On Saturday, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), tasked leaders in the banking sector
with “audacious leadership” to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and restore confidence and trust in Africa.
Adesina presented the mission at the 2020 Fellowship Investiture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers
of Nigeria (CIBN) with the theme, “Financial Services in a Post COVID-19 Environment: Strategic Imperatives.”
The gathering, held in Lagos and virtually attended as well, saw many banking industry leaders across
the nation and the continent receiving awards as Honorary Fellows, Elected Fellows and Honorary Senior Members.
The president of the bank expressed joy in
being adorned with the entry and appreciation emblems.
“Today, as we are being honored, consider us as “security-backed assets”. Our integrity is our honor, and our honor is our security.
“We wish to express to the Council of the CIBN, our commitment to carry these awards with dignity, integrity and honor.
“Leadership from each one of us is needed in these challenging times of the Coronavirus pandemic,” he said
Adesina called on leaders to work to make the
nation and the continent stronger, healthier and more resilient.
He emphasized that honorary awards were deposits of trust that came with great
selfless work obligations, being outstanding and role models in the profession and for society.
“Now, let us arise and collectively support Nigeria to recover and build back, stronger, better, with greater economic resilience. Let’s join hands and deliver greater prosperity and hope for Nigeria.
“For Nigeria to be at its best, it deserves the best from all of us.
“As Honorary Fellows, we promise to continue to be beacons of hope, carrying with dignity, the green and gold emblems of the CIBN,” Adesina said.
The President of the AfDB acknowledged the threats to
African and global economies and growth raised by the pandemic.
He, however, echoed the AfDB’s
input to ease the pandemic’s impacts.
Adesina ensured that the bank was prepared to assist African nations, financial institutions
and the private sector in order to promote the economic growth of Africa.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
