Union Bank’s contributions to Nigeria’s COVID-19 response in 2020 were both timely and transformative, underscoring the bank’s deep commitment to community resilience. From mobilizing over N350 million to support critical healthcare and food security initiatives to adapting ongoing programs like Edu360 for a digital learning era, Union Bank demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
In this interview, we discuss with the bank’s assistant company secretary Wale Bamigboye, on the strategic decisions behind these impactful initiatives, the challenges faced in mobilizing resources during a crisis, and the lessons learned that continue to shape Union Bank’s approach to sustainability and innovation.
Bamigboye played important roles in guiding these efforts as Assistant Company Secretary, offering unique insights into how the bank balanced immediate relief with long-term commitments to education, clean water access, and environmental sustainability.
Union Bank made significant contributions to the COVID-19 response in 2020, including major donations and support for testing and research. Can you walk us through the strategic discussions and decision-making process that led to these specific initiatives?
In 2020, as Assistant Company Secretary, I worked closely with the Management team and the Board to guide Union Bank’s CSR strategy, especially as we pivoted to support critical pandemic needs. Our COVID-19 response began with Management’s recognition of the bank’s role in supporting national resilience. We committed over N350 million to initiatives like CACOVID, Lagos State Emergency Food Response, and 54gene, carefully selecting partners that would amplify the impact on healthcare and food security.
On the employee engagement side, we launched the “Gift of Water” initiative, addressing the need for clean water in underserved communities. My role included training and coordinating volunteers, ensuring smooth implementation and strong employee engagement, which strengthened community connections.
We also adapted our Edu360 program to support education amid school disruptions, using virtual tools to keep students and educators connected. The Board supported this shift, recognizing the importance of sustaining educational initiatives during challenging times. Additionally, we prioritized sustainability by expanding solar-powered branches, and aligning cost savings with environmental goals, which reinforced our commitment to sustainability.
Our CSI report showcased these efforts, underscoring transparency and accountability—core values we wanted to communicate. My role was pivotal in aligning these initiatives with Board priorities, translating strategic discussions into actionable programs, and driving our impact-focused CSR approach.
As the team lead for the Volunteer Resource Campaign, what were the most significant challenges you faced in training and mobilizing volunteers during the height of the pandemic, and how did you overcome them?
As the team lead for Union Bank’s Volunteer Resource Campaign during the height of the pandemic, I faced several key challenges in training and mobilizing volunteers, primarily related to safety, engagement, and adaptability.
One significant challenge was ensuring the safety and health of our volunteers while maintaining effective community impact. To address this, I developed a strict safety protocol that included virtual training sessions, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and contactless service methods where possible. Volunteers were guided on maintaining social distancing and given resources on COVID-19 awareness to protect both themselves and the communities they served.
Another challenge was maintaining volunteer motivation and engagement amid widespread uncertainty and anxiety. Traditional team-building activities and in-person interactions were not feasible, so I leveraged digital tools to build a sense of community among volunteers. We held regular check-ins, created online discussion groups, and celebrated small wins to keep morale high and maintain commitment.
Additionally, many volunteers had to balance their own job demands with volunteer activities. To accommodate this, I introduced flexible scheduling options and a well-coordinated system that allowed volunteers to choose shifts that best fit their availability. This flexibility increased participation rates and helped the campaign achieve its objectives.
Through careful planning and adapting to new modes of communication and engagement, I was able to lead a committed team that made a meaningful impact, even under challenging circumstances.
The “Gift of Water” initiative aimed to provide clean drinking water to numerous communities. What inspired this project, and what impact has it had on the communities served?
The “Gift of Water” initiative was inspired by the pressing need for access to clean drinking water in underserved Nigerian communities. Clean water is foundational for health and overall community well-being, but many communities still struggle with limited or unsafe water sources, leading to health issues and reduced quality of life. With the COVID-19 pandemic heightening awareness around hygiene and health, our team recognized an urgent opportunity to make a sustainable difference.
Through this initiative, our employees volunteered their time and resources to provide water filtration systems and support water access projects in targeted communities. This initiative was not only about supplying clean water but also about empowering communities with resources to maintain long-term health benefits. Volunteers also conducted basic health and sanitation training to ensure that communities could maximize the impact of the clean water access they received.
The impact of the “Gift of Water” has been deeply positive. Communities have reported fewer waterborne illnesses and an improved sense of stability and well-being. Beyond immediate health benefits, this project helped foster relationships between Union Bank and the communities we serve, highlighting our commitment to making a meaningful social impact.
In addition to the COVID-19 response, Union Bank continued its support for the “Edu360” program. How did you balance these initiatives, and what were the key successes in promoting education during such a turbulent year?
Balancing the COVID-19 response with Union Bank’s commitment to the “Edu360” program required a strategic approach to ensure both immediate relief and long-term educational support during a challenging year. The pandemic disrupted education systems nationwide, making our focus on education even more critical, so we adapted “Edu360” to address the unique challenges of remote learning and support for educational continuity.
Our strategy involved leveraging partnerships, digital platforms, and volunteer efforts to extend the reach and effectiveness of Edu360. First, we prioritized digital knowledge-sharing sessions that allowed educators, students, and parents to access essential tools for effective remote learning.
Through these online workshops and webinars, we were able to bring innovative teaching resources directly to classrooms, even from a distance. We also worked closely with education stakeholders to identify and address resource gaps in remote learning environments.
One of the most significant successes was the way Edu360 helped bridge educational disparities that were exacerbated by the pandemic. By providing teachers and students with digital learning tools and resources, we helped ease the transition to virtual education for many schools and enabled students to continue learning despite the circumstances. Additionally, the program highlighted the importance of digital skills in education, preparing students and educators alike to better navigate a tech-driven learning landscape.
In balancing these initiatives, our approach was to ensure that our COVID-19 response met immediate health and safety needs, while Edu360 continued to invest in the future of Nigeria’s education system. Both initiatives were crucial in positioning Union Bank as a committed supporter of resilience and innovation, both during and beyond the pandemic.
Sustainability was a key focus in Union Bank’s 2020 CSR activities, particularly with the increased use of solar power. Can you elaborate on how this initiative was implemented and its long-term benefits for both the bank and the environment?
Union Bank’s commitment to sustainability in 2020 included a strategic shift towards renewable energy, specifically through the increased use of solar power across our branches and ATMs. This initiative was designed to reduce the bank’s carbon footprint, lower operational costs, and enhance our resilience to Nigeria’s frequent power supply disruptions.
The implementation began with a phased rollout, focusing first on branches and ATM locations in areas with high energy costs and inconsistent electricity. We partnered with renewable energy providers who assisted in the assessment, installation, and maintenance of solar panels, ensuring each installation was customized to meet location-specific energy needs. Our internal teams monitored energy savings, assessing the feasibility of expanding solar power across more locations based on these results.
Long-term, the benefits of this initiative are multifaceted. Environmentally, the shift to solar energy aligns with our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing positively to Nigeria’s environmental sustainability efforts. Financially, solar installations have lowered energy expenses by reducing dependence on costly diesel generators, thus creating a more cost-efficient infrastructure over time. Furthermore, integrating solar energy has bolstered our service reliability, as ATMs and branches powered by solar are less vulnerable to power outages, enhancing customer satisfaction.
By embedding solar power into our operations, Union Bank has taken a significant step towards sustainable growth, aligning our business practices with environmental responsibility while also laying a foundation for long-term cost savings and operational resilience.
Reflecting on the 2020 Citizenship, Sustainability, and Innovation (CSI) report, what metrics or outcomes were most significant in measuring the success of your CSR activities?
Reflecting on Union Bank’s 2020 Citizenship, Sustainability, and Innovation (CSI) report, we prioritized metrics that captured the social, environmental, and operational impact of our CSR activities. The following outcomes were particularly significant in measuring our success:
COVID-19 Relief Impact: For our pandemic-related initiatives, we tracked the reach and scale of support provided. Key metrics included the amount donated (over N350 million), the number of beneficiaries from food relief efforts, and the increase in testing capacity through partnerships with 54gene. These metrics highlighted our ability to mobilize resources quickly and provide targeted relief to those most affected.
Volunteer Engagement and Community Reach: Through initiatives like “The Gift of Water” on Employee Volunteer Day, we measured success by tracking the number of communities provided with clean water and the volunteer engagement rate. Additionally, volunteer hours served gave us insight into our employees’ commitment to community welfare, and we saw a strong participation rate despite the logistical challenges of the pandemic.
Educational Outcomes from Edu360: The Edu360 program success was measured by the number of knowledge-sharing sessions held, partnerships formed with educational stakeholders, and the number of educators and students reached. Despite shifting to virtual formats, we maintained a high engagement level, underscoring our ability to adapt and continue impacting the education sector.
Sustainability Progress via Renewable Energy Usage: For our sustainability focus, particularly with solar energy implementation, we measured the reduction in our carbon footprint and operational savings from decreased diesel usage. Tracking the energy output from solar installations helped quantify the environmental impact, demonstrating a significant shift towards greener operations.
Each of these metrics provided clear, measurable and quantifiable results that aligned with our CSR goals, allowing us to evaluate and refine our strategies to enhance future impact.
The Nigerian banking sector has been pivotal in the country’s development over the past three decades. In your view, what additional steps can banks take to further enhance their positive impact on society?
In my view, the Nigerian banking sector has made remarkable strides in fostering the country’s development, yet there are significant areas where banks can deepen their positive societal impact. First, expanding financial inclusion for the unbanked and underbanked remains essential. Many Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, still lack access to basic financial services.
By partnering with fintech companies, banks can develop accessible mobile banking solutions and micro-lending services that cater specifically to underserved populations. Additionally, educational campaigns on financial literacy can empower these communities, improving financial stability at the grassroots level.
Another vital area is sustainable financing. Nigerian banks are well-positioned to support the transition to a greener economy by investing in environmentally sustainable projects, such as renewable energy initiatives. Offering incentives for eco-friendly business practices and creating financing products that support green entrepreneurs would not only address Nigeria’s energy challenges but also reduce the country’s environmental footprint, supporting broader climate goals.
Further, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is crucial, as these businesses are key drivers of job creation and economic resilience. Banks can enhance their support for SMEs by offering tailored financial services, such as lower-interest loans and mentorship programs, that allow small businesses to scale sustainably. Comprehensive SME support fosters local economic empowerment and strengthens communities.
Investing in digital innovation is also essential. With the growth of digital infrastructure, banks can make their services more accessible and efficient. Technologies like blockchain, AI for personalized services, and secure mobile platforms improve the customer experience and make banking more inclusive. This not only meets the needs of today’s tech-savvy customer base but also positions Nigeria as a leader in digital finance across Africa.
Finally, there is an opportunity for banks to amplify their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) impact in critical areas like health and education. Banks can support the building of healthcare facilities, promote digital learning in underserved schools, and encourage STEM education to address systemic challenges in these sectors. These initiatives go beyond banking, but they create lasting value for society and support the development of future generations.
By prioritizing financial inclusion, sustainable investments, SME support, digital innovation, and expanded CSR, Nigerian banks can contribute even more to a sustainable and inclusive economy, fostering a resilient society that benefits all.
Many banks participated in Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19. What motivated Union Bank to take the specific actions it did, and how did your role influence these initiatives?
Union Bank’s response to COVID-19 was driven by a commitment to support the well-being of our communities and employees during a time of national crisis. We recognized early on that our role extended beyond financial services; we needed to actively contribute to alleviating the broader impacts of the pandemic on public health, economic stability, and community resilience. This understanding shaped our contributions to initiatives like CACOVID and our partnership with organizations such as 54gene for expanded testing and research. We also addressed immediate needs with initiatives like the Lagos State Emergency Food Response, which targeted vulnerable populations impacted by the lockdowns.
In my role as Assistant Company Secretary, I was deeply involved in bridging communication between the management team and the Board of Directors to ensure alignment on our strategic direction. My focus was to effectively convey the Board’s priorities regarding pandemic relief and to help coordinate our corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to maximize their impact. As part of this process, I supported the assessment of funding proposals and ensured that resources were allocated to projects with high potential to address critical needs.
Beyond coordination, I also worked with our volunteer programs, including “The Gift of Water” initiative. This program was inspired by the urgent need to improve access to clean water, which is essential for hygiene and health—especially in the fight against a virus like COVID-19. My role involved training and mobilizing volunteers, managing partnerships, and ensuring that our employees could make a meaningful contribution while staying safe.
Ultimately, Union Bank’s response to COVID-19 was about using our resources and position within society to make a tangible difference in a time of crisis. It was a fulfilling experience to play a role in initiatives that not only aligned with the Bank’s values but also had a lasting, positive impact on Nigerian communities.
Looking back at 2020, which CSR projects do you believe had the most profound impact, and why? Can you share any memorable stories or outcomes from these projects?
Reflecting on 2020, the CSR projects with the most profound impact were our COVID-19 response initiatives, especially through CACOVID and our support for healthcare advancements, as well as the “Gift of Water” and “Edu360” programs. Each of these projects addressed critical community needs during a year of unprecedented challenges.
Our COVID-19 response was immediate and powerful, mobilizing over N350 million to support CACOVID’s efforts to provide resources and relief to communities across Nigeria. This initiative not only supplied essential medical and food resources but also highlighted the banking sector’s commitment to national resilience. I remember receiving heartfelt messages from healthcare workers who benefited from additional resources that allowed them to safely serve patients on the frontlines. Their gratitude underscored how crucial this support was to morale and public health.
Another impactful initiative was the “Gift of Water” project. Clean water is essential for health, and especially so during a pandemic when handwashing and hygiene become vital. Through this initiative, we provided reliable access to clean drinking water for many communities, reducing their dependency on unsafe sources and, in turn, improving overall health outcomes. I recall visiting one of these communities and seeing the visible relief and joy on people’s faces as they spoke of the impact—school attendance improved as children no longer had to trek long distances to fetch water, and community members felt more secure in their health.
Finally, our “Edu360” program remained pivotal in supporting the education sector during the transition to digital learning. We provided resources, partnered with education stakeholders, and offered knowledge-sharing sessions. This program helped educators adapt to remote learning, a critical adaptation for students to continue their studies safely. One memorable outcome was a partnership with a local education NGO, where we supported the virtual training of teachers in digital tools, reaching over 200 teachers across multiple states. The enthusiasm and positive feedback from teachers who were able to reach their students effectively despite the pandemic showcased the transformative potential of this program.
Each of these initiatives reminded us of the power of targeted, empathetic CSR efforts. They demonstrated Union Bank’s commitment to both immediate relief and long-term impact, affirming that our work goes beyond banking to truly uplifting communities.
As you consider the future of CSR in Nigeria, what trends or changes do you foresee, and how should banks like Union Bank adapt to continue making meaningful contributions to society?
Looking ahead, I see several emerging trends that will shape the future of CSR in Nigeria, and banks like Union Bank have a key role to play by adapting their strategies to make a greater social impact.
One important trend is the increasing focus on environmental sustainability, especially given the growing concerns about climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities.
As more Nigerian businesses adopt sustainable practices, banks can lead by example, integrating sustainability into their operations and expanding green financing to support environmentally responsible projects. For Union Bank, this could mean more initiatives like our solar power project for branches and ATMs, alongside financing programs that encourage renewable energy, waste reduction, and environmental conservation.
Another shift I anticipate is a deeper investment in digital inclusion and education. With Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy, banks have an opportunity to support the skills development needed for the workforce of tomorrow. Programs that bridge the digital divide—like virtual learning support, digital skills training, and access to technology for underserved communities—can have a lasting societal impact. Building on our “Edu360” initiative, Union Bank could explore partnerships with tech companies or educational institutions to equip more Nigerians with the tools and skills they need in a digital-first world.
Lastly, I foresee an increased demand for transparency and measurable impact in CSR activities. Stakeholders are increasingly interested in seeing real outcomes rather than one-off projects, so it’s essential for CSR initiatives to be data-driven and sustainable. For Union Bank, this could mean enhancing our reporting and impact measurement, as we did in the 2020 CSI report, to clearly demonstrate our contributions and hold ourselves accountable to long-term results. This level of transparency not only strengthens trust with our stakeholders but also ensures that our efforts continue to address society’s evolving needs effectively.
By adapting to these trends, Union Bank can continue to deliver meaningful and relevant CSR contributions, fostering a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for Nigeria.
