A Changing of the Guard: Tony Elumelu Passes UBA’s Torch to Emmanuel Nnorom After a Decade of triumph.

By Godson Ikoro

In the grand theatre of African banking, a defining act draws to a close. United Bank for Africa Plc today announced that Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, the architect of its modern pan-African rise, will bow out as Group Chairman on 21 August 2026. His departure honours the 12-year tenure limit set for Non-Executive Directors by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The Board, gathered on 6 July 2026, received his retirement with deep gratitude and, in the same breath, anointed Mr. Emmanuel N. Nnorom as his successor. The mantle will pass on 21 August 2026.

The Board hailed Mr. Elumelu’s era as one of vision and audacity. Under his stewardship, UBA shed its local borders and unfurled its flag across 20 African nations and four global financial capitals. From Lagos to London, New York to Dubai, the Bank became home to more than 50 million customers — a living testament to a dream pursued without apology.

Mr. Nnorom, a chartered accountant tempered by over four decades in banking, finance, and audit, steps forward with seasoned hands and intimate knowledge of the house he now leads.

In his words,
Mr. Elumelu reflected: “Serving United Bank for Africa has been one of the great privileges of my career. We built a uniquely competitive institution, African yet global. I depart with unwavering confidence in UBA’s tomorrow. Emmanuel Nnorom is a leader of integrity, experience, and sound judgement. The Bank will soar higher still.”
On the other hand, Mr. Nnorom accepted the charge with humility: I am honoured by the Board’s trust and keenly aware of the legacy before me. Together with the Board, Management, and our 25,000 colleagues, I will guard UBA’s momentum and deliver enduring value to those we serve.”
UBA at a Glance
Africa’s Global Bank, UBA strides across 20 African countries and touches the world from the UK, US, France, and the UAE. With 25,000 employees and 50 million customers, it champions retail, commercial, and institutional banking while pioneering financial inclusion and digital innovation.

As one chapter ends and another begins, UBA stands poised and rooted in legacy, reaching for the future.