L-R: Former Ambassador of Nigeria to Ghana, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; President and Chairman of Council, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya; award recipient and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa, Oliver Alawuba; and Former Governor of Ogun State and Special Guest of Honour, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, FCA, during the presentation of 2026 ICAN ICON Award to the UBA GMD, during the 2026 ICAN Annual Dinner and Award Night, held in Lagos at the weekend
Alawuba dedicated award to thousands of UBA employees across Africa.
The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa, Mr Oliver Alawuba; the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago; and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, have been honoured by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria at its 2026 Annual Dinner and Awards Night.
The eminent Nigerians bagged the recognition alongside other prominent corporate leaders and public administrators, according to a statement by the bank on Tuesday.
The prestigious event, held over the weekend in Lagos, brought together top leaders from the public and private sectors to celebrate individuals and organisations whose contributions have significantly impacted Nigeria’s economic growth and professional development.
Alawuba, who received the award in the Non-Members Category, was presented with the honour by a former Governor of Ogun State and Special Guest of Honour, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, alongside the President and Chairman of the Council of ICAN, Mallam Haruna Yahaya.
Speaking after receiving the award, Alawuba dedicated the recognition to the thousands of UBA employees across Africa whose dedication and commitment continue to drive the bank’s success and expansion.
“This honour belongs to every member of the UBA family who works tirelessly every day to serve our customers and build an institution that transcends individuals. I proudly accept this recognition on their behalf,” he said.
Addressing young Nigerians, Alawuba emphasised the importance of competence, integrity, discipline and professionalism in building a globally competitive Africa, saying, “I want every young Nigerian to understand that there are no shortcuts to success. Build your competence, uphold integrity and remain committed to excellence. Recognition will come. Africa’s brightest days are ahead, and it is your generation that will shape that future.”
In his remarks, the ICAN President and Chairman of Council, Yahaya, described the award recipients as exemplary leaders whose careers embody the values of integrity, professionalism, accountability and service.
“Tonight is not only about celebrating achievements; it is about showcasing role models whose impact and values can inspire the accounting profession and the wider Nigerian economy,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Amosun commended Alawuba’s support for the institute and described him as an exceptional financial leader with a strong commitment to professional development.
“Thank you for the immense support you have continued to give to ICAN. It is one of the reasons I am honoured to present this award to you tonight. We appreciate your contributions and look forward to even greater support in the future,” Amosun said.
Other recipients in the Non-Members Category included CEO of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, and Chairman of the Nigerian Insurers Association, Kunle Ahmed and Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Amadeus University, Godwin Nwabunka.
In the Members Category, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, was honoured alongside Uwem Andrew-Essien, Accountant-General of Akwa Ibom State; and Odunayo Ani, Director, Financial Services Department, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
The Young Members Category recognised Associate Director, Indirect Tax and Global Trade at Ernst & Young, Olumide Akinpelumi and Group Director of Non-Tax Revenue at the Nigeria Revenue Service, Hauwa Ibrahim.
Corporate Awards were also presented to Amber Prime Plastics Limited, New Nigeria Development Company Limited and Dufil Prima Foods Limited for their contributions to Nigeria’s business and economic environment.
