A Night in Wakanda: UBA celebrates Africa’s excellence, diversity

Pan-African financial services group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, last Friday, treated its esteemed clients to an evening of fun glamour and glitz at the screening of the most anticipated movie of the year ‘ Black Panther’.
The movie premier, powered by UBA, which celebrates black excellence and diversity witnessed a gathering of distinguished personalities, including, business magnates, captains of industry, opinion leaders, entertainers and distinguished media personalities who turned out in their numbers to see the epic film.
It was a night when all let go and got immersed in the excitement of one special evening at the Imax Filmhouse Cinemas, Lekki as customers, celebrities and friends of Africa’s global bank walked onto a well-laid black carpet, ushering them into what turned out to be an unforgettable and exciting evening. The premier which was themed ‘A night in Wakanda with Leo’ was one that lived up to billing, following the posers put on all UBA platforms requesting that guests turn out like royalty, with special African attire at an event where Africa is being celebrated. Many came dressed in traditional Nigerian robes and gowns, in keeping with the film’s futuristic take on African garments.
Beyond the black carpet, the ambience of IMAX emerged into an exciting mix of lights and music. The stage was set and the evening did not fail to deliver non-stop entertainment till the early hours of Saturday. It was like being on Broad Way, as ace compere, Ebuka Uchendu, led the guests through a night of fun and laughter and of course, lots to eat and drink.
Speaking on the reason why UBA put got involved in the premier, the Chairman of UBA, Mr. Tony Elumelu said, the movie focuses on Africa and aptly captures the great potential inherent in the continent. “We need to expose our kids to African excellence everywhere we find it, especially on TV, which has a huge influence on them”.
“That is why more than anything, UBA decided to support the premiere of an African story that says it all, with the deftness it deserves. Knowledge has no currency or value, it is priceless, he further said, Africans must come up with up with innovative home grown solutions, for challenges encountered. UBA is passionate about innovation in serving Africa and wants to be a part of its success story, he said”.
The Group MD Kennedy Uzoka, further explained that the story of Black Panther which focuses on Africa’s rich culture, celebrates excellence and the embodiment of greatness which Africa personifies.  “It is equally a powerful piece that mimicks real life to a certain extent. UBA(United Bank for Africa) has a wide footprint across Africa and we are very well known for being first in innovation, that tells you to a great extent, why we connect with the  story”.
He further said, “It is also worthy to note that UBA and our new Ai, Leo, the chat banker personifies excellence and the can do spirit captured in the film, which is why we are aligned with iconic  movie and decided to make it a night for clients”.
Some of the dignitaries present  at the event include The Group Chairman of UBA Mr. Tony Elumelu and his wife Dr Awele; UBA’s Group Managing Director, Mr Kennedy Uzoka and wife Lotanna; Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Nwankwo; Former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo;  Media personalities were also present including Mo Abudu, Noble Igwe; Betty Irabor, Ruth Osime. There were so many celebrities present that every corner you turned you saw a throng of celebs like. It was a star studded black carpet with Koye Kekere Ekun, IllRymes,  Omoni Oboli, Arese Ugwu, Lala Akindoju, Toolz, Banky W, Akah, Bolanle Olukanmi, Folu Storms, Naeto C, Lynx, Ajebutter, Toju Foye and many more.