UBA’s Kennedy Uzoka Dares Recession, Reviews Staff Welfare, Elevates 3000

At a critical time when workers across board with civil servants inclusive are groaning over non-payments of staff salaries, the youthful looking and dynamic helmsman behind one of Nigeria’s mega financial institutions, United Bank of Africa, Kennedy Uzoka has decided to perform wonder. The brilliant banker of note on Tuesday announced the promotion of 3,000 staff members, which he said was a reinforcement of his commitment to human capital investment, and career progression, at the current challenging operating circumstances reiterating that the promotions were made across UBA’s global network.

According to a letter written by the banking whizkid, Kennedy Uzoka on Monday, April 3 2017, to members of staff, the bank’s CEO said: “Since my recent appointment as GMD/CEO, one of my priorities has been to address the needs of our people. 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”.

In addition to the Group-wide promotion, Uzoka, in a statement yesterday, unveiled a new Workforce Model and an extension of the existing Group car loan benefit, to 1000 previously ineligible staff. These policies were in direct response to staff feedback from the Employee Engagement Survey, which the CEO said had helped define current and future human capital investment. The revised Workforce Model democratizes access to leadership roles and opportunities at the bank.

“All staff – regardless of track – can now aspire to leadership roles, if objective requirements are met. Reforming the Leadership and Service Tracks disparity, which had been a source of frustration for some staff who had to convert tracks to advance professionally, illustrates again UBA’s commitment to creating an environment where talent and merit are rewarded.”

The Group Chairman, UBA, Tony Elumelu, congratulated the bank’s executive management, as he noted the current challenging business environment. He 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. It is no accident that this is occurring after the announcement of our strong 2016 results and as our shareholders received 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 casualising staff. This is truly remarkable.”