By GRACE ALEGBA

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on Saturday elected Dr Dele Alabi, the institute’s immediate past First Vice President, as its new President.

Alabi was elected during the hybrid Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of the CIBN in Lagos.

The institute also elected the Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, Dr Haruna Musa as its National Treasurer.

The event had 16 bank Managing Directors in attendance, including Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Zenith Bank’s Group.

Managing Director, Dr Adaora Umeoji.

Alabi, the 24th President-Elect of CIBN, in his acceptance speech, pledged to lead with integrity, professionalism and innovation.

He described his election as a collective mandate and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the banking profession as a catalyst for national transformation.

“This moment is not mine alone. It is a shared glory and a collective affirmation of our enduring commitment to excellence, integrity and the noble calling of banking.

“I accept the mandate, not as a privilege, but as a responsibility to be fulfilled with diligence and accountability,” he said.

He paid tribute to past leaders of the institute, particularly Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, the outgoing President, for laying a solid foundation for growth through visionary leadership.

The president-elect also commended the immediate past president for strengthening the institute’s financial performance and institutional development over the last two years.

According to him, 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.

Alabi outlined his vision of a more dynamic and globally respected institute that will shape Nigeria’s banking industry and also attract relevance across international borders.

He assured members that his administration would prioritise integrity, inclusiveness and the overall interest of the profession.

He also invited stakeholders to his investiture ceremony scheduled for May 16 in Lagos, where he is expected to unveil his agenda for the institute.

The president-elect expressed appreciation to members of the institute, both in Nigeria and in the diaspora, for their confidence in his leadership.

He called for continued support and unity among members to sustain the institute’s legacy and drive excellence in the banking and finance industry.

Dr Haruna Musa, Managing Director of Jaiz Bank Plc, pledged prudent stewardship as CIBN National Treasurer.

Musa expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him and affirmed his commitment to professionalism, integrity and excellence.

He also promised to work with the institute’s leadership to strengthen its operations and advance the banking profession.

The outgoing President/Chairman of the Council of CIBN, Prof. Pius Olarenwaju, said the institute recorded growth in finances, membership and infrastructure under his administration.

Olarenwaju said the institute’s internally generated revenue rose while membership increased by nearly 7,000.

He said that the CIBN headquarters was remodelled and digital capacity improved, enabling about 20,000 members to participate in programmes virtually.

According to him, the institute also introduced more frequent examinations and a proctored system allowing candidates to write exams globally.

He said initial resistance to reforms was overcome through teamwork, and expressed confidence that the incoming leadership would sustain the progress.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Mojisola Asieru-Sweet was elected 1st Vice President and Dr Peter Ashade, 2nd Vice President.

Elected members of the Governing Council were Abosede Ogundimu, Mr Obafemi Omolola, Ms Mary Akpenyi and Mr Adesina Joda. (NAN)