NDIC, Banks Win Awards

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) said it was recently conferred with the ‘Special Recognition and Commendation Award for Excellence in Banking (Public Service)’ at the Business Day Banking Awards 2017.

In a letter of commendation to the corporation, the awards committee anchored by Business Day Research and Intelligence Unit (BRIU) stated that the NDIC was adjudged as “an outstanding public service provider” with sterling performance which stood high above its peers in effective leadership and accomplishments.

According to the organisers, the Award Committee , which was made up of eminent Nigerians, reviewed the pragmatic and tangible transformations which the corporation brought into management and execution of its core mandate including mitigation of corruption, insider abuse as well as containing non-performing loans in the nation’s financial system. The Committee stated that the NDIC “has also pursued the observance of corporate governance principles in the Nigeria’s financial system”, with declaration that this contribution and other milestone achievements earned the Corporation the public recognition.

Similarly, Sterling Bank Plc said it won the ‘Best Bank in Support of Agriculture’ award at the event. The bank said the award was in recognition of its peerless support to the entire value chain in the agriculture sector of the economy.

Speaking on the award, Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Sterling Bank, Mr. Kayode Lawal, said “The bank’s commitment to the agriculture value chain aligns with the Federal Government’s current policy focus of diversifying the economy and re-positioning the agriculture sector to play a lead role in economic development.”

In the same vein, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, said it was recognised for its support of the real sector as it won best bank in the category. The award, the organisers noted was in recognition of UBA’s leadership role as in expanding access to funds for the support of the real sector in Nigeria and the rest of Africa where it operates. This feat they further said has brought about unprecedented growth to the sector and by extension, the nation’s economy and that of Africa.

Speaking while receiving the award on behalf of the bank, Head Strategic Business Group, UBA, Mr. Usman Isiaka expressed appreciation to the organisers for recognising the role UBA was playing in Nigeria as well as the African continent in driving financial inclusion coupled with its role in supporting the growth of critical sectors.