The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation, on Monday inaugurated a pedestrian bridge at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Inaugurating the bridge, the Group Managing Director of UBA, Mr Kennedy Uzoka, said the construction of the bridge was part of the bank’s efforts to give back to the society.
Uzoka also said the bank deemed it necessary to construct the bridge, to cushion the suffering of the students of the institution.
“Today’s event is very symbolic. We believe in the society we operate in and this gesture is part of efforts of the UBA Foundation to give back to the society.
“I strongly believe that with this bridge, students can move freely and will not have to go a long distance to reach their hostels.
‘’So, this saves time and will enable them to study harder,” he said.
He said the Foundation gave priority to education through scholarship to Nigerian students; improve environment and empowered many people with a view to impacting on the society.
According to Uzoka, UBA is creating a new narrative for Africa capable of making Africans run organisations that can stand the test of time for over 100 years.
In his remarks, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba lauded the UBA Foundation for the gesture.
He called on other banks operating in the state to emulate the footstep of the bank by giving back to the society.
“We need more of these interventions to public universities in order to improve teaching and learning.
‘’I really commend Tony Elumelu and the Group Managing Director for coming to the aid of the students,” the governor said
Tambuwal, therefore, renamed the bridge ‘Tony Elumelu UBA Pedestrian Bridge’.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, described the construction of the pedestrian bridge as unprecedented.
He said it would go a long way in taking care of the challenges facing the students. (NAN)
