In a vibrant celebration of culture and unity, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and it Sierra Leone touch points joined the rest of the continents in commemorating Africa Day on Friday 23rd May 2025. The event, held at the bank’s head office in Charlotte Street Freetown, brought together staff, customers, and members of the public, all dressed in colorful traditional attire to showcase the richness and diversity of the African heritage.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of UBA Sierra Leone, Chiedu Ngene, described Africa Day as a moment set aside every year to celebrate the uniqueness of Africa.
“UBA is identified as an Africa global bank, and this day is significant because it reflects our strength in cultural diversity,” he stated.
This year’s celebration is themed, “The Stories of Africa are Better Told by Africa Itself,” practically served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting our African cultures. “Africa is unique among all Continents; it is a home to countless tribes, languages, and traditions. The COO continued by assuring that: “It is our responsibility to showcase and preserve that beauty,”. He encouraged institutions and individuals to continue telling Africa’s stories through culture, tradition, and unity, noting that if cultural values are not maintained, they risk being lost over time. “If young people can be encouraged to celebrate African culture every year, its richness will be preserved and passed on from generation to generation.
The Country Head of Human Capital Management, Millicent Yormah Kamara, echoed the COO’s remarks, saying, “We are celebrating Africa Day because UBA is an African bank, and we are committed to projecting African culture to the world. Today, across the 20 African countries where UBA operates, we celebrate the uniqueness of our cultures. Here in Sierra Leone, we have many tribes, and each was proudly represented.” The celebration also highlighted staff dressed in symbolic traditional outfits.
Staff members from different units were all adorned in cultural wears symbolizing various tribes and cultures, in a symbolic call out to Sierra Leoneans to preserve and value their African culture and heritage. The dress also emphasizes that culture portrays identity and significance.
UBA Sierra Leone’s Africa Day celebration stood as a shining example of how institutions can lead in promoting African identity. The bank believes that although Africa Day may not be declared a public holiday, it is still a day that deserves national recognition and active participation.
The colourful event was climaxed with music, dance, storytelling, and a renewed sense of pride in being African.