Some banks sacking workers but UBA promotes 3,000

United Bank for Africa (UBA),which has branches in 19 African countries, has announced the promotion of 3,000 staff members.

Commenting on the development, Kennedy Uzoka, CEO of the bank, said taking care of the staff is one of his priorities.

He said when those working in the organisation are cared for, they will extend the care to customers who are the “ultimate employers”.

“Since my recent appointment as GMD/CEO, one of my priorities has been to address the needs of our people,” he said in a statement.

“I strongly believe that if we take care of our people, our people will take care of our customers – our ultimate employers.

“Investment in our human capital is critical to our success. It is a product of our ability to invest for the long term and create an institution that is built to last. It is the bedrock of our determination to be Africa’s leading customer focused bank.”

Uzoka urged the staff, who he addressed as lions and lionesses, to “continue to embody UBA core values daily – in our endless quest for Excellent Service…Delivered!”

Tony Elumelu, group chairman of the bank, encouraged the industry to “follow UBA’s lead in putting its workers first”.

“Promoting at this scale and creating career opportunities for staff at a time like this is an indication of industry leadership and worthy of emulation,” he said.

“It is no accident that this is occurring after the announcement of our strong 2016 results and as our shareholders receive dividends later this week. We want all our key stakeholders to share our success.

“I commend the bank for creating robust and meritocratic career opportunities for all staff at a time when some in our industry are downsizing or casualizing staff. This is truly remarkable.”

In addition to the promotion, Uzoka unveiled a new workforce model and an extension of the existing car loan benefit.

The statement said the policies were in response to feedback from the employee engagement survey.

UBA recently announced N384 billion earnings for 2016, 22% growth over performance in 2015 and also grew profit before tax by 32% to N91 billion.

The bank is preparing for the group chairman’s forum, which commences on Wednesday, April 5.