UBA Foundation Extends Support to Vulnerable Lagos Residents Through Outreach

The UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of United Bank for Africa Plc, has reaffirmed its commitment to community development by reaching out to vulnerable residents in Lagos through a targeted outreach programme. The initiative, which took place over the weekend, provided essential supplies and support services to hundreds of individuals, particularly those struggling with economic hardship.

In a statement, the Foundation said the outreach was part of its ongoing efforts to uplift underserved communities across Nigeria. The event was held in collaboration with local community leaders, non-governmental organisations, and volunteers, ensuring the aid reached those most in need. Beneficiaries included widows, unemployed youth, elderly citizens, and persons with disabilities.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, said the intervention aligned with the organisation’s vision of driving positive change in society. “Our goal is to empower and support communities, especially those who face the greatest challenges. We believe that by lending a helping hand, we can restore hope and contribute to building a more inclusive society,” she said.

Atta noted that the outreach programme was not just about distributing material items but also about showing compassion and solidarity. She stressed that the Foundation remained committed to initiatives that promote education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation.

During the Lagos outreach, beneficiaries received food packs, clothing, hygiene kits, and other household necessities. Medical personnel were also on hand to offer basic health checks, provide medications, and give health advice. Several attendees expressed their gratitude, describing the support as timely and life-changing given the rising cost of living and inflationary pressures in the country.

One beneficiary, Mrs. Funke Ajayi, a widow with three children, said the food items and medical assistance would go a long way in easing her burden. “These are hard times for many of us, and this kind gesture from UBA Foundation has brought relief to my family,” she said with visible emotion.

The Foundation also used the occasion to sensitise residents on financial literacy, encouraging them to embrace savings and simple budgeting techniques to better manage their limited resources. Bank staff present at the event provided guidance on how to access financial services that could support small businesses and personal growth.

According to UBA Foundation, this Lagos outreach is part of a broader series of humanitarian activities it has planned for 2025 across Africa. Similar interventions are scheduled for other Nigerian states and in countries where UBA operates, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The organisation’s community support initiatives have been widely recognised for their impact. Over the years, the Foundation has spearheaded scholarship programmes, school rehabilitation projects, tree planting campaigns, and COVID-19 relief interventions, benefiting millions across the continent.

Industry analysts note that such consistent community engagement by corporate bodies not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters goodwill and strengthens brand reputation. In the case of UBA, its philanthropic activities have positioned it as a socially responsible leader in Africa’s banking sector.

While praising the Foundation’s efforts, some stakeholders urged more corporate organisations to emulate such examples by dedicating a portion of their profits to humanitarian and development causes. They argued that the private sector has a critical role to play in complementing government efforts, especially in times of economic difficulty.

Bola Atta, in her closing remarks, reiterated that UBA Foundation would remain steadfast in its mission. “We are driven by the belief that corporate success is incomplete without social impact. Our outreach in Lagos is a reminder that we all have a role in building a better future, and UBA will continue to invest in initiatives that transform lives,” she said.

The event concluded with musical performances, children’s activities, and interactive sessions that fostered a sense of community among attendees. Volunteers described the experience as rewarding, noting that seeing the smiles and relief on the faces of beneficiaries was a powerful motivator for continued service.

For many of the vulnerable residents, the outreach was more than a charitable exercise; it was a moment of human connection and hope in challenging times. As UBA Foundation continues its outreach programmes across the continent, it aims to inspire other institutions to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.