Why next generation of bankers are key to unlocking industry

*As Sanwo-Olu unveils CIBN 60th anniversary logo

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has said that the next generation of bankers will hold the key to unlocking the untapped potential of the industry and would help usher in a new era of innovation, efficiency, and customer-centricity.

The President/Chairman of CIBN, Dr Ken Opara, said this at the maiden edition of CIBN, Generation Next Forum, on Thursday in Lagos.

He explained that this inaugural edition of the CIBN NextGen was dedicated to inspiring the younger generation to pursue rewarding careers within the banking industry and to ensure that the banking industry had a steady supply of talents that would be readily available to service the industry at any point in time.

Opara explained that the recent spate of an exodus of young Nigerians to foreign countries, known as the “Japa syndrome”, propelled the institute working in consonance with the banking industry to establish a human capital development fund.

According to him, the fund is for building capacity for the Nigerian banking industry.

“The fund would be used to nurture and groom a pool of talents with requisite skill sets in critical areas of needs, based on emerging and contemporary developments in the industry”, he said.

Delivering a goodwill message and unveiling the CIBN 60th anniversary logo at the event, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was ably represented by his deputy Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said that his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment that would encourage the growth and development of the banking sector and other critical sectors in the state.

He noted that Nigeria was blessed with vibrant and dynamic youths, representing approximately 70 per cent of the population, hence, the need to empower and prepare them to contribute to the economic ecosystem.

“The future belongs to our youths, so as a nation, we must recognise that the time to empower and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to the economic ecosystem is now.”

Sanwo-Olu said the young generation is naturally inclined towards technology and innovation, and they hold the key to unlocking the full potential of Industry.

“This industrial revolution is characterised by intelligent automation and human-machine collaboration. It is a new era that will transform every aspect of our lives, including the banking and finance industry.

“Therefore, in the face of such transformation, the banking sector must be at the forefront of innovation, adaptability, and inclusivity”, he said.

The event featured a mentoring clinic, tech talks, innovation expo, Edu fair, talent hunt, job fair, motivational insights, SME Clinic, exhibitions for the Nigerian youths, the Nigeria Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and Professional among others who are eager to carve a path toward becoming future banking.The unveiling of the CIBN new logo to commemorate the institute’s 60th anniversary.