The United Bank for Africa (UBA), a Nigerian pan-African financial services group, financed the world-class Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon which hosted the AFCON final, the Group Chairman of the bank, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has said.
Elumelu, who was in Yaounde for the continental soccer festival, said he was proud to be at the stadium to witness the AFCON final.
“UBA Group has been a long-term partner, investing in infrastructure and the growth of small businesses in Cameroon. In fact, UBA was the financier of the stadium in which the AFCON final was held.
“It was a proud moment for me, witnessing history made in that same stadium!’’ Persecondnews quotes Elumelu as saying.
On the purpose of his visit to the country, the UBA chair said:“My visit was timely for two main reasons – To join our brothers and sisters in Cameroon to witness the AFCON finals hosted in the world-class Olembe stadium, Yaoundé, and to explore further investment opportunities in Cameroon.
“My meeting with the Presidency, later during my trip, was largely to discuss ways to catalyze the growth of small business entrepreneurs.
“Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation we have empowered almost 700 young, energetic, and brilliant Cameroonians, each with $5000 non-refundable seed capital, training, and mentorship. With collaboration with the government, we can scale this impact across Cameroon and empower much more.
“I also got the opportunity to catch up with our board and management at UBA Cameroon and applaud the amazing work they are doing under their capable leadership.’’
WhiIe commending President Paul Biya, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and the good people of Cameroon for a successful AFCON outing, Elumelu, who is the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said:“ They did an amazing job hosting a world-class AFCON finale, helping to further project Africa in a positive light to the world.
“The ceremony showed that Africans can transform the African story to one of excellence, enterprise, and execution – 3 values that make up our Heirs Group DNA.
“Again, congratulations to Senegal, the champions of AFCON 2021. You did Africa proud. Congrats to Egypt on your silver award and for putting up a good match.
“Finally, thank you, Secretary-General of Cameroon, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, for the warm reception I received at the Presidency. And to the good people of Cameroon, I say, Merci Beaucoup!’’
UBA Plc has subsidiaries in 20 African countries and offices in London, Paris, and New York. It is listed as a commercial bank by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The shares of stock of the group are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.