…CBN keeps inflation tiding and other related economic indices
…as Ken Opara appreciates banks MDs for their unwavering support
Olushola Okunlade Writes
The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) held its 57th Annual Bankers’ Dinner on Friday 25th November 2022 in Lagos.
The theme “Radical Responses to Abnormal Episodes: Time for Innovative Decision-making,” provided a great opportunity for Emefiele to analyze the economic outlook, and successes achieved by the Central Bank of Nigeria in addressing some of the challenges facing the country.
The Adhoc Committee on the 57th CIBN 2022 Annual Bankers’ Dinner has put in a lot of effort to ensure that the dinner is successful.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele has stated that with the various monetary policy tools in use by the CBN, he foresees inflation figures declining steadily to below 15 per cent by the end of 2023.
Figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that inflation in Nigeria increased by a record 5.09 per cent to 21.09 per cent year-on-year in October 2022, compared to the corresponding period of 2021.
Dr. Ken Opara, FCIB, President/Chairman of Council CIBN in his welcome address at the 57th annual bankers’ dinner held at Eko Hotel & Suites said “it is fitting that we gather to celebrate a long but productive year despite the challenges we encountered. I welcome you all and appreciate you for honouring our invitation to attend this event despite your busy schedules. Your presence means a lot to us, and I hope that you feel delighted to be part of this great occasion.
“During the year, the Central Bank of Nigeria has continued to be purposeful in curtaining economic shocks from the aftermath of the 4th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to keep inflation tiding and other related economy indices, most especially local currency, from distortions, exacerbated by declining production levels fueled by the high cost of production, insecurity, dwindling government revenues, foreign exchange volatility and the uncertainty in the global oil market. Through the careful management of the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), the CBN continued to drive the recovery path of the Nigerian economy post-recession through the expansion of credit to the real sector, prudent management of foreign exchange and reserves as well as promoting sound financial environment and monetary policy. We are happy that the banking industry has continued to remain sound and resilient.”
CIBN President eulogised the effort of CBN saying “More recent interventions of the CBN have seen the second phase in the implementation of the Risk-Based Cybersecurity Framework and Guidelines for Other Financial Institutions (OFIs) to guard against cybersecurity threats in financial institutions; introduction of Bank Neutral Cash Hubs (BNCH) which seeks to reduce cost and improve operational efficiency in the country’s cash management value chain; the implementation of the second phase of E-Naira Policy to deepen financial inclusion/cashless economy, and more recently, the redesigning of the Naira note to fight to counterfeit, control currency in circulation, deepen CBNs drive to entrench cashless economy and sustainability of the financial industry. These and over 37 intervention programs of the Bank aimed at sustaining the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
Dr. Ken Opara reaffirm CIBN`s support of this laudable initiative taken by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“Being the conscience and moral compass of the banking and finance industry, CIBN is resolute and committed to the observance and maintenance of ethics and professionalism among practitioners in the industry. In light of this, some initiatives and achievements recorded this year have been collated and would be mentioned during a brief but highly informative documentary to be shared with you shortly.”
Opara said “The Annual Bankers’ Dinner is an event where stakeholders of the banking community (the regulators, operators, government, customers, and the business society) are afforded the opportunity to let their hair down and network in a more informal setting. It also provides a platform to reflect on the developments in the banking industry and economy over the past year while gaining economic insights for the year to come.”
CIBN President stated that the Annual Bankers Dinner affords stakeholders’ the rare privilege of interacting and listening to the Governor of CBN ( Dr. Godwin Emefiele CON FCIB) as he examines critical issues and developments in the banking and financial industry during the year. As expected, he will be sharing his perspective on economic and financial market developments over the past year and provide an outlook on the economy, for the year ahead. I would therefore like to use this medium to acknowledge and express our appreciation to Mr. Governor for your contributions to the Institute and the economy at large.”
While welcoming the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Snawo-Olu who is ably represented by the Commissioner for Budget, Senior Country Manager, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mr. Kalim Shah who proposes the toast of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the President of the Association of Professional Bodies, Mr. Akinloye Oyegbola who proposed the Toast for CIBN.
Opara appreciates all the Managing Director/Chief Executives of Banks who have co-sponsored the CIBN Annual Bankers’ Dinner and particularly, those who are present at the event. He expresses sincere appreciation to the Committee Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, FCIB, GMD/CEO, Zenith Bank Plc, and the other members of the Committee for their tremendous efforts in planning this momentous event.
He commend the Adhoc Committee on the new initiatives introduced to further spice up the night and make it indeed a night to celebrate. Amongst recognizing outstanding professionals in the industry, other highlights of the event also include a raffle draw for all attendees who won various prizes and amazing treats.
Dr. Segun Aina Fintech Nigeria Founder, Mr. Oluremi Akande LAPO Microfinance Bank, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa Polaris Bank, and Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe National President ABCON among others graced the event.