President Bola Tinubu and the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, are among the dignitaries expected to attend the 16th annual banking and finance conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Bukola Smith, chairperson, consultative committee of the 16th annual banking and finance conference and managing director of FSDH Merchant Bank, said this at a media parley on Monday in Lagos.

Mrs Smith said that the conference would be held in a hybrid format from Sept. 5 to Sept. 6, saying it would be held partially in-person and online.

According to her, the physical location of the event is the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

She said that the conference with the theme, “Nigeria’s economic growth and empowerment: The role of the financial services industry’’, would allow industry experts brainstorm and articulate real strategies for engendering inclusive sustainable growth.

She said that the country director, World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri, would be the keynote speaker; acting governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Folashodun Shonubi, would deliver a special goodwill message; and  Ken Opara, the chief host.

According to her, the conference will feature five thought-provoking business and two break-out sessions.

Smith said, “Apart from providing participants a platform to connect with other professionals and industry stakeholders across the world, it promises to be intellectually stimulating.

“There will also be a pre-conference/welcome cocktail and fire-side chat specifically packaged for youths.

“This will be an interactive session in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere where carefully selected successful professionals will share their success stories with the audience to inspire them.’’

Other confirmed resource persons at the conference include Kingsley Obiora, deputy governor, economic policy CBN; Razia Khan, managing director and chief economist, Africa and Middle East, global research; Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria; Olayinka David-West, associate dean, Lagos Business School, amongst others.

(NAN)