WorldStage– Dele Alabi, the immediate first vice president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), took office as the institute 24th president after an election on Saturday.
Managing Director, Jaiz Bank, Haruna Musa also became national treasurer.
The election took place during the hybrid Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of the CIBN in Lagos where no fewer than 16 banks’ managing directors voted.
In his acceptance speech, Alabi pledged to lead with integrity, professionalism and innovation, describing his election as a collective mandate to advance the banking
“I accept the mandate, not as a privilege, but as a responsibility to be fulfilled with diligence and accountability,” he said.
He commended his predecessor Pius Olanrewaju, a professor, for laying a solid foundation for growth through visionary leadership.
Alabi said the institute must position itself to lead in an evolving financial landscape marked by rapid changes and increasing complexity.
“We are expected not merely to adapt, but to lead. We must become architects of innovation, custodians of ethical standards and champions of professionalism in the industry,” he said.
He painted a vision of a more dynamic and globally respected institute that will shape Nigeria’s banking industry that commands respect across the world.
The investiture ceremony comes up May 16 in Lagos when he will outline his agenda for the institute.
Musa also thanked the voters, and pledged prudent stewardship as CIBN national treasurer.
Olarenwaju said the institute recorded growth in finances, membership and infrastructure under his administration, citing membership increase by 7000, and the remodeling of the institute headquarters.Among the MDs at the meeting were Oliver Alawuba, group managing director/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director Adaora Umeoji.
