United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, employee well-being, 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 UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba. The bank’s CEO celebrated the milestone alongside staff and colleagues across the continent.
A key highlight of the event was a coordinated environmental clean-up exercise conducted simultaneously across UBA’s African markets. Employees in cities including Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Dakar participated in cleaning public spaces, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship.
Speaking during the event, Alawuba said there was no better way to celebrate his birthday than with the people who contribute to the bank’s success.
“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,” he said.
According to him, the initiative, themed “The Power Within U,” brings employees together every quarter to promote fitness, teamwork, creativity, community service, and environmental responsibility.
“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 added.
In Lagos, employees participated in several 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.
The initiative reflects UBA’s belief that corporate success should go hand in hand with positive social and environmental impact. By combining employee engagement with community service, the bank continues to strengthen its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda while creating lasting value in the communities where it operates.
UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, described the programme as a reflection of the bank’s people-first culture and long-term sustainability strategy.
“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,” she said.
She added that “Jogging to Bond” promotes a healthy workplace culture, strengthens teamwork, and supports environmental sustainability, while creating value for employees, customers, shareholders, and communities across Africa.
As part of its broader Employee Value Proposition and ESG strategy, UBA continues to implement programmes that encourage wellness, volunteerism, employee engagement, and environmental responsibility across its operations.
With initiatives such as “Jogging to Bond,” the bank says it remains committed to building a healthier workforce, cleaner communities, and a more sustainable future across Africa.
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. The bank serves millions of customers globally through its retail, commercial, and institutional banking services while promoting financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainable growth.
