Africa to the World

 

 

AFRICA TO THE WORLD

As Africa rises from the ashes of slavery, and white imperialism, seeking to take back her power, our fallen heroes in 1963 took a stand to give us freedom. 32 heads of state from Africa signed a pact and demanded that we be given back our birthright, 50 years and counting, we are here, alive and beating to the drums of a brighter future from the sacrifice of brave men.  To this day we celebrate victory that was instituted on the 25th of May of 1963.

The United Bank for Africa is more than just a bank that offers financial services, we believe in the strength of a United Africa, we are one bank connecting the African continent. We have embodied the spirit of Ubuntu -” I am because you are” -Oneness.

To this, every year the United Bank for Africa commemorates Africa Day across its’ 20 subsidiaries, this years’ celebration themed ’Africa to the World’ presented us with the opportunity to share with the world our knowledge, strength, wealth, diversity, history, rich culture, music, food and fashion.

On the 25th of May 2021, UBA Sierra Leone, joined the UBA group and the continent to celebrate Africa Day, staff were adorned in colorful African attires. Making ‘The Grand Entrance’, the MD/CEO Usman Isiaka, made it to work on a white African horse. The atmosphere was serenaded with African drums and traditional music, and members of the tribe matched behind, with their faces light up in smiles, and their feet dancing to the rhythm of the African beat, as if to say ‘we are free’ – it was pure joy!

 

Cheers and chatter came from neighboring offices, commuters and passersby, as we walked, laughed, danced and sang out loud, the sound of our voices echoed throughout the city, leaving our customers and non-customers in bemusement, and others wishing to be part of the UBA Tribe. African delicacy and drinks such as; ginger beer, beni cake, granat cake, bitter cola, fufu and sawa were served to customers.

We felt the love, experienced the bond and oneness from across our branches, from Makeni to Bo City, Kissy road, to Cline town, Lumley, to Adelaide and down to our headquarters office on charlotte street, with every moment captured, leaving a picture perfect trail of unforgettable memories.

The UBA Group wide Africa day conversations streamed live on local television stations, intrigued audience and sparked a debate around neo-colonialism, a knowledge factory, that allowed viewers to deep in.  The buzz of the celebration was epic. Many went home jolly, and some even happier as winners emerged in different categories. Best dressed male and best dressed female where whisked away by Mbalu Conteh, and Alimamy Sultan Kamara aka ‘The Dress Code King’.

Compensational prizes, were given to Chicheerem Ike, and Umaru Sheku Kamara, for their exceptional display of quintessential African garments.

 

There was an awaking of the emergence of great writers, now renowned UBA Sierra Leone African Poets. This great men, poured their hearts out by the stroke of their pen, telling in a narrative expression of what Africa to the World means in their own language, our very own Sulaiman Bah went home with Le1,000,000 as the winner of the poetry competition.

The celebration of the Africa Day ended in the scroll of events, but continues in our hearts and minds, because this day, symbolizes our unified strength, and reverberates the essence of Ubuntu. The United Bank for Africa continues to drive Africapitalism and remains the role model for African businesses across the globe.

By Esther Michael
Brand Management Officer