By Francis Ajuonuma
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa, Oliver Alawuba, has dedicated his recognition at the 2026 Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Awards Night to the bank’s workforce across Africa, describing their commitment as the foundation of UBA’s growth and success.
Alawuba received the award in the Non-Members Category at the ICAN Annual Dinner and Awards Night held in Lagos over the weekend, alongside Niger State Governor Umar Mohammed Bago and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.
The ceremony attracted top government officials, business executives and professionals, with ICAN celebrating individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to economic growth, corporate governance and professional excellence in Nigeria.
Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, alongside ICAN President and Council Chairman, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, presented the award to Alawuba.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Alawuba said the recognition belonged to thousands of UBA employees whose dedication had continued to strengthen the bank’s operations across Africa.
“This honour belongs to every member of the UBA family who works tirelessly every day to serve our customers and build an institution that transcends individuals. I proudly accept this recognition on their behalf,” he said.
He urged young Nigerians to embrace professionalism, integrity and discipline, stressing that sustainable success could only be achieved through competence and hard work.
“There are no shortcuts to success. Build your competence, uphold integrity, and remain committed to excellence. Recognition will come,” Alawuba stated.
ICAN President, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, described the award recipients as exemplary leaders whose achievements continue to inspire the accounting profession and Nigeria’s corporate environment.
“Tonight is not only about celebrating achievements; it is about showcasing role models whose impact and values can inspire the accounting profession and the wider Nigerian economy,” Yahaya said.
Also speaking, Amosun commended Alawuba for his support for ICAN and his contributions to professional development within Nigeria’s banking sector.
“We appreciate your contributions and look forward to even greater support in the future,” Amosun added.
Other recipients in the Non-Members Category included Kunle Ahmed and Godwin Chinyere Nwabunka.
The Members Category featured honours for Uwem Andrew-Essien, Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom State, and Odunayo Ani of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
Young professionals recognised at the event included Olumide Akinpelumi of Ernst & Young and Hauwa Nana Ibrahim of the Nigeria Revenue Service.
Corporate awards were also presented to Amber Prime Plastics Limited, New Nigeria Development Company Limited and Dufil Prima Foods Limited for their contributions to Nigeria’s business environment.
