UBA Bags 4 Major DBN Awards for Lifting Small Businesses

UBA Bags 4 Major DBN Awards for Lifting Small Businesses

UBA, United Bank for Africa, walked away with four top honours at the 2025 Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) Service Ambassador Awards held in Lagos and the excitement was palpable.

In a packed event filled with Nigeria’s top financial leaders, UBA stood tall. The bank didn’t just participate—it dominated. From supporting small businesses to helping women entrepreneurs thrive, UBA proved once again that its work goes far beyond profit-making. It’s about people.

The bank bagged four awards in total, including the highest recognition of the night—the Platinum Service Ambassador Award. Other wins included awards for the DMB (Deposit Money Bank) with the Highest Impact on MSMEs in Nigeria, the DMB with the Highest Impact on Women MSMEs, and the PFI (Participating Financial Institution) with the Highest Impact in the North-Central Zone.

Each award tells a story of real impact. It’s not just numbers in a report. These are lives changed, businesses lifted from survival to success, and underserved communities getting the attention they deserve.

In a statement shared by UBA, the bank expressed deep gratitude. “These accolades underscore our commitment to building financial inclusion and empowering communities,” the bank said. That’s not just corporate speak. For thousands of women and MSME owners, UBA has become a bridge to stability and growth.

The Platinum Award was received on behalf of UBA by its Deputy Managing Director, Muyiwa Akinyemi. His joy was clear, not just for the trophy but for what it means. “We are deeply honoured to be recognised by the Development Bank of Nigeria for our efforts in driving sustainable growth and empowerment for MSMEs, particularly women-led businesses,” he said.

Muyiwa pointed to UBA’s strategic efforts, especially around making financing more accessible. The bank is not only giving out loans but also helping build capacity through training, mentorship, and digital tools. “We remain committed to fostering economic resilience and prosperity across Nigeria,” he added.

For the Development Bank of Nigeria, the celebration was also personal. Its managing director, Dr. Tony Okpanachi, praised UBA for meeting the moment. “UBA has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to alleviating financing constraints faced by MSMEs in Nigeria,” he said.

Behind these victories is a clear mission: to uplift people. From local food vendors to small-scale fashion designers, UBA is building a system where everyone, especially women and people in remote regions, can access the financial tools they need to succeed.

Mr. Muyiwa Akinyemi, Deputy Managing Director of UBA, accepted the prestigious Platinum Service Ambassador Award on behalf of the bank. He spoke with pride about the bank’s purpose. “We are deeply honoured to be recognised by the Development Bank of Nigeria for our efforts in driving sustainable growth and empowerment for MSMEs, particularly women-led businesses and enterprises in Nigeria,” he said.

“These awards are a testament to our strategic focus on providing accessible financing, capacity building, and innovative solutions that enable small businesses to thrive. We remain committed to fostering economic resilience and prosperity across Nigeria,” he added.

To many small business owners, that commitment is more than a slogan. It translates to real-life support—loans, digital banking tools, business mentorship, and training that improve livelihoods and help families stand on firmer financial ground.

UBA’s reach extends far beyond Nigeria. Operating in over 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the UAE, the bank supports more than 45 million customers globally. It also employs over 25,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in Africa’s financial sector. But even with this vast global footprint, UBA still keeps its eyes on the people who need help the most—small businesses struggling to grow.

Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director and CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria, highlighted UBA’s unwavering commitment. “UBA has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to alleviating financing constraints faced by MSMEs in Nigeria. Their impactful interventions, especially in supporting women entrepreneurs and underserved regions, align perfectly with DBN’s mandate. We celebrate UBA’s achievements and encourage them to continue setting benchmarks in MSME financing,” he said.

That benchmark is more than just funding. It’s about service. It’s about community. And UBA is walking that talk through innovative platforms like its upgraded MONI app and revamped Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals. These tools are making digital transactions easier and more secure for traders and business owners who might never have used such services before.

The Development Bank of Nigeria created the Service Ambassador Awards to recognise financial institutions that drive real impact. Every year, it shines a light on banks that do more than talk—they act. DBN’s own mission is to break the financing barriers that prevent MSMEs from growing. By working with banks like UBA, DBN is pushing Nigeria closer to a future where more businesses survive, more jobs are created, and more dreams are built.

For UBA, the awards are not just trophies—they’re a call to action. And the bank seems ready to rise to that challenge, again and again.

As one of Africa’s most trusted financial brands, UBA continues to innovate. It’s not just about banking anymore—it’s about helping millions move forward. From corner shops in Jos to tech startups in Lagos, UBA’s support is felt. And now, with these four fresh awards in hand, the bank’s message is loud and clear: it’s here to lead with purpose.