The UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm of the United Bank for Africa has announced its completion of the construction of a pedestrian bridge primarily for students of the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (ODUS), thus bringing comfort to students of the institution.
The construction of the bridge valued at about N13 million was inaugurated recently by the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
For over four decades, the students of Usman Danfodiyo University, especially those living off-campus used to find it tedious to connect the campus as the area was impassable, especially during rainy season. They couldn’t get in and out of their dormitories and to the mosque easily and were going through an uncomfortably long route to get to lectures.
In August 2017, at the National Dialogue Series organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the school, the Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu acceded to the request of the students who had informed him of their plight and promised to assist them. UBA Foundation came to their aid.
At the unveiling ceremony of the newly constructed bridge, the UBA GMD, Kennedy Uzoka expressed delight at the prompt completion of the project and reminded the students that UBA remained committed to easing the day-to-day challenges of the citizens, and especially students living within and beyond its areas of operations.
He added that the core values of the bank is aimed at putting the customers and society first.
This, he noted prompted the bank’s intervention, adding that ensuring customers’ satisfaction and giving back to the people were a focal point for the bank and the UBA Foundation.
He said: “As an institution, we are passionate about giving back to society through UBA’s Foundations’ components: Empowerment, Education and Environment.
“This construction falls under the area of education and environment. We want to be a role model with uniqueness not by coincidence but by physical commitment and strengthening of our good will in advancing the course of humanity through our foundation.
“We have been doing this over the years by sponsoring essay competitions and indigent students to institutions across African countries where we operate.
We believe in meritocracy, industry, entrepreneurship and mentorship of young students to become good ambassadors of the country in their endeavours.”