It was a night of celebration and recognition at the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassador Awards in Lagos, and United Bank for Africa (UBA) came out on top. The bank didn’t just win; it dominated, taking home four major awards, including the prestigious Platinum Service Ambassador Award.
These awards spotlight financial institutions that are making a real impact in the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) space, and UBA’s wins speak volumes. The bank was recognised for:
- Highest Impact on MSMEs in Nigeria
- Highest Impact on Women MSMEs
- Highest Impact in the North-Central Zone
- Platinum Service Ambassador Award – the highest honour of the night
These accolades highlight what UBA has always been about: creating opportunities, enabling businesses, and driving inclusive economic growth, especially for women-led businesses and underserved communities across Nigeria.
A Vision Backed by Action
Speaking at the event, UBA’s Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi, expressed gratitude on behalf of the bank. “We’re deeply honoured by this recognition. It validates our commitment to MSMEs, especially women entrepreneurs,” he said. “This is not just about awards — it’s about the lives we’re helping to change through access to finance, capacity-building, and digital innovation.”
Why This Matters
MSMEs are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet access to funding and support remains a major challenge for many small businesses. That’s where UBA and DBN come in. Together, they’re breaking down barriers, creating financial solutions that work, and ensuring businesses don’t just survive — they thrive.
Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of DBN, praised UBA’s dedication: “UBA’s consistent efforts in supporting MSMEs, especially in underserved areas, align perfectly with our mission. We’re proud to work with a bank that sets the pace in inclusive finance.”
More Than Just Banking
With operations in 20 African countries and beyond, including the U.S., UK, UAE, and France, UBA isn’t just a bank. It’s a pan-African powerhouse serving over 45 million customers. With 25,000 employees across the group, UBA continues to push the envelope in financial services, digital banking, and economic empowerment.
Bottom Line? UBA’s big night at the DBN Awards isn’t just a win for the bank — it’s a win for every small business owner, woman entrepreneur, and underserved community they’re working to uplift.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.