UBA GMD Argues for Patience over Currency Reform.

The Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank of Africa (UBA), Oliver Alawuba, has praised the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for redesigning the currency with the policy of withdrawal limits.

Alawuba, who was among the four personalities conferred Honoris Causa at the weekend by the Imo State University, Owerri, urged depositors, unbanked people, and the populace to be patient as the processes last, expressing optimism that the situation would return to normal.

He said: “I appeal for patience, because the currency redesign is for the good of Nigerians.” “I am optimistic the exercise will rejuvenate the economy.”

Alawuba and three others in the category were found to have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavor.

On the occasion witnessed by the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; a former Governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha; the Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Nana Opiah; the Vice-Chancellors of the institution, Prof. U. U. Chukwumaeze; and some former vice chancellors, among others, Alawuba received a Doctorate Honoris Causa (Banking and Finance), with all the rights and privileges therein.

Others who were conferred honorary doctorates include a former governor of Anambra State, Virgy Etiaba; Chief Chika Emenike; and Simbi Wabote, among other 5,000 undergraduate and postgraduate graduands. The wife of Okorocha, Nkechi, also bagged an academic doctoral degree, among other serving and former government appointees and elected officers.

Fielding questions from journalists shortly after receiving the award, Alawuba said it will spur him to do more, stressing that such an award is “an enabler to serve humanity with passion.”

He thanked the Senate, management, and staff of the institution for finding him worthy of such.

Uzodimma urged the institution to strive harder, stressing that he was elated by the achievements recorded by the institution and commending the Vice Chancellor and his team.