Dr. Oladele Alabi Elected as 24th President of CIBN in Key Leadership Transition
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has successfully conducted an online voting process, resulting in the election of new officers to steer the institute forward. This significant leadership transition was announced on Saturday during the 2026 yearly general meeting held at the Bankers House in Victoria Island, Lagos, marking a pivotal moment for the institute as it aims to enhance its influence in Nigeria's financial sector.
New Leadership Team Takes Office
Dr. Oladele Alabi has emerged as the 24th President of CIBN, leading a new executive team. He will be supported by Dr. Mojisola Asiru-Sweet as the 1st Vice President and Dr. Peter Ashade as the 2nd Vice President. Additionally, Dr. Haruna Musa, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Bank, was elected as the National Treasurer, rounding out the key positions in the institute's leadership structure.
Outgoing President Highlights Achievements
Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, the outgoing 23rd President, reflected on his tenure, which began on May 17, 2024. He emphasized the successful implementation of the 'Legacy Agenda', a strategic initiative designed to elevate the standard of excellence within CIBN. "We want to thank God that when we took over, we came with an agenda which we call the Legacy Agenda. The whole purpose was for us to leave a legacy of excellence and to raise the bar of excellence that our institution is noted for," Olanrewaju stated.
Under his leadership, the institute achieved notable milestones, including:
- Significant financial growth and improved operational efficiency.
- A comprehensive remodeling of the CIBN building with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Upgrades in technological capacity, enabling virtual participation of about 20,000 members in events.
- An increase in membership by nearly 7,000 individuals.
- Expansion of examination cycles to four times per year and the introduction of a remote examination system for global accessibility.
Olanrewaju also addressed challenges faced during his tenure, noting that resistance to change was inevitable but was overcome through teamwork and a shared commitment to progress. "Like every institution, especially when you are coming with some fundamental changes, there is bound to be resistance, but along the line, people accommodated that change and realised it is inevitable for growth," he explained.
Focus on Financial Inclusion and National Development
Highlighting CIBN's broader societal impact, Olanrewaju mentioned the institute's involvement in a national initiative to train 10 million Nigerians, particularly women and youths, in financial literacy and digital skills. This collaboration with the federal government and other professional bodies aims to drive financial inclusion. "The ultimate goal is financial inclusion. If these millions are trained on how to use technology for payments and transactions, it will serve as a catalyst for the overall development of the nation," he emphasized.
Vision of the New President
Dr. Oladele Alabi, the President-Elect, described his election as part of a continuous leadership process within CIBN, with a focus on transformation rather than mere transition. "Leadership at CIBN is a continuum. This is not just a transition of leadership, it is a transition into transformation," he stated.
Alabi outlined his vision to propel the institute beyond incremental progress towards broader expansion and global influence. "My vision is to ensure that we are not only strong within the local environment but also able to create impact in the global environment. We want to move in quantum leaps, not just in arithmetical growth but geometrical growth," he mentioned.
His administration plans to prioritize inclusion, with a strong emphasis on empowering women and young people, while reinforcing the role of bankers in supporting Nigeria's economic development. "We want to be gender sensitive, inclusive for women, and ensure that the institute continues to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy," Alabi added.
Furthermore, he pledged to expand membership and invest in professional development within the institute, underscoring the critical role of a robust financial system in national growth. "As bankers, we want to continue to play strongly in the financial intermediation space with a view to ensuring that we take the Nigerian economy to greater heights," he concluded.
