By GRACE ALEGBA

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and three Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Deputy Governors, on Saturday, received honorary fellowships of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

The top banking regulators were conferred the honours during CIBN’s 2025 fellowship investiture in Lagos.

The theme of this year’s event was “Banking Beyond Boundaries: Leveraging Technological Innovations for Enhanced Performance in the Nigerian Banking Industry”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 687 experts were inducted, including 21 Honorary Fellows, 440 Elected Fellows and 225 Honorary Senior Members who distinguished themselves through meritorious service.

The occasion was also used to recognise professional excellence, impeccable character, and impactful contributions to the advancement of the banking industry and the Nigerian economy.

Edun and the deputy governors received the awards alongside 18 bank’s chief executives, including Dr. Adeola Phillips.

The CBN Deputy Governors honoured were Dr. Muhammad Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate; Dr. Bala Bello, Deputy Governor, Operations Directorate; and Ms Emem Usoro, Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate.

Chairman, Parallex Bank Ltd; Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc and Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., were also honoured.

Others were Haruna Musa, Managing Director, Jaiz Bank Plc; Mr. Hassan Imam, Managing Director, Keystone Bank Ltd and Mr. Omokayode Lawal, Managing Director, Polaris Bank Ltd.

Equally honoured were: Mr. Bayo Ajayi, Managing Director, Rand Merchant Bank Nig Ltd; Mrs. Nneka Enwereji, Managing Director, Citibank Nigeria; Mr. Paul Abiagam, Managing Director, Coronation Merchant Bank, among others.

In a speech, the CIBN President, Pius Olanrewaju, said that the exemplary individuals had continued to shape the future of banking sector and economic development in Nigeria.

Olarenwaju commended CBN and Nigerian banking sector for steering the economy towards stability and growth.

“CBN’s proactive monetary policies and regulatory reforms have reinforced financial sector resilience, attracting significant foreign direct investment and boosting investor confidence.

“Nigerian banks continue to play a pivotal role by expanding credit access, supporting key sectors like agriculture and technology and fostering financial inclusion through innovative digital solutions.

“These concerted efforts have contributed to Nigeria’s GDP, which grew by 4.23 per cent year on year as at Q2 2025, signalling renewed economic momentum.

“Collectively, these achievements demonstrate the sector’s crucial role as a bedrock for sustainable development and economic diversification in Nigeria.

According to him, sustaining our economic progress demands unwavering commitment and strategic collaboration among the Central Bank of Nigeria, banks and stakeholders.

“To move forward, we must deepen financial inclusion through digital technologies, ensuring everyone has access.

“Robust regulatory frameworks and transparent practices will safeguard our financial system’s integrity and global confidence.

“Expanding credit access to key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and SMEs will drive growth and job creation.

“Public-private partnerships will be crucial in investing in infrastructure, human capital and innovation, making our financial sector a pillar of sustainable development.

“Together, let us build on these achievements with resolve and vision, securing a bright and prosperous future for generations to come,” Olarenwaju said.

He described the theme of the event as both timely and inspiring as it captured banking profession’s evolution, from physical operations to boundless digital innovation that continues to evolve.

He explained how banking evolution increased electronic payment transactions to N384 trillion in July 2025, with mobile and PoS payments surging more than 200 per cent year-on-year, driving financial inclusion and operational efficiency.

“The ongoing bank consolidation has strengthened sector resilience, with several banks meeting new capital requirements ahead of the 2026 deadline, boosting investor confidence and innovation,” he said.

He explained that Nigeria’s exit from the FATF grey list also marked a major milestone, restoring international confidence, easing trade and investment flows and reinforcing the country’s commitment to transparency and financial integrity.

“Together, these developments position the Nigerian banking and finance sector as a vital engine for sustainable economic growth and regional leadership,” he said. (NAN)

• PHOTO: CBN Dr. Bala Bello, Deputy Governor, Operations Directorate, CBN (middle) and other dignitaries during investiture of Bello as honorary fellow of CIBN on Saturday in Lagos.