In a remarkable recognition of efforts toward inclusivity, the House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities has honored the United Bank for Africa (UBA) for its progressive strides in integrating blind persons into its banking system. The prestigious award, recommended by the blind community, underscores UBA’s commitment to ensuring a more accessible banking experience for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
During the award presentation, Hon. Dr. Bashiru Ayinla Dawodu, Chairman of the House Committee on Disabilities, commended UBA for its trailblazing initiatives. In his speech, he described the recognition as both an acknowledgment and an encouragement for other organizations to follow suit in prioritizing accessibility and inclusion.
“This award celebrates the noble steps UBA has taken in making the account opening process seamless for blind persons,” Hon. Dawodu stated. “It also serves as a call to action for them to do more, particularly in enhancing the accessibility of their branches nationwide and meeting the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities, as mandated by the Disability Act.”
UBA’s Framework for Disability Inclusion
In response, UBA’s Executive Director for the Northern Region, Mr. Alex Alozie, expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting that disability inclusion is already embedded in the organization’s policy framework. He outlined the bank’s ongoing efforts to ensure its branches are accessible and its banking processes seamless for PWDs.
“At UBA, we have adopted a framework for disability inclusion. Our goal is to make all our branches accessible to persons with disabilities and to engage the community for continuous improvement. For instance, there is a standing directive that PWDs visiting our branches must be prioritized and attended to promptly. If necessary, services can even be offered outside the banking hall,” Alozie explained.
Touching on the employment of PWDs, Alozie acknowledged that the bank is yet to meet the mandated 5% quota but attributed this to a low number of applications from PWDs during recruitment exercises.
“In our last recruitment, only five persons with disabilities applied, and three are currently undergoing training. We are committed to working closely with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to improve outreach and encourage more PWDs to apply for opportunities at UBA,” he added.
Voices from the Disability Community
Representatives from the disability community were present at the event and provided constructive feedback to the bank. Comrade Chris Agbo, Executive Director of The Qualitative Magazine and Co-Chair of the Accelerate Disability Inclusion in Emergencies Forum, commended UBA for its efforts but urged the bank to address existing challenges before branding itself as fully disability-inclusive.
“While UBA has made commendable strides, full inclusion requires addressing accessibility challenges in your branches and considering the diverse needs of different disabilities. I also encourage UBA to explicitly state in its job advertisements that persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Many PWDs struggle with low self-esteem due to years of discrimination, and such affirmative action can boost their confidence to seek opportunities,” Agbo emphasized.
Dr. Chike Okogwu, CEO of CARE-Nigeria, also lauded UBA for its proactive approach to disability inclusion but reminded the bank of the work still to be done. “Many UBA branches remain inaccessible to PWDs. I urge the bank to collaborate more closely with disability experts to strengthen its capacity and achieve its inclusion goals.”
Accessibility Audits and the Road Ahead
A notable highlight of the event was a statement from the Chairman of the Board of the Association of Accessibility Professionals, Barr. Yusuf Iyodo who stressed the importance of conducting accessibility audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
“You cannot claim to have resolved accessibility issues without undergoing an accessibility audit. It is not enough to put up a ramp—did it adhere to regulatory standards? Certification through an audit is critical to achieving true accessibility,” he stated.
Commitments for the Future
In the spirit of collaboration, it was agreed that UBA would work with the House Committee on Disabilities and experts from the disability community to undertake several key initiatives, including:
- Conducting an accessibility audit of all UBA branches nationwide.
- Enhancing the participation of PWDs in employment opportunities.
- Strengthening staff capacity on the concept of disability inclusion through targeted training programs.
These commitments signify UBA’s resolve to be a leader in disability inclusion within Nigeria’s banking sector.
A Shared Vision for Inclusion
The event concluded on a hopeful note, with stakeholders, lawmakers, and disability advocates agreeing that UBA’s progress sets a positive precedent for other organizations. The recognition by the House Committee on Disabilities is not just an award but a challenge to other corporate entities to break barriers and create an inclusive society for all.
As Hon. Dawodu remarked, “Inclusion is not just an act of charity; it is a moral and legal responsibility. Let this recognition inspire others to take concrete actions that make life easier for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.”
With its continued commitment to inclusivity, UBA is positioning itself as a trailblazer, proving that businesses can thrive while fostering equity and accessibility.
