The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the banking community have celebrated contributions by the Central Bank Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso and the Lagos State Governor, Mr Sanwo-Olu, who were conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Institute.
Both governors have displayed exemplary service over the course of a 3-decade-long career.
This was at the 59th Annual Bankers Dinner held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests including the duo, Mr Cardoso and Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State.
Also in attendance the very Distinguished Governor of the Bank of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ibrahim Stevens; His Excellency, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON, Hon Minister, Budget and Economic Planning; Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, FCIB. Furthermore, the event brought together regulators, operators, government officials, and other stakeholders from across the globe.
The event featured a Keynote Address by the CBN Governor whereby he shared insights on economic and financial developments of the current year while offering an economic outlook for 2025.
Mr Cardoso noted that in 2022 alone, the potential revenue lost due to a less flexible FX regime was approximately N6.2 trillion, compared to N4.5 trillion from fuel subsidies. He also noted that the Central bank has set a goal for itself to ensure that 80% of adults are financially included by 2026.
Likewise, the Executive Governor of Lagos State also shared his Special Remarks emphasizing the initiatives undertaken to further develop Lagos and enhance the welfare of its residents.
Initiatives regarding infrastructure, healthcare and education for less privileged citizens were highlighted.
Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, the President/Chairman of the CIBN Council, welcomed the distinguished audience, emphasizing the dinner’s significance in reflecting on the industry’s progress in the current year while envisioning the path for the next year.
Prof. Olanrewaju in his address acknowledged Nigeria’s economic strides despite challenges such as high inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. “The banking sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, as evidenced by the GDP growth from 2.98% in Q1 to 3.46% in Q3 2024,” he said. He further highlighted the success of the ongoing recapitalization exercise, positioning the financial industry for long-term sustainability.
The CIBN President, Prof. Olanrewaju, FCIB, also spoke on the Fellowship Investiture of the two special guests praising their exemplary careers while noting their alignment with the Institute’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and excellence.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in particular was lauded for fostering an enabling environment for Lagos State’s financial sector and his active support for CIBN’s initiatives. Meanwhile, Mr. Cardoso was celebrated for his visionary leadership at the Central Bank, which has guided Nigeria’s financial system through critical transitions.
Also during his opening remarks, Prof. Olanrewaju spotlighted CIBN’s efforts in driving ethical practices and inclusivity in the banking industry. Initiatives such as the Agency Banking Certification Programme and youth-oriented programmes such as the CIBN Mentorship and Internship schemes were recognized as transformative contributions to the sector.
Extending gratitude to the Planning Committee, Prof. Olanrewaju also appreciated the planning committee for the 59th Annual Bankers Dinner led by Mrs. Yemisi Edun of FCMB Plc for the seamless organization of the event. As the evening drew to a close, he called on stakeholders to uphold excellence in advancing the country’s financial ecosystem.
The Annual Bankers Dinner continues to serve as a platform to celebrate achievements and reinforce the shared vision for a robust and inclusive financial system.
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