In a colourful ceremony at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria
Island, Lagos, Dr Ken Opara was given the mandate to steer the ship of the
highly revered Institute in the next coming years.
Following his election at the 2022 Annual General Meeting of
the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on April 9, Executive
Director, Lagos and Southwest of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Kenneth Opara, has been
inaugurated as CIBN 22nd President/Council Chairman.
Opara, who was sworn-in on May 21 at a well-attended
Presidential Investiture ceremony at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria
Island, Lagos, unveiled his strategic thrust designed to drive the institute’s
objectives for the next two years.
Themed FUTURE and built on six pillars namely: Financial
innovation and transformation, Dealing with industry Uncertainties, Trade and
finance collaboration, Unveiling pathways for membership growth, Reengineering
and Rebranding the industry’s business model around Gen Z and Ethical conduct
and governance, the strategy is positioned to help the CIBN attract Nigeria’s
burgeoning youth population.
“This (youth) segment provides opportunity for value
creation, employment generation, economic growth and improved social security.
CIBN under my watch will play a pivotal role as a critical stakeholder and
partner between the practitioners and the regulator while ensuring adherence to
corporate governance and ethical behaviour.
“Our role in making this initiative a success cannot be over
emphasized especially by creating capacity in the industry including
certification as well as constantly playing our role as the conscience of the
industry through encouraging ethical behaviour”, Opara said.
Outgoing President/Chairman of the Council, Dr. Bayo
Olugbemi noted that his objective as the 21st President of the institute was
for the CIBN to experience exponential growth as espoused in his five-points
agenda.
“Over the past two years, with the help of God almighty, we
have succeeded in changing the narrative of the institute, placing new steps of
change that would ensure steady and sustainable development.
“Today, as I pass on the baton to Dr Ken Opara whom I have
known for many years as a seasoned banking professional who is very passionate
about the institute, I am deeply convinced that he would take the institute to
greater heights with his team.”
Also inaugurated at the event were Pius Olanrewaju, 1st Vice
President; Oladele Alabi, 2nd Vice President and Mojisola Bakare-Asieru,
National Treasurer.
The event which was streamed before an online audience was
chaired by former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank Plc and
Chairman, Agric International Technology and Trade Limited, Mr. Ernest Ebi and
had in attendance a host of dignitaries from the public and private sectors in
Nigeria.
He has over 29 years’ core-banking experience spanning
diverse areas including Credit, Treasury, Retail, Consumer and Commercial
Banking, International Operations and Corporate Banking.
Prior to his appointment as Executive Director in charge of
the Lagos & Southwest Directorate of Fidelity Bank, he served as General
Manager/Regional Bank Head, Ikeja; Divisional Head, Managed SMEs, Multilateral
Agencies & Trade Missions; Divisional Head, SMEs, Electronic & Consumer
Banking amongst a number of roles.
With a vision to be a global reference point for skills and
conduct in the banking and finance industry, the CIBN is the umbrella
professional body for bankers in Nigeria.
The Institute has members including the Central Bank of
Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), all deposit money
banks, development banks, mortgage banks, microfinance banks, discount houses
amongst others.