The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on Saturday, May 16, 2026, installed Dr. Dele Alabi, FCIB, as its 24th President and Chairman of Council. The ceremony in Lagos also marked the unveiling of the Institute’s new six-pillar strategy, the IMPACT Agenda.
Anchored on the theme “Consolidating Our Local Impact, Enhancing Our Global Relevance,” the agenda sets the Institute’s priorities for the coming years. Each letter outlines a focus area: *I*nclusion, *M*embership Economy, *P*rofessionalism and Ethical Conduct, *A*ccountability and Enhanced Financial Performance, *C*ompetencies and Skills Development, and *T*echnology, Automation and Innovation.
Under Inclusion, CIBN plans community financial literacy clinics, an MSME forum, a women empowerment summit with the Association of Professional Women Bankers, and closer engagement with regulators.
The Membership Economy pillar targets youth recruitment through a “Catch Them Young” program, activation of the Young Bankers Network, new international chapters, and efforts to reactivate dormant members.
Professionalism and ethics will be pushed through an annual ethics summit, stronger certification standards, and training for judges and lawmakers. Accountability focuses on transparent governance, efficient resource use, and revenue diversification. For competencies, CIBN will review its curriculum, expand specialized certifications, and strengthen continuous professional development.
On technology, the Institute aims to launch a digital library, turn its learning centre into an innovation hub, and introduce an award for technological excellence in banking.
The event drew a high-profile crowd from finance, government, and traditional institutions. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, praised CIBN’s role in nation-building and commended the banking sector’s recapitalization efforts. “I know we won’t make the mistakes of the past,” he said.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Finance Commissioner Abayomi Oluyomi, said CIBN’s leadership was crucial as the sector navigates a pivotal period, calling Alabi’s experience “precisely what this moment demands.”
Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by Commerce Commissioner Rev. Dr. Bunmi Jenyo, noted that Osun had now produced three of CIBN’s 24 presidents, calling it a testament to the state’s contribution to finance.
The Central Bank of Nigeria was represented by Dr. Olubukola Akinwunmi, Director of Banking Supervision, while NDIC’s Managing Director was represented by Executive Director Emily Osuji. UBA Group CEO Oliver Alawuba attended as Chairman of the Body of Banks’ CEOs, with Dangote Cement Chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh chairing the occasion.
The Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Fadipe, attended with several other traditional rulers, describing the investiture as a source of pride for the community.
Other attendees included former Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Femi Pedro, FAMFA Oil CEO Folorunsho Alakija, and Ecobank Nigeria MD Bolaji Lawal.
With the IMPACT Agenda now unveiled, Dr. Alabi’s presidency signals CIBN’s push to blend tradition with innovation as it seeks to strengthen professionalism and shape Nigeria’s financial future.
