By Stephen N. Sonpon
Monrovia, May 23 (LINA) – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has received in audience the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, along with other senior officials of the bank during a courtesy visit to the Executive Mansion in Monrovia.
The meeting, held in the Cabinet Room of the Executive Mansion, focused on strengthening collaboration and fostering partnerships aimed at promoting national development, economic growth, and empowerment opportunities for Liberians.
Members of the President’s Senior Management Team also attended the engagement.
During the meeting, President Boakai emphasized the need for African institutions and businesses to invest more meaningfully in the continent by harnessing Africa’s vast natural resources for the benefit of its people.
“Years ago, foreign powers came to Africa and took away Africans. Today, they are returning to take away Africa through the exploitation of our resources. As Africans, we must take responsibility to develop our own resources and build our continent,” President Boakai stated.
The Liberian leader further encouraged UBA to expand its contributions beyond banking and marketing by investing in education, strengthening community relations, and supporting youth empowerment initiatives that would positively impact the lives of citizens and contribute to sustainable national development.
President Boakai also noted that his Administration remains committed to improving infrastructure and enhancing the living conditions of all Liberians, stressing that his leadership is centered on achieving collective national progress.
For his part, Mr. Oliver Alawuba commended the Government of Liberia for creating an enabling environment for banking and corporate institutions to thrive.
He disclosed that UBA is expanding its branch network across Liberia to increase financial inclusion through the opening of three additional branches, including a new head office, to encourage broader participation in the country’s economic activities.
Mr. Alawuba further noted that UBA has operated in Liberia for nearly 16 years and remains committed to supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives, including a pledge to revamp the maternity ward at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center.
He added that the bank will continue supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women-led initiatives, to help stimulate economic growth and development.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at advancing Liberia’s economic transformation, promoting private sector growth, and creating greater opportunities for the Liberian people.