United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has solidified its reputation as a champion for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria by sweeping four prestigious awards at the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassador Awards. The bank’s remarkable achievement underscores its unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering businesses across the nation. The accolades, presented at a ceremony held in Lagos, recognize UBA’s significant contributions to expanding access to finance for MSMEs and promoting financial inclusion, particularly among women entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved regions. This recognition not only celebrates UBA’s past achievements but also inspires the bank to continue its impactful work in driving economic prosperity throughout Nigeria.
UBA’s remarkable performance at the DBN awards earned them the coveted “Platinum Service Ambassador Award”, the highest honor of the night, along with three other significant recognitions. These included the “DBN Award for Highest Impact on MSMEs in Nigeria”, the “Highest Impact on Women MSMEs” award, and the “Highest Impact in the North-Central Zone” award. These awards are a testament to UBA’s consistent efforts in providing accessible financing, capacity building programs, and innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of small businesses. The DBN, through these awards, acknowledges UBA’s pivotal role in bridging the financing gap faced by MSMEs and empowering them to thrive and contribute to the Nigerian economy.
UBA’s Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, accepted the Platinum Service Ambassador Award on behalf of the bank, expressing deep gratitude for the recognition. He emphasized that the awards reflect UBA’s strategic focus on empowering MSMEs, especially women-led businesses, and its commitment to fostering economic resilience across Nigeria. Akinyemi reiterated UBA’s dedication to promoting sustainable growth and financial inclusion, recognizing the vital role MSMEs play in driving economic development and job creation. The awards serve as a powerful motivator for UBA to further amplify its efforts in supporting small businesses and contributing to the nation’s economic prosperity.
The Development Bank of Nigeria’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Tony Okpanachi, commended UBA’s unwavering commitment to the MSME sector. He praised the bank’s consistent efforts in alleviating financing constraints faced by small businesses and its impactful interventions, particularly in supporting women entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved regions. Okpanachi highlighted UBA’s exemplary role in aligning with DBN’s mandate of fostering sustainable growth and financial inclusion within the MSME sector. He encouraged UBA to continue setting benchmarks in MSME financing and serve as an inspiration for other financial institutions.
UBA’s commitment to social responsibility extends beyond providing financial services. The UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the bank, has also been recognized for its impactful contributions to society. It recently received the prestigious “Philanthropy of the Year” award at the 2025 THISDAY Awards, further demonstrating UBA’s holistic approach to development and its commitment to making a positive difference in the communities it serves. This award highlights the foundation’s dedication to addressing critical social issues and contributing to the overall well-being of Nigerians.
In conclusion, UBA’s success at both the DBN Service Ambassador Awards and the THISDAY Awards underscores its multifaceted approach to driving development in Nigeria. The bank’s dedication to empowering MSMEs through accessible financing, capacity building, and targeted interventions, coupled with its impactful philanthropic initiatives, paints a picture of a financial institution deeply invested in the nation’s economic and social progress. UBA’s consistent efforts in promoting financial inclusion, particularly among women entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved regions, position it as a true leader in sustainable development and a key player in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria. The recognition received through these awards serves not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a powerful call to action for UBA to continue its impactful work and further solidify its position as a champion for economic growth and social development in Nigeria.
