June 26, (THEWILL) – Africa’s Global Bank, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc recently marked the 4th Africa Day with fanfare. The event which turned into a mini carnival saw a rich culture of African people on display.
The bank said the event was aimed at changing the value narrative and encourage Africans home and abroad to be patriotic and embrace their culture.
A troupe of dancers and actors representing Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, among other African countries, entertained the audience from the entrance of the building to its doorways through to the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre Hall. Their overall performances diffused good vibes and earned them ovation.
Noting that Africa has unarguably positioned herself as the second largest continent in the world with its rich cultural heritage, the bank said the continent remains the only one in the world that was evidently bequeathed with the most colourful and distinctively diverse culture appreciated across the globe.
From her aesthetic art works, ethnic costumes, expressive dances, mind-blowing plethora of languages, amazing dishes, tourists attractions, and wildlife among others, Africa is seen as a world power that is yet to explore.
It is, therefore, to proudly project her cultural heritage that the UBA hosted the event in Lagos to commemorate this year’s Africa Day. It said that part of its aim was for dignitaries to map out lasting solutions to persisting challenges in the continent.
Themed, ‘The Importance of Reflecting our African Culture in Global Success Stories,’ the event underscored the tremendous shift in Africa’s cultural influence – from Afrobeat to African films; Big African fashion labels and African authors; entertainment and culture.
According to the Deputy Managing Director, UBA, Oliver Alawuba, “It is from Africa that UBA Africa was set up,” he conceded, adding that the bank had invested so much in Africa. “We are in 20 African countries and four countries outside Africa. Our focus has always been on driving investments into Africa, through conversations such as this.”
Alawuba said UBA aspired to develop and grow in the world, adding that unity is critical and very important in Africa hence the emphasis on how to change the narrative. “Unity is critical and very important for the future of Africa, we need to remain united to achieve our aspirations”, he said.
Taking a cue from the MD, the Namibian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Humphrey Desmond Geiseb, talked about how globalisation has been good for Africa. “Of course, there are still some gaps. There are still a lot of things about Africa that are not known. And I believe that culture and arts can help to get it right for us.”
Since Saturday 25th May 1963, Africa Day has been celebrated across the continent and worldwide. The day was inaugurated by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in celebration of the unity, diversity and beauty of Africa and its people.
Consequently, as one of Africa’s leading financial services institutions, with a pan-African footprint spanning 20 African countries and globally in the US, UK, the United Arab Emirates and France, UBA says it’s fully committed to unifying Africa. It also continues to lead the narrative focused on the development, growth, and unity of Africa.
The UBA ‘Africa Conversations’ which the event featured, was established in May 2019 as a hallmark initiative in a series of celebrations for Africa Day.
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