There was excitement in the atmosphere in Imo State when Union Bank played host to five major communities during the unveil of 5 of the banks newly upgraded branches as part of efforts to make banking “simpler and smarter” for its teeming customers.
The 3-day event commenced on March 8, 2016.
The five upgraded branches of the bank unveiled are located at Douglas road, Port Harcourt road Owerri, 4 Bank road Orlu, 106 Owerri road Okigwe and Union Bank at Ogbor Oboama Ezinihite branch in Aboh Mbaise.
The Bank, which has been launching its simpler and smarter products and newly upgraded branches in different states of the country, was received with excitement by customers in the State, who expressed joy over the transformation of the bank into a simpler and smarter bank.
Speaking at the branch unveil in Owerri, the Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Emeka Okonkwo, said they were in Imo State capital to unveil the bank’s simpler and smarter package that will afford their customers quality, reliable, secured and effective services.
He said, “We are here to formerly unveil our newly upgraded branches which are part of our transformation journey. The journey started two years ago and we want to assure our customers that we are a simpler and smarter bank.
“We have refurbished over 60 branches across the country and a lot has gone into the innovative propositions we are offering.” The transformation of the bank is a response to customers’ desire and the bank’s commitment to serve its customers better.”
Also speaking at the events, the bank’s Transformation Director, Joe Mbulu called on customers to partner with the bank in utilizing the e-banking platforms, saying that customers can now do banking transactions from the comfort of their homes using their computers and mobile devices with the Union online and Union mobile banking platforms.
Assuring customers of fast, secure and convenient banking services, Mbulu said; “these e-banking platforms were created to make banking simpler and smarter for customers to ensure that they have more time to engage in those things that matter most to them.”
Commenting on the smarter and simpler status of Union Bank during the unveiling, Rev. Professor Jerome Okonkwo, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, commended the bank for being so reliable even in storm and turbulent times.
He said: “The Union Bank building in Douglas is one of the oldest houses I know in Owerri town, ‘transformation’ agenda is based on continuity in any history. The bank has survived great storm and we thank them for being so reliable and now has become simpler and smarter.
Speaking with newsmen, the bank’s Executive Director /Chief Risk Officer Kandolo Kasongo said the launch of the branches was an evidence of the transformation the bank had gone through in the last two years as well as the transformation that is yet to come.
“As you can see, there is a difference between what you see today and what was here before.
“We present a simpler, smarter bank. Beside the ambience being more comfortable for our customers, it also demonstrates the fact that we’ve invested in technology. Customers can come in and come out in short time; get attended to with more improved services, and at the same time (we) have a brand identity that is more vibrant than we had before.”
Another customer who commented during the launch was Barrister Ijeoma Igboanusi, Transitional Chairman Orlu Local Government. She thanked the bank for the transformation which is not limited to its modern equipment and facilities but also in excellent staff service delivery.
The high level events were graced with the crème de la crème of Imo state which ranged from top CEOs to Religious and Traditional leaders. The dignitaries included; Chief Ephraim Eze, Managing Director, Bonafide Oil and Gas; Professor Ogwo Ekeoma Ogwo, former Vice Chancellor, Abia State University, HRH Eze Iheanacho C. Ndukwe, Justice Christy Anwuka, President Imo State Customary Court of Appeal.
Other dignitaries were, HRH, Eze Malachy Onu (Olele III of Agbala, Imo State), Hon. Kennedy Ibe, HRH, EZE Dr. Chimaeze Emetuma, Mrs. Ngozi Osuji (wife of Imo Assembly Majority Leader), Rev. Msgr. Emmanuel C. C. Nwosu who represented Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese.
They applauded the Bank for its simpler and smarter initiatives and charged the bank to reward staff for excellent performance because without staff there would be no Union Bank.
