2010 Annual Report and Financial Statements - UBA Plc

United Bank for Africa PlcCorporate Social Responsibility Report cont’dEnvironmentThe Group has been playing a visible role in providing facelifts to the environment within which it operates, focusing on the cleaningand beautification of selected sites in different communities. UBAF has transformed the Marina/Apongbon Roundabout, AllenAvenue Roundabout and Allen Avenue/Obafemi Awolowo Way Triangle all in Lagos, Nigeria. Apart from the aesthetic value created,these projects have also been used to provide employment opportunities for youths, who have employed been employed formaintenance, cleaning and gardening at these sites. In 2010 alone, over 50 youths were employed by the UBAF in Nigeria to engagein activities relating to this focus area.The Group also constructed a recreational park at the University of Lagos at a cost of N120m. The location was swampy and lyingfallow, UBAF got it cleared and sand-filled it before constructing the park, thereby transforming it to an attractive spot in theuniversity. As with all its CSR activities, UBA also encourage staff involvement in protecting the environment by raising employees'awareness of environmental issues and helping to build ties between our staff, the bank and the communities in which we operate.Economic EmpowermentThe very nature of our business means that long term sustainability of success is linked to a strong global economy. Bearing in mindthe importance of supporting small businesses in the current difficult economic environment, UBA's Economic EmpowermentProgrammes are aimed at increasing the economic well-being of individuals, groups and communities through direct interventionprogrammes. To this end, the Group during the year undertook a number of initiatives aimed at raising the living standards of peopleand to alleviate poverty. During the year, the Group sponsored several skills acquisition and empowerment conferences, workshopsand seminars across regions and countries of its operations. This created an opportunity for small-scale business owners, buddingentrepreneurs, journalists and other stakeholders to arrive at a consensus on viable strategies for nation building.UBA is committed to its non-discriminatory policy of recruiting its staff based on qualification rather than origin, religion, ethnicbackground nor physical condition. During the year, the Group employed more than ten physically challenged, but qualifiedpersonnel.Special ProjectsThe goals of UBAF Foundation are achieved through a focus on the implementation of laudable programmers through specialprojects. In 2010, a new approach was introduced into our CSR initiatives, where UBA employees volunteered their time and moneyto various non-profit causes, in collaboration with UBAF, including the support for the less privileged children. This group-wideinitiative, known as the “UBA LIONS FOR CHILDREN“ initiative, saw members of staff in all countries of operation across Africa donateitems and cash that were taken to orphanages and schools during the Children's day celebration on May 27, 2010.32 Annual Report and Accounts 2010