The Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) has celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala night in Lagos, where regulators and industry leaders urged communication professionals to make credibility, clarity, innovation, and ethical conduct central to the future of financial services.
Gala Night in Lagos Marks Three Decades of Service
The event, held on September 30, 2026, brought together senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Optimus Bank, and other industry leaders, alongside communication and marketing heads from banks across the country.
ACAMB President Jide Sipe said the association has played a critical role over three decades in helping banks communicate with the public, manage crises, and protect institutional reputation.
“For 30 years, our members have stood between the banks and the public they serve. They explain policy, manage crises and protect reputations, often under intense pressure and in real time,” Sipe said.
From Gatekeepers to Strategic Drivers
Sipe highlighted the evolution of the profession: “We have remained consistent, from gatekeepers to strategic drivers in actualising growth, positive brand perception, aligning business values to customer needs, customer satisfaction and loyalty.” He noted that these efforts have catalysed the growth trajectory of the financial sector, giving members a sense of pride worthy of celebration.
Looking ahead, Sipe said the association would strengthen member capacity as the communications profession evolves, with greater focus on artificial intelligence, data, and digital media, as well as mentorship for young professionals.
“Though the tools have changed since 1996, but the mandate remains same. We continue to earn trust, one credible message at a time, and we will guard it with the same discipline for the next 30 years and beyond,” he added.
CIBN Chairman Commends ACAMB’s Impact
Chairman of the occasion and 24th President of CIBN, Dele Alabi, described ACAMB’s 30-year journey as a testament to perseverance and professionalism, with far-reaching impact that the financial services industry should be proud of. Alabi, who commended Sipe’s leadership and recalled their years together at Ecobank Group, said ACAMB had helped strengthen communication, reputation, and trust across the banking sector.
“Thirty years of shaping narratives and building trust reflects ACAMB’s critical role in strengthening communication, enhancing reputation and fostering trust across the financial services industry,” he said.
He urged professionals to embrace innovation without compromising ethics, aligning with CIBN’s IMPACT vision, which focuses on inclusion, membership, professionalism and ethical conduct, accountability, competences and skills, and technology.
CBN, NIBSS, UBA, Optimus Bank Weigh In
Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, represented CBN Deputy Governor Philip Ikeazor. She said the banking industry was moving beyond stabilisation towards broader institutional transformation, and challenged professionals to prioritise clarity over cleverness, viewing customers as the ultimate test of communication effectiveness and credibility. “The credibility you carry into a crisis is built in quiet periods,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, NIBSS Managing Director/CEO Premier Oiwoh said digital banking growth has made trust even more critical as financial services move to mobile and digital platforms. He noted that NIBSS built Africa’s first mature instant payment system 15 years ago, adding that trust is fundamental for continued growth. “Banking is all about trust. Without trust, banking cannot stand,” Oiwoh said.
Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Group Managing Director/CEO Oliver Alawuba. She commended ACAMB for uniting communication professionals across competing institutions. “Thirty years is more than a milestone. It is evidence of relevance, resilience and the ability to evolve,” Ladipo said. She added that while banks compete, communication professionals share a responsibility to strengthen confidence in the industry and maintain public trust. “Competition may separate us in the market, but there are moments when the industry must speak with a shared sense of responsibility,” she noted.
Ademola Odeyemi, Managing Director/CEO of Optimus Bank, also commended ACAMB for its contributions and shared vision in articulating the interests of banks, helping the financial sector thrive collectively.
Networking and Recognition
The anniversary celebration featured networking sessions and recognition of professionals who have contributed to the growth of banking communication in Nigeria over the past three decades.
