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Professor Pius Olanrewaju has officially taken office as the 23rd President/Chairman of the Council for the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Justice Owolabi Dabiri at a gathering in Lagos on Friday, presided over by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wole Olanipekun. Following the swearing-in, he was presented with the official insignia of his position.
During the event, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, conveyed his well wishes through his representative, Nwachukwu Eze, emphasizing the importance of embracing technology for enhanced financial inclusion under the new leadership.
Abbas mentioned, "As you greet the new President and Chairman of the Council, let's also consider the obstacles and possibilities that are on the horizon.
The banking industry is always changing, influenced by advancements in technology, changes in regulations, and shifts in customer preferences."
"In light of these changes, the CIBN must maintain its dedication to excellence and innovation. The new leadership should embrace fresh ideas and emerging technologies and promote collaboration within the industry to address these challenges and take advantage of upcoming opportunities.
Looking ahead, we must not forget the significance of financial inclusion and sustainable development. While progress has been made in expanding access to financial services, millions of Nigerians are still excluded from the formal banking sector.
It is crucial for all stakeholders, including the CIBN, to intensify efforts in promoting financial literacy, expanding access to finance, and fostering inclusive growth that benefits everyone.
Additionally, Bello Hassan, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity for the banking sector.
He urged a deliberate and collaborative approach to cyber risk involving all stakeholders to safeguard the resilience of the banking system.
Other elected officials include Dele Alake as First Vice President, Mojisola Bakare-Asieru as Second Vice President, and Peter Ashade as National Treasurer. Olanrewaju was elected on April 6, 2024."
