Access Bank, UBA Win Global Awards 2016

Access Bank Plc tuesday disclosed that it emerged as Nigeria’s biggest winner at the 2016 EMEA Finance Banking Awards by leading financial publication EMEA Finance Magazine.

Access Bank won in three categories awarded to financial institutions in the Pan-African Region: the ‘CEO of the Year’, awarded to Access Bank’s Group Managing Director and CEO, Herbert Wigwe; ‘Best Bank in Nigeria’ and ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’.

This is just as United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc revealed that it won the ‘Bank of The Year 2016’ in Gabon, Congo-Brazzaville, Senegal, Cameroon and Chad at the annual Bankers Award in London.

However, receiving the award on behalf of Access Bank at the annual African Banking Awards Dinner in London, Wigwe thanked the staff of Access Bank, acknowledging their support in achieving the goal of not only becoming one of the top three banks in Nigeria, but also for participating in the firm’s CSR activities that have touched the lives of thousands of Nigerians.

Wigwe said: “We are delighted to receive these prestigious awards. It is a testimonial to the hard work we have done in line with our five-year strategy to become the world’s most respected African Bank.

“2016 has been a remarkable year for the Bank as we continue to receive both regional and international acclaim. I am extremely proud to be part of a profitable institution that is committed to delivering sustainable economic growth that is profitable, environmentally responsible and socially relevant. We have reaffirmed our status as innovative industry pioneers equipped to help our customers take tomorrow today.”

Wigwe led Access Bank’s efforts to incorporate sustainability across all aspects of the bank’s activities. In doing so, he also moved the entire sector forward, and now all of Nigeria’s banks, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, have adopted what is known as the Nigerian Sustainable Banking Principles.

On his part, the Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka dedicated the five awards won by his financial institution to the customers, whose loyalty, support and patronage he said has remained the fountain of the Group’s growth and competitive edge in the African continent.

He commended the country CEOs, staff and other stakeholders of the five subsidiaries for the performance, stating that the Group can achieve more with the renewed focus on customer service.

“The recognition speaks volumes. It validates the strong management, staff committment to service excellence, sound business model and prudent risk management in these country subsidiaries. We will keep up the good work” Uzoka said further.