she stated.
