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UBA SOCIETY
BY NONSO NDUANYA
“Tony promised it and he did it,” said the President of the Republic of Mali, Mr Ibrahim Aboubacar Keita, refer-
ring to UBA’s Group Chairman, Mr Tony O. Elumelu, on his promise made several years ago to bring UBA to Mali.
UBA’s expansion into Mali had been in the works for quite a while. The drive was part of the bank’s strategic expan- sion and intent to contribute to financial inclusion, boost regional exchanges and participate in the economic and social development of the African continent.
It finally came pass, UBA commenced full banking operations in Mali and lit-
erally took the country by storm with a series of launch events that could only be befitting of Africa’s global bank.
A free concert was held on the eve of the formal launch, featuring two giants of African popular music: Nigeria’s Wizkid and Malian new generation griot, Sidiki Diabate. The concert which was attended by over 10,000 people was
so highly anticipated that hundreds
of youths could be seen queuing for choice front row positions hours before the commencement of the show.
In what was an unforgettable night, Sidiki Diabate accompanied by his
84 | The Lion King | Commemorative Edition | January - April 2019
we took
Mali
by
storm