Olugbemi Takes Over As CIBN President, Promised To Build On Past Successes
By UDO ONYEKA
The new President of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, Bayo Olugbemi has said he would strive to make the institute a global referenced point, an Institute that everyone is proud to associate with and one that sets the agenda for the banking industry.
Speaking after his swearing as the 21st President of CIBN in Virtual event on Saturday in Lagos , Olugbemi promised to explore the possibilities of developing physical structures for the various branches of the Institute where they have landed properties and to pursue acquisition of lands for the various branches where they have prospect.
The new CIBN President said he would embark an immediate evaluation and impact assessment of the Linkage programme with tertiary institutions for greater value and employability of banking and finance and social science graduates and to Institutionalize a banking-related legacy learning project in a university and polytechnic in each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
Also he also said he will commence Banking Museum project which Governing Council had approved for preserving the rich Educational history and historical heritage of the Evolution and Growth of Banking and Finance in Nigeria.
Olugbemi said that the Institute which had recorded many successes in time past, would move forward into new uncharted and exciting territories and claim ownership of it before anyone else.
While assuring members that he will further explore an advance technology-driven mode and channel of conducting and monitoring the Institute examinations without prejudice to the integrity and acceptability of the certificates, Olugbemi promised to explore the proctored examination mode which will enable the CIBN to expand the base and reach of its examinations in line with the strategic intent to stay ahead of the curve.
He called on all stakeholders to support him stressing that creative and innovative ideas would be welcomed by all.
In his intervention, the outgoing President, Dr Uche Olowu, thanked the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, NDIC CEO, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, Body of Banks CEO’s led by Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe and other stakeholders for the support given him during his tenure.
He enjoined all stakeholders to accord his successor all necessary support he needs to take the Institute to greater heights.
“As he takes over the mantle of leadership, I’m most convinced that the Institute is in safe hands given his wealth of knowledge and experience as evidenced in his numerous career accomplishment
Asides, the swearing in of Olugbemi, three more office holders alongside six elected governing council members also took oaths of office.
The elected office holders of CIBN are Mr Ken Opara, FCIB, (1st Vice-President), Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, (2nd Vice President) and Mr Oladele Alabi, (National Treasurer).
The Council Members include: Mrs Rafiat Oluwatosin Onitiri, ACIB, Mr Olayinka Alade Odutola, FCIB, Mr Rahman Olabode Ajayi, FCIB, Dr Godwin Ununotoyo Adolor, FCIB, Mr Adeniyi Adewunmi Olusola, FCIB .
The new CIBN leader will oversee affairs of the Institute for the next two years. He was sworn in by Honourable Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi (Rtd).
Olugbemi is expected to bring his knowledge of over 38 years’ experience as investment banker to bear on the Institute.
Olugbemi, who is also the Managing Director/CEO, First Registrars & Investor Services Limited had served as the First Vice President and Chairman, Board of Fellows and Practice Licenses at CIBN as well as the President/Chairman of Council, The Institute of Capital Market Registrars and Treasurer, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
He has also served and is still on several committee of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigerian Stock Exchange; Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS); Institute of Directors; Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) and Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR) among others.
Olugbemi in his acceptance speech paid tributes to the founding fathers of the Institute who sacrificed and contributed immensely to its growth.
Mr. Olugbemi told over 700 participants who connected to the event through Zoom and YouTube across the globe that “Our strategic focus is crafted into an acronym “A-TEAM” in line of the 2020-2024 strategic plan of the Institute which encapsulated in the acronym A-TEAM – Accelerated Development, Technology and Digital Enhancement, Engagement for Growth, Accountability and Transparent Leadership and Membership Drive for Value.
