CIBN confab to explore strategies for economic growth

With the socioeconomic challenges facing the country, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) said its forthcoming yearly banking and finance conference is expected to discuss the country’s economic quagmire to achieve a sustainable economy.

Addressing the media ahead of the conference, President and Chairman of the Council of CIBN, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, said considering the pivotal roles banks have played in financing and shaping the economy, the conference is expected to contribute to the nation’s socioeconomic development. He maintained that the conference would leverage the achievements of previous ones to guarantee a success story and economic turnaround.

The CIBN boss said the 17th yearly Banking and Finance Conference, slated to be held in Abuja on Sept 10 to 11, has the theme ‘Accelerated Economic Growth and Development: The State of Play and the Way Forward.’

Olanrewaju added that the theme, while apt, would attract influential participation and recommendations that would move the nation forward. Noting that the agenda of the current CIBN leadership is encapsulated in the acronym LEGACY, he added that the institute was poised to equip banking professionals with the requisite knowledge and skills required to navigate the ever-changing banking and finance landscape through adequate capacity building.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Oliver Alawuba, said the conference discussions would be focused on Nigeria’s economic landscape, examining key growth drivers and strategies for sustainable development. He emphasised how the banking sector would contribute to economic development even beyond Nigeria.

Alawuba, who is also the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Bank for Africa (UBA) as well as the Chairman Body of Bank CEOs, said there is a need to know the state of the economy, how it has fared and ways to proffer solutions. He added that the dinner would focus on the youths and how they would create a positive impact on the economy.