Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and other prominent stakeholders have expressed confidence in Dele Alabi, the newly inaugurated 24th President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

They spoke on Saturday in Lagos at Mr Alabi’s investiture ceremony.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, said Mr Alabi’s emergence reflected the confidence the banking industry had in his competence, character and commitment to advancing professionalism and ethical standards.

He said Mr Alabi assumed office at a defining moment for the Nigerian banking industry as it navigates recapitalisation, digital transformation and efforts to enhance global competitiveness.

The governor said Lagos State looked forward to partnering with the institute to develop the Lagos International Financial Centre and strengthen Nigeria’s financial sector.

Mr Sanwo-Olu also commended the immediate past President of the institute, Pius Olanrewaju, for expanding membership, improving the institute’s finances and upgrading its infrastructure.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State pledged to collaborate with the institute to deepen financial inclusion, strengthen support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and promote sustainable economic development.

Represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bunmi Jenyo, Mr Adeleke said the partnership would focus on expanding access to finance for artisans, traders and rural communities.

He said it would also support agricultural value chains and improve financial literacy across underserved populations.

Mr Adeleke described Mr Alabi as a proud son of Osun and a worthy professional whose emergence would further strengthen ethical standards and professionalism in the banking industry.

He expressed confidence that the new president would continue to uphold integrity and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs, Oliver Alawuba, said Nigerian banks were now stronger and more resilient following the successful recapitalisation of the industry.

Mr Alawuba said the institute remained critical to promoting ethics, professionalism and innovation in the banking sector.

He assured Mr Alabi of the continued support of the Body of Banks’ CEOs.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, urged Nigerians, especially bankers, to believe in the country and support its development.

Mr Ogunwusi praised the institute’s role in nation-building and expressed confidence in Mr Alabi’s leadership.

He said the banking sector and capital market were growing stronger and urged professionals to support small and medium-scale enterprises.

In his remarks, Mr Olanrewaju said his administration strengthened the institute’s ethics and governance structures.

He urged members and stakeholders to support Mr Alabi in taking the institute to greater heights.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Otan Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Fadipe, described Mr Alabi’s emergence as a source of pride for his family, community and the nation.

Mr Fadipe said the new president had distinguished himself through years of professional excellence, integrity and dedication to the banking industry.

He expressed confidence that Alabi would uphold the values of accountability, transparency and service to humanity.

Mr Fadipe prayed that Mr Alabi’s tenure would usher in progress, unity and innovation for the banking profession and the country.

Other highlights of the event included a valedictory speech by Mr Olanrewaju, the presentation and launch of a book authored by him, the presentation of awards and a pull-out parade, among other activities. 

(NAN)