UBA champions sustainability with Pan-African Environmental Clean-up Initiative

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, employee wellbeing and community development by mobilising thousands of employees across its operations in 20 African countries for the latest edition of its flagship wellness initiative, “Jogging to Bond.”

This year’s edition was particularly significant as it coincided with the 60th birthday of the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, who chose to celebrate the milestone alongside staff and colleagues across the Bank’s extensive African network.

Held under the theme “The Power Within U,” the quarterly initiative brought together employees for a day of fitness, teamwork, creativity, community service and environmental responsibility, reinforcing UBA’s culture of wellness and social impact.

A major highlight of the programme was a coordinated environmental clean-up exercise conducted simultaneously across the Bank’s operations. From Lagos to Accra, Nairobi, Dakar and other cities where UBA operates, employees cleaned streets and public spaces, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

The initiative reflects UBA’s belief that corporate success should go hand in hand with positive social and environmental impact. By integrating community service into its employee engagement programmes, the Bank continues to strengthen its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda while creating lasting value in the communities it serves.

Speaking during the event, Oliver Alawuba stressed the importance of wellness, teamwork and social responsibility in building a strong institution.

“There is no place I would rather be on my birthday than here, surrounded by the incredible people who make UBA what it is today. Our greatest strength lies in our people, in the passion, energy, and sense of purpose that unite us across Africa.

“When we run together, serve together, and work together to make our communities cleaner and healthier, we are doing more than promoting fitness. We are demonstrating our shared values and our commitment to the people and communities that place their trust in us every day,” Alawuba said.

In Lagos, employees participated in a variety of wellness activities, including spinning bike sessions, fitness challenges, relaxation therapies provided by Oriki, and exercise sessions hosted by iFitness, which also offered exclusive discounts to UBA staff.

Commenting on the initiative, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the programme reflects the Bank’s holistic approach to employee welfare and sustainable development.

“At UBA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that creating a thriving workforce requires investing in their wellbeing while also encouraging them to make a positive difference in society.

“‘Jogging to Bond’ embodies our commitment to fostering a healthy workplace culture, strengthening team spirit, and contributing meaningfully to environmental sustainability. It is one of the many ways we continue to create value for our employees, customers, shareholders and communities across Africa,” she said.

As part of its broader Employee Value Proposition and ESG strategy, UBA continues to implement programmes that promote wellness, employee engagement, volunteerism and environmental responsibility across its operations.

Through initiatives such as “Jogging to Bond,” the Bank continues to reinforce its position not only as one of Africa’s leading financial institutions but also as a responsible corporate citizen committed to building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future for the continent.

United Bank for Africa Plc operates in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates. Serving millions of customers globally, the Bank provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services while driving financial inclusion, innovation and sustainable growth across Africa.