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Nigeria’s payment system standard has again been applauded as highest in Africa and sixth globally.
Professor AdeolaAdenikinju, President, Nigerian Economic Society disclosed this over the weekend during the 2024 fellowship investiture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
This positioning according to him, underscores the country’s significant strides in digital financial infrastructure development.
While highlighting enumouse opportunities that abound in the country, he said the ranking is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in its financial sector, fostering economic growth and financial inclusion.
Adenikinju, while delivering the keynote address titled: ‘‘Maximising the Potentials of the Nigerian Economy: Policy Options, Challenges & Prospects’’ highlighted the nation’s potential as a leader in Africa’s payment ecosystem and fintech landscape, paving the way for increased economic cooperation and investment opportunities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President / Chairman of council CIBN, Professor Pius DejiOlanrewaju said Nigeria’s position in West Africa makes it a central hub for regional trade.
The country according to him, boasts major ports like Lagos and Apapa, which can facilitate trade not only with neighboring countries but also as a gateway to other continents.
“By leveraging the above opportunities and addressing the associated challenges, Nigeria can unlock its economic potential and achieve sustainable growth. As professional bankers, we are expected to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the potentials of Nigeria are efficiently maximised, “ he stated.
According to Olanrewaju, the letter C in his LEGACY agenda references competence in the Banking and Finance Industry to aid National Development and speaks to the theme of the event. The potential of Nigeria can only be maximised to the fullest with competent professionals who can see opportunities wherever they may lie he added.
He appreciated all awardees for their dedication and commitment to the banking profession and urged them to make positive impact that can be made together.
“Let us continue to strive for excellence and uphold the highest standards of ethical behaviour in our pursuit of a vibrant and prosperous Nigerian economy. We can make Nigeria the ‘real giant’ of Africa as specified by the African Development Bank ‘Africa’s economic growth depends on Nigeria’s growth’. “
He noted that this is an annual event of the Institute where the prestigious Fellowship status of the Institute is conferred on deserving members who have meritoriously distinguished themselves whilst making notable contributions to the success of the Institute, their respective organizations, the banking industry and the economy at large.
In the same vein, deserving members are admitted into the Honorary Senior Membership cadre of the Institute.
“This year, we are proud to honour: 15honorary fellows; 421 elected fellows and 209 honorary senior members,” he disclosed.
Mr. MorufOseni, MD/CEO, Wema Bank Plc; Mr. BolajiLawal, MD/CEO, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd; Mr. KoredeAdenowo, Managing Director/CEO, First Bank UK Limited; Mr. DaluAjene, MD/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Ltd; Dr. OlasupoOlusi, Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry; Ms. BolajiAgbede, Group Managing Director/CEO, Access Corporation Plc; Mrs. Patience Folashade Jacobs, Managing Director/CEO, Peerless Manufacturing Limited & Former Executive Director, Bank of Industry; Dr. Ahmed BabatundePopoola, MD/CEO, CRC Credit Bureau Limited; Mrs. AmakaOnwughalu, Managing Partner, Blueshield Financial Services & Member, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc were top dignitaries honoured.
Others are Mr. Shehu Usman Osidi, Managing Director/CEO, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria; Mr. TaiwoJoda, MD/CEO, Accion Microfinance Bank; Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, MD/CEO EdFin Microfinance Bank, Pioneer MD/CEO ACCION MFB & Director, Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd; Mr. Ade Bajomo, Former President, Fintech Nigeria; Prof. Russell OlukayodeSomoye, Professor of Banking and Finance, OlabisiOnabajo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State; and Prof. Binta Tijani Jibril, Professor of Economics, Bayero University, Kano who toped the honours list of eminent bankers formally conferred with the Fellowship of the Institute.
Other members elected as Fellows include MrsYetunde Oni, ACIB, Managing Director/CEO, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc; Mr. AdetonaAdedeji, ACIB, Ag. Director, Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mrs, Osepirobo Ben-Willie, ACIB, Former Executive Director, Heritage Bank; MrObikweluChiwetaluAzubuike, ACIB, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Mozambique; Mrs. Ohiwerei, Irenosen Barbara, ACIB, Executive Director, Guaranty Trust Bank (Rwanda) Plc while Mr. TokunboTalabi, Secretary to the State Government, Ogun State; Mr. KayodeFalowo, Chairman, Greenwich Merchant Bank Ltd; Dr. Philps, AdeolaAdejoke, Chairman, Parralex Bank Ltd; Mr. Alebiosu Olusegun, GMD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd; Mrs. Chime Nkiru Sylvia, MD/CEO, Infrastructure Bank; Mrs. HakamaSidi Ali, Ag. Director, Corporate Communications, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mrs. Effiong Glory Tony, Accountant General, Cross Rivers State; Mrs. Richard-Edet Vivian, Executive Director Finance & Administration, Nigerian Ports Authority; Mr. OlatiregunAyodele, Director, Finance, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and DrOtenigbagbeOlufemi, MD/CEO, Refuge Mortgage Bank, Oko will be among the people to be invested as Honorary Senior Members of the Institute
Dr. Stella ChinyeluOkoli, Group Managing Director/CEO, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited was the Chairman of the occasion.
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