One of the leading financial institution, Ecobank has boasted to have their footprint in 35 countries in Africa than any other private sector, organization, be it in banking, aviation or manufacturing.
Outgoing Managing Director of Ecobank, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), to Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos recently.
According to him; “Ecobank is a unique financial institution with presence in more African countries than any other private sector organization, be it in banking, aviation or manufacturing. We have our footprint in 35 countries in Africa. We are the face of Africa. Working for the dignity of Africa and how Africa will survive. We have a mandate to transform Africa. We believe banking should be accessible to everybody. That is why we introduced agency banking to provide basic banking services in unbanked communities. I also enjoin our staff to continue to work hard, when a bank does well, everyone smiles.” He said.
NUBIFIE, which is the umbrella body of junior workers in the financial services industry at the visit commended the Management of Ecobank Nigeria over it’s labour friendly policies that have enhanced the welfare of its members who are staff of the bank.
Speaking at the courtesy visit, NUBIFIE’s National President, Comrade Anthony Abakpa stated that Ecobank is responsive to its workers’ welfare and has set the standard in maintaining high level industrial relationship with the union.
Comrade Abakpa reiterated that Ecobank’s management has shown approachable leadership in its dealings with the union.
He requested that the positive relationship be sustained for the interest of the workers and the growth of the financial institution, also referred to as the Pan African bank.
Also, General Secretary of NUBIFIE, Muhammed Sheikh, explained that the visit was to thank the outgoing Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan for the warm relationship and open access granted to them during his tenure as the Chief Executive of the bank and to bid him farewell.
In his words, “Our visit is to express our gratitude to the management of Ecobank and the outgoing managing director for his support and receptiveness to the interest of workers during his tenure.
“We enjoyed open access to him, and this went a long way to promote industrial harmony in the bank. We are inspired by your achievements and loyalty to the Ecobank brand; We bid you goodbye and wish you well in your future endeavors”. He stated.
Earlier in his welcome address, Akinwuntan appreciated the warm relationship he had with the union, urging them to extend same to his successor.
He pointed out that industrial harmony goes a long way to creating an environment for any business to thrive.
The labour union presented an award of excellence to Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding support and positive disposition to industrial relations issues as managing director of Ecobank.
