The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of UBA Plc, has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to society by receiving the prestigious “Philanthropy of the Year” award at the 2025 THISDAY Awards. This accolade, presented during the newspaper’s 30th-anniversary celebration themed “When the Going Gets Tough… the Tough Get Rewarded,” distinguishes UBA Foundation from a pool of esteemed nominees, including Dangote Foundation, NLNG, MTN Foundation, and Fidelity Bank Foundation. The award underscores the Foundation’s impactful programs, particularly in the field of education, and serves as a testament to its commitment to sustainable philanthropy.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Malagi, presented the award to UBA Foundation, commending its remarkable achievements and highlighting the need for other organizations to emulate its model of impactful giving. He emphasized the importance of corporate social responsibility and praised the Foundation’s dedication to advancing education and improving lives across the continent. The recognition signifies the Foundation’s significant role in contributing to the well-being of communities and its dedication to creating lasting positive change.
Ramon Nasir, UBA’s Group Head, Media and External Relations, accepted the award on behalf of the Foundation, expressing gratitude for the recognition and attributing the success to the collective efforts of the Foundation’s team and stakeholders. He emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of people across Africa and beyond. The award, he stated, serves as a powerful motivator to further amplify the Foundation’s impact and expand its reach to even more communities in need.
Bola Atta, CEO of UBA Foundation, echoed Nasir’s sentiments, viewing the award not just as recognition of past achievements but as a call to further action. She outlined the Foundation’s plans to expand its initiatives and strengthen existing programs in the coming year, emphasizing the commitment to deepening its impact and broadening its reach. This commitment reflects the Foundation’s proactive approach to addressing critical social needs and its dedication to continuous improvement in its philanthropic endeavors.
UBA Foundation’s focus areas encompass a wide range of critical social needs, including education, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and special projects tailored to the specific needs of the communities within its operational areas. In the area of education, the Foundation supports various initiatives aimed at improving access to quality education, providing scholarships, and promoting literacy programs. These efforts are geared towards empowering individuals and communities through education, recognizing its transformative power in fostering sustainable development.
Furthermore, UBA Foundation actively promotes environmental sustainability through initiatives that address environmental challenges and promote responsible environmental practices. These initiatives might include supporting conservation projects, promoting renewable energy, and raising awareness about environmental issues. By investing in environmental sustainability, the Foundation contributes to the long-term well-being of communities and the preservation of natural resources. Additionally, the Foundation’s focus on economic empowerment aims to provide individuals and communities with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive economically. This may involve supporting entrepreneurship programs, providing vocational training, and facilitating access to financial resources. Through these initiatives, the Foundation strives to create economic opportunities and empower individuals to achieve financial independence. Finally, the Foundation’s special projects cater to the unique needs of specific communities within its operational areas. These projects might include providing healthcare services, supporting community development initiatives, or responding to humanitarian crises. By addressing these specific needs, the Foundation demonstrates its commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of people across diverse communities. This holistic approach to philanthropy highlights UBA Foundation’s dedication to addressing a broad spectrum of social issues and making a meaningful contribution to sustainable development across the African continent and beyond.
